Page 109 of Marry Me, Maybe?
She pulled back with a sly smile. “A wittle,” she said, drawing out the word.
“Uh-huh. Sure. Did you have fun then?”
“So much fun,” she said, eyes bright. “Papa says he’s gonna build me a thwing.”
I froze, the word catching me off guard. “Papa?”
Gray’s cheeks went a little pink. He set his mug down. “I,uh, took some liberties. She had trouble saying my name, so… I thought ‘Papa’ might be easier than her calling me Gay all night and Ozzie giggling every time. I should have asked you first. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
The lump in my throat wasn’t from offense. Far from it. I looked at Ivy, then back at Gray, and all I could think was how damn lucky my girl was—four people now, all crazy about her.
“It’s fine,” I said, meaning every word. “More than fine.”
Matty pulled out a chair for me. I sat down next to him, and his hand found my thigh under the table. He gave it a gentle squeeze. “You okay?”
I smiled at him. “Yeah.”
Better than okay. Ivy was happy and healthy. The man I loved no longer hated me. And Gertie had outdone herself on the breakfast spread.
Ivy dominated the conversation at the table like she’d been doing this every day. I couldn’t stop watching her. My daughter, who usually hid behind me or stayed silent in new situations, was chattering away with bright eyes and big gestures. I knew she felt loved. She was only like this when she felt at ease.
I chuckled, shaking my head. “All right, Ozzie,” I said. “What magic beans did you put in her breakfast?”
Ozzie smirked over his coffee. “Trade secret. But I’ll tell you it involves syrup, patience, and the ability to play five rounds of Go Fish with a straight face while those two cheated.”
Everyone laughed, Ivy most of all. She swung her little legs as she told a story about “winning” against Ozzie and how Papa helped her. The details were all over the place, but her joy was so real it didn’t matter.
By the time we cleared our plates, I felt lighter than Ihad in days. Too soon, I had to leave, but as tempting as Matty’s offer was to take the day off, I wouldn’t. Matty was wealthy, but that wasn’t my problem. I was still broke Hudson, with an upcoming therapy bill and several debts to repay.
I pressed a kiss to Ivy’s cheek. “Be good for Ozzie today, okay?”
“I’m always good,” she said solemnly, which earned a snort from me.
Gray set his mug down and stood. “I’m glad you’re giving a hand today, Hudson, while some lazy people are taking the day off.” His gaze locked on Matty as he said it—steady, unblinking—but there was no real heat behind the words.
“Ah, Dad, give me a break. I worked hard last night.” Matty had the audacity to wink at me across the table. “Just ask Hud.”
My mouth fell open. “Jesus, Matt!” I caught Gray’s raised brow. Ozzie nearly choked on his coffee to hide a laugh. Served him right.
“Jeeezus, Ma’!” Ivy echoed me, dragging the word out like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. Her giggle set Ozzie off completely, and he had to set down his cup before he spilled it.
I shook my head, my face hot as a furnace. The old Matty was back for sure, and he was going to be the death of me.
“Hudson, I’ll head out with you, then,” Gray said. “You can work with me today, help me move the yearlings down to the south pasture.”
“Dad,” Matty said in warning. “Don’t scare him off. I just got him back.”
Gray turned with a half smile. “What? Can’t I talk to myranch hand?” He clapped me on the back, firm enough to rock me forward a step.
Matty narrowed his eyes, but I only shrugged. “Guess I’m riding with you, then.”
And hopefully, he didn’t see how uncomfortable I would be in the saddle on account of my sore ass because of his son’s voracious appetite.
We stepped outside into the crisp air, the door swinging shut behind us. The quiet stretched while we crossed the yard toward the barn, boots crunching over gravel. I kept trying to work up to saying what I needed, my stomach knotting tighter with every step. This wasn’t just a casual work day.
Finally, I blurted, “Gray, I know I hurt Matt before, but?—”
“Not interested in the past, Hudson.” He cut me off with a shake of his head.
