Page 36 of What About Us
We sit for another few minutes, when Hudson nudges me with a shoulder. “You’re quiet tonight.”
I let out a little sigh and squint over at him, crumpling my napkin and bending my knees to wrap my arms around them. I rest my cheek on them. “Can I ask you something?”
He takes a swig from his water bottle and nods, pinning me with his soft, hazel gaze. “Always.”
“Do you think I’d be a good mom?”
His answer is immediate, and it has warmth spreading through my chest. He’s so sure, so resolute. “I think you’d be a great mom.”
Still, I twist my lips in a skeptical pout. “How do you know?”
His muscular shoulders lift in a shrug. “Well,” he says, recapping his water and resting his arms on his bent knees, “you’re great with Paige.”
I nod slowly, mulling over his words. “But that’s different, isn’t it? She’s not mine.”
He’s thoughtful for a minute, watching his daughter and then glances at me. “You love her though, right?”
Watching her, I nod and smile at something she does. Honestly, she does feel like mine. “Absolutely.”
He nods and then bumps my shoulder again. “Well, there you go, then.”
I smile at him. Has he always had those gold specks in his eyes? Why am I noticing that? I inhale deeply and let it out.
“What’s got you thinking about all that?” he asks, still studying me.
It’s my turn to shrug and I avert my eyes, resting my chin on my knees. “I don’t know. Seeing Tanya and Trevor like that, I guess.” I nod in their direction.
He follows my line of sight to see them snuggled up on the blanket. Trevor’s teasing her about something, rubbing a hand over her belly. She laughs, while their kids run around with Paige.
“Having you and Paige here, maybe.” I continue. “Feels good coming home to you two. Like a little family.” I chance a quick glance at him, judging his reaction.
“You’ll find someone.” He bumps me again. “And we’ll always be your family.”
My heart rate picks up at his words and longing takes flight in my belly. “Maybe,” I say and take a drink of my water. “But I’m not getting any younger.”
A wicked grin splits his face. “Maybe you’ll get lucky like Wren and have twins.”
Mid-sip of my water, I shake my head with a laugh. “That sounds terrifying. Besides, I’d have to actually be having sex to get pregnant. And, let’s face it, I’m a spinster at this point. Pretty soon, it’s gonna be mummified down there,” I declare dramatically, as Paige comes skipping back to the blanket.
Quiet laughter shakes his shoulders as he tips back his water bottle, arms still resting on his knees. The way his eyes take a slow sweep of my body turns my insides to mush. “I doubt that.”
“Daddy, I have to go to the bathroom,” Paige announces.
Hudson nods, moving to stand.
I set aside my empty food container and climb to my feet. “I’ll take her,” I say and grab Paige’s hand in mine.
“You sure?” he says, looking up at us both.
“I want Finnley,” she says, pulling my hand. “I really,reallygotta go.” Her eyebrows pull down and she bites her little lip.
“I gotta go, too, anyway.” I crouch down and guide her around my back. “Hop up, and I’ll get you there quick,” I say, with a little nod to my back.
“Yes! I love piggyback rides!” She whoops and climbs on, wrapping her little legs around my hips.
“Just don’t pee on me,” I tease and Paige giggles. I wrap my arms around her legs and give her a little boost higher up my back. “Be right back.” I take off at a slow jog, weaving through the crowd of blankets.
When we come out five minutes later and head back toward the blanket, I can see Hudson talking with someone. I shield my eyes with the hand not holding Paige’s and squint.
