Page 57 of What About Us
Hudson drums his fingers on the countertop, thinking. “What about Allie and Skye?”
Considering it, I tilt my head. It’s not a terrible idea. Neither one of them are from Timber Forge, and they’re both college students. So, they’re young enough that they don’t run in the same circles as Hudson and me, or any of our family or friends. It could work. I’d have to get someone to watch the B&B for the day, but that would be easier than having to explain to anyone else in Hudson’s family that I’m fake marrying him in order to get insurance.
“Ok.” I nod. “Talk to Hutch, and I’ll talk to Allie and Skye.”
He nods, and just like that, we’re doing this. I glance at my watch and realize I have to get going. I scoop up my purse and my travel mug, while Hudson stands up and goes to the sink to rinse out his mug.
“I’m gonna grab a shower,” he says, and when he passes me, he reaches out, planting a light kiss on my temple like it’s the most natural thing in theworld. And I guess it is for us. “Have a good day,” he adds, before he turns and heads out of the kitchen, leaving me wondering how I’ll ever adjust when this is over.
Allie and Skye both agree without question. I’m not sure why, other than the fact that I am their boss, and they really are sweethearts. Allie does seem to be a little more interested in my sudden marriage, and while they both know Hudson from the couple of times he’s stopped by the B&B, neither one of them question it or push me for details.
I also swore them both to secrecy. I have no reason to believe they would tell anyone, and if they do, well, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. But, honestly, I’m kind of banking on them caring enough about their jobs to keep my secret.
I’m on pins and needles all day, waiting to hear from Hudson about his conversation with Hutch, who he’s working with today. I have little doubt that he’ll do it. I don’t know Hutch as well as I do the other Hayes siblings; he’s pretty private. But it’s for that reason alone that I’m sure, out of all the siblings, he’s the one that will agree to be a party to our secret.
So far, I’ve stripped two beds, done a couple of loads of laundry, served and cleaned up breakfast, remade those same two beds, baked a batch of Nat’s chocolate chip cookies, and checked my email. I already sorted through the mail and picked what needed picking in the garden.
It’s almost four p.m., and I’m booking a customer on the phone, when I look up from the desk to see Hudson coming through the door to the B&B. He wipes his work boots on the mat and steps inside, shooting me a grin. He’s still dressed in his work clothes and covered in dust, but looking tanned and handsome.
I smile at him and hold up a finger. I watch as he nods and snatches a cookie off the plate near the door, stuffing the whole thing in his mouth. As he chews, he strolls over to what used to be the living room. Since the renovation, it’s all one big, open-concept space now.
My stomach surges with butterflies. The thought of him being my husband in a possible few short days feels so surreal. That is, of course, if everything went ok with Hutch. If it didn’t, we’ll have to make other arrangements at the courthouse.
“We look forward to your visit, Mrs. Booth. You should receive an email confirmation for your stay in the next few minutes. Is there anything else I can help you with today?” I say, watching as Hudson picks up and flips through a coffee table book about Timber Forge.
“Ok, then. Thank you for choosing Timber Haven Inn, and we’ll see you in September. If you do find you have questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Have a great day,” I say, cheerfully, and disconnect the call.
“Hey,” I say. “How was your day?”
Hudson replaces the book and ambles over. “Good. How was yours?”
“Good. Been trying to stay busy.” I can’t wait a second longer. “Did you talk to Hutch?”
He nods and takes a couple of steps toward the door to grab another cookie, then pops it into his mouth.
“And?” I drag out the word, which makes him chuckle.
He rests his forearms on the desk in front of me and nods. “He’ll do it.”
A slow grin spreads across my face and my stomach flips. “Really? What did you tell him? What did he say?”
He chuckles and nods again. “I told him the truth. You need insurance, and I’m going to help you get it.”
My stomach somersaults, but I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. I know Hutch will keep our secret, but it’s more than that. It’sone thing for Skye and Allie to know about us, but having someone in his family know makes it feel all the more real.
“Does he think we’re nuts?”
Hudson smirks a little, biting back a smile. “He said we already act like a married couple. So, might as well make it official.”
I laugh. “He sounds like Wren.”
His eyes widen in surprise. “You told Wren?”
I’m quick to shake my head. “No. She just likes to tease me about how close you and I are.”
He huffs out a small laugh. “But Hutch did say it’s got to be soon. He’s heading out of town in a couple of days, and he’s got a full dig schedule starting the week after that.”
“How soon is soon?” I ask, pressing the edge of my thumbnail between my teeth.
