Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

EMMA

I kneel in front of Colby, holding several wet napkins. “You've got cotton candy on your face. May I help you clean it off?”

I wait for his response, but he remains silent.

“Or you can do it yourself if you’d prefer,” I suggest gently. “Or maybe Claire could help?”

It's important to let him decide, especially since he's at that age when kids want to do things on their own.

“You can,” he replies, stepping closer with a grin that highlights his dimples.

I smile back, removing his Jolly Christmas Tree Farm baseball hat. Colby blinks up at me with those long, curly eyelashes. I gently wipe his chubby little cheeks. “We're meeting your dad soon.”

He shakes his head and scowls. “No! I want to stay with you!”

It takes all my strength not to laugh; Hudson has given me the same look several times already.

“You promised,” Claire chimes in from behind me. Her voice is calm yet firm as always. “And if you don’t argue, we’ll have ice cream very soon.”

“Two scoops?” Colby asks.

“As many as you want.” My sister has a knack for negotiating with kids. I’m convinced she could strike a deal with the devil and come out on top.

“Chocolate?”

“Any flavor your heart desires. Strawberry, vanilla, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip...”

As I clean his other cheek, Colby watches Claire with interest.

“Did you know mint chocolate chip is the fourth favorite ice cream flavor in the United States? It was invented in France for a princess's wedding.”

“Really?” I reply, intrigued. “Huh. I learn something new every day.”

Colby giggles.

Claire glances at the expensive watch on her wrist. You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl. She's still a stickler for time. “We have five minutes,” she informs us, embodying little Miss Punctuality.

Colby looks at me and says, “Your hair is pretty.”

“Thank you. You can touch it if you want.” He reaches forward and twirls a few strands around his fingers. “Now you’re clean with hardly any evidence left.”

“We're so busted,” Claire shakes her head as I stand. “His cheeks are tinted blue. Hudson will know.”

I grin. “But it was yummy, wasn’t it?”

Colby nods enthusiastically. “Yes! I want more! The pink one.”

I glance at Claire. “You’ve created a monster.”

“Rawr,” Colby roars playfully.

“A T-Rex.” Claire reaches for Colby’s hand. He takes hers, then mine. “I’m sure Hudson is already waiting for us.”

We've packed in as many activities as we could: visiting the petting zoo, taking pictures at the photo booth, riding the carousel, and even painting rocks shaped like Christmas trees at the craft booth. Each of us has one in our pocket, decorated with bright neon paints that resemble strings of holiday lights.

Three hours have passed in the blink of an eye, and I feel a pang of sadness. Having a kid around has been entertaining.

Colby swings my hands in his, and on the count of three, Claire and I lift him into the air. He kicks his legs out and laughs. My arm will be sore from the excitement today, but his giggles are well worth it.

“Today's been a good day,” I tell my sister.

She nods in agreement. “Every day in Merryville is.”

When I look up, my gaze locks onto Hudson, and I struggle to interpret his expression. Understanding him is still impossible, and I hope it doesn’t always feel this way.

“There he is,” Claire points out as Colby breaks away from us and runs toward his dad. Hudson scoops him up into his arms, adjusting the hat on his head.

“Did you have fun today?” he asks.

“Yes! We pet the animals and collected rocks and?—“

“And ate too much blue cotton candy?” Hudson interjects.

Colby snickers, “Yes, Daddy. But shh! Aunt CeCe didn't want you to know.”

He lifts a brow at Claire but acts as if I'm invisible.

“It's kind of hard to hide when it's all over you,” Claire tells Colby, prompting a giggle from him.

“Are you hungry?” Hudson asks, setting Colby down. The little boy's shoes sink into the hay beneath him. “Uncle Jake is warming chili.”

“Mm, with cheese?” Colby asks eagerly.

“If you want it that way,” Hudson replies.

We head to the covered area with picnic tables, surrounded by chatter, but my focus remains on Hudson.

“I wasn't done hanging out with the little rascal,” Claire admits. “We didn't get the chance to take the hayride.”

Colby turns to Hudson, eyes wide with anticipation. “Can we go, Daddy?”

“I can't, Bee. Maybe tomorrow, okay? I'm super busy today.”

Colby immediately pouts.

“I need to talk to Emma right now, okay? So go with Aunt Claire,” Hudson says. Hearing my name spoken by him sends a shiver down my spine. My body shouldn’t react this way, and my heart shouldn’t stutter—but it does. I try to shake it off, but there’s no denying it this time. No drinks to blame. It’s all him.

Claire glances my way before narrowing her eyes at Hudson. “Come on, Bee. Let’s find a picnic table.”

Hudson's large frame turns toward me, and he gently takes hold of my wrist, leading me away from everyone. His touch singes my skin. Part of me wonders if I should run away, given how much I enjoy his strong, calloused hand around mine. It’s too much.

Once we're alone on the other side of the building, he brushes his thumb lightly against my wrist, as if checking for a pulse. If he feels it, he’ll know my heart is racing. As he releases me, I feel an immediate sense of loss.

With a smile on my face, I look up and meet his bright green eyes, but his mouth and brows are downturned. He’s pissed .

“Why would you follow me on Instagram? I had to deactivate my account because you didn’t consider what following me would do,” he says, frustration evident in his tone.

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. “I?—“

“I won't be your new trend, Emma,” he replies, shaking his head.

“Hudson. I'm really sor–“ I begin to explain.

“Don't. I'm too old to play games with you,” he responds, stepping closer until my back hits the snack shack. His thigh parts my legs, and his mouth is so close to mine that my head swims.

“You're thirty-nine, Hudson. Do you want to be in the same situation you're in now when you're forty-nine? If you don’t let people in, that will be your future.”

He leans in, brushing his mouth against the shell of my ear. My eyes flutter shut, and I desperately want him to kiss me as he increases the pressure between my legs. I gasp, filled with need and desire, ready to beg for every inch of him. My body instantly reacts.

“You talk too much,” he whispers, eliciting a breathless gasp from me. “Too. Fucking. Much,” he mutters against my skin, making my breaths transform into ragged gasps.

“Are you going to punish me?”

“Oh, I already am.” I feel his smirk against the softness of my neck, the scruff of his facial hair tickling my skin.

“Bastard,” I whisper, craving his touch.

“Ahem,” I hear someone clear their throat. Hudson pulls back, and I glance over to see Jake smirking with his arms crossed. He raises his brows between us as Hudson walks away.

“Do you always have to ruin a moment?” I begrudgingly ask.

Jake stares at me for a second before walking away, chuckling. “Little Sis, you're gonna make me very rich!”

“Ugh. I'm not your little sister yet,” I groan, relieved to be alone. I take a moment to regroup, but my mind is spinning, and my body is on fire. Yet, I can't help but smile.

That grumpy man frustrates me, but I like it. When I glance down, I realize how hard my nipples are beneath this thin sweater and quickly cross my arms over my chest. He had me melting like a popsicle on a hot summer day.

My sister notices my demeanor as I approach her. “Are you okay?”

There's no way I can share the dirty thoughts swirling in my head right now.

“I followed Hudson on Instagram, and he's pissed about it.”

“Em. You didn't,” she whispers, wide-eyed.

“It was inconsiderate, and I didn’t think it through,” I admit.

“Have you forgotten who you are? Because don’t. You can’t escape it, not even here, even if it feels safe. The paparazzi still come and go, Em. Don't be fooled, okay? Hudson’s very private. You have to respect that.”

“I know,” I reply. I won't slip up again.

Hudson laughs at something Colby says, and when he glances at me, it feels like he's already moved on.

“Something’s going on between you two.”

“I'm not sure what it is,” I admit, thinking about the marks he left on my neck.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket to see our girl group chat lighting up. Claire watches me as I unlock the screen.

Billie

Already broke the internet.

Harper

I’m so jealous.

I furrow my brows and click on the link. At the top of the page, it reads:

Hudson Jolly is Mr. November. What we know about him…

Hudson Jolly, 39 Years Old. He manages a Christmas tree farm, is a dad, and is single, ready to mingle with a maneater for the holidays.

There’s a photo of Hudson leading me away from everyone on the farm. I’m looking up at him with googly eyes while he smirks at me. His hand is firm around my wrist.

Shit.

I can see it in my expression.

Emma

OMFG! The look…

Billie

Uh-oh!

Harper

I'd have the same expression if he were manhandling me like that. He’s FINE.

Before I can process it, I shove my phone back into my pocket.

“Was it important?” Claire asks.

“No, just Billie and Harper being themselves.”

She snickers. “Billie still denying she’s in love with Asher Banks?”

“Yep,” I reply.

The internet is going wild over one silly picture. I decide to show Claire.

“I told you they were watching. You are too high profile.” She glances at the screen and grins. “You’re wearing the in-love face.”

“Shh!” I hush her. “What do I do?”

“Enjoy it,” she responds. “Look at you. Look at him.”

I tuck my lips into my mouth, trying to contain the wave of realization. This push and pull began months ago, back in July, the day we met.

“I want to disappear,” I confess.

“Then follow his lead and deactivate your accounts too. It redirects the focus back to you.”

My notifications are overflowing on every social media platform. I get so many that I’ve muted them, but I still see the numbers.

“You don’t need permission to take a break and let things die down,” Claire assures me.

Her suggestion makes sense.

I unlock my phone and do something I’ve never done before—I deactivate every account. Let everyone speculate about that instead.

I expect a rush of existential dread, but I feel...nothing. I laugh and shove my phone into my pocket. Maybe I really am dead inside. But after Hudson pinned me against the snack shack...

I feel more alive than I have in a long time.

“Always stay two steps ahead,” I tell Claire. “You’re smart.”

“I know,” she replies, laughing. “Looks like your hiatus begins just as the magic of Merryville takes hold.” She wraps her arm around me, guiding me to the table as Jake approaches, carrying a steaming pot with gloves.

I smile, feeling safe and at home, cherishing my sister’s presence. I’ve missed her so much over the years.

“Come on, y’all. It’s time to eat.” Jake lifts the lid.

Steam rushes upward, and Colby climbs onto his knees. He tries to poke his finger inside, but Hudson quickly stops him.

“It's scorching hot,” he warns, gesturing for him to sit. Jake and Claire shift around him, leaving one seat open. I slide in next to Hudson, carefully leaving enough space so our thighs don’t touch. Just being able to smell him is torture enough.

The tension between us slices through the air. Goosebumps rise on my arm, and I try to ignore them, but he takes my breath away with a single glance. That should be impossible.

“How was the petting zoo?” Hudson asks Colby while I scoop chili into my bowl.

“Great! There were rabbits, goats, chickens, and ponies!”

I smile at the thought of the fun we had today. That kid has boundless energy, but surprisingly, he never acted out.

“What's on your mind?” Jake asks, eyeing me cautiously. I wonder when he'll mention to Claire that he saw us together. Or maybe he won’t.

“Just thinking,” I reply, taking a bite of my food.

Claire quickly grabs Hudson's attention. “You should let me keep Colby for the rest of the day.”

“Yes!” Colby exclaims, nodding enthusiastically. His laughter is contagious, and he's absolutely adorable. He’s genuinely happy, and it's clear how much love and attention Hudson gives him. “Aunt CeCe said she’d take me to the place with lots of ice cream, and I get to pick as many as I want. And I've been good!”

“Let's finish eating first, then we'll talk about it, okay?” Hudson replies to Colby, giving Claire a nod of agreement.

It’s a silent endorsement—a yes.

I understand my sister's affection for Colby. He has a big heart that needs to be protected. I've listened to him share stories about kids at school, monster trucks, and T-Rexes. His imagination is wild, and I'm impressed at how well he can remember details.

Jake checks his watch. “We need to head out in about five minutes. We're supposed to take over tours from Lucas at 1:30.”

We haven’t been here long. I guess this is standard for every season—eat quickly, then say goodbye.

“Where are you meeting him?” Claire asks as everyone finishes their meals.

“At the drop-off zone on the west side of the property,” Jake replies politely, leaning down to steal a kiss.

“Don't keep Lucas waiting.” My sister playfully grabs a handful of his butt.

Jake laughs and pulls her close, “Don't start something you won’t finish.”

“Just go,” she tells him.

“It's not my fault he didn't join us and made plans with someone else ,” Jake says, glancing at me. “But I guess you’re right.”

“Who?” Hudson asks, curious. “Is she back?”

“Actually, we’re hanging out together,” I say with a smile. “That’s why Claire wanted to keep Colby—so they could have some quality aunt-and-nephew time.”

My phone vibrates, and I pull it from my pocket. After swiping out of the group chat with my friends, I see a message from Lucas.

Lucas

Well?

Emma

I'm convinced you're the actual devil. Love how you got Jake involved.

Lucas

I didn’t get him involved. He’s just in on it.

I chuckle lightly and put my phone away.

“Lucas said to hurry,” I inform them. “He just texted me.”

I sneak a glance at Hudson, whose jaw tightens.

Is he jealous? No way.

“What time should I meet you?” Claire asks Hudson as she rises from the table.

“I'll take him to the tree lighting ceremony at sunset. Unless you're leaving early—then just text me.”

“I wouldn't miss that for the world,” Claire says.

“Great! We'll meet up and do a trade-off: your kid for mine?” He pats Jake's shoulder, eliciting a laugh from him.

Claire leans into Jake and plants a kiss on his lips. “I love you,” she whispers. “I'm going to miss you.”

“Love you, miss you already,” Jake replies, his gaze dreamy as he looks at my sister. They are clearly lovesick, and I’m a tad jealous.

“Are you riding with Jake?” she asks, reaching for Colby.

“Yep,” I respond. “That’s the plan!”

“I was just going that way too,” Hudson interjects.

Jake glances over at him. “No, you weren't.”

“I am now,” Hudson replies, his tone straightforward.

They share a silent exchange, and as we approach the work truck, I realize it’s a single cab with one long seat.

“I'll drive.” Hudson takes the keys from Jake.

“Actually, why don’t you go ahead and relieve him for thirty minutes since you're heading that way? If you need anything, call me on the radio,” Jake says.

Hudson glares at him. “I call the shots. I’m in charge.”

“Sure, you are, bud.” Jake taps the side of the truck and winks at me before walking away.

Hudson opens the driver's side door for me, and I slide inside, scooting to the middle as he joins me. He backs out of the driveway, and we travel down the gravel road.

“I saw you with Colby today,” he admits.

“He's a really good kid—has manners. You've done a great job.”

A small smile spreads across his lips, filling me with happiness. He’s a fantastic dad; Colby is incredibly lucky to have him.

“Let me help you,” I say. “I can be your temporary nanny.”

“Are you sure you're not Lucas's?” He glances at me.

I lick my lips. “Is that jealousy I hear, Mr. Jolly?”

He smirks. “You're gonna be the end of me.”

“I already am.”

The truck stops at the end of the road, and Hudson opens his door. Before he can get out, I climb over his lap, straddling him, meeting his eyes for a brief moment.

“Thanks for the ride,” I whisper, slightly grinding against him; he feels thick beneath me.

Fuck.

This man...

Just one kiss; that's all I need. It’s all I can think about as my mouth inches closer to his. When his breath catches, I slide off him and hop out of the truck. Lucas walks toward us and I pick up my pace, meeting him.

Once we’re close, he wraps his arms around me. “How sweet. He drove you.”

“You know him well,” I reply.

“Told you,” Lucas says, grabbing my hand and interlocking his fingers with mine.

Hudson’s gaze lands on our hands.

“Can I get those keys?” Lucas asks, and Hudson drops them in his palm. “The tractor's on the side.”

As we walk away, Lucas leans down and whispers in my ear, “Laugh like I said something funny.”

I do, and he pulls away with a smile. “You are a pro.”

“We could've had fun if I'd met you in New York—tag-teamed them all.”

“Ah, I’m sad I didn’t have the opportunity. Especially since I look hot as hell in a suit.” He releases my hand and opens the door for me.

“I'm sure you do.” I climb inside.

Lucas adjusts the baseball cap on his head, identical to the one Colby wore earlier, then we leave. The road is bumpy but we’re not very far from the farm, maybe five minutes.

I’m not sure what I expect when we finally arrive at his place, but a two-story cabin with large windows isn't it. “You live here alone?” I ask.

“Yeah. I've had roommates over the years, but I kicked them out for pissing me off. Now it's the bachelor pad.”

We climb out of the truck, and I ascend the wide steps to his porch. As Lucas walks inside, I'm struck by the amount of natural light streaming in. Not to mention, his house is immaculate.

“Wow. Impressive. Bet you've hosted some wild parties here.”

“I have,” he admits as he moves into the kitchen.

He places a plate in the microwave and then turns to me. “So, tell me what happened today. Where are we with this plan?”

I fill him in on the Instagram situation, and he reacts just like Claire did.

“It was stupid, I know.”

“He forgives easily until he doesn't,” Lucas explains.

“Do you think he'll ever be able to love someone again?” I ask seriously.

“Yes,” he replies. “ You. ”

“Stop,” I tell him, a hint of excitement creeping in.

“You're the one for him, Em. I haven't seen him smile genuinely in a long time. It took a pink Power Ranger less than five minutes.” Lucas removes his macaroni from the microwave. “Want some?”

“Nah, I just ate five pounds of chili. Do you mind if I look around?”

“Make yourself at home,” he tells me as I wander toward the mantle.

Various photo frames are displayed. I’m so interested in the family photos because each one tells a story while capturing a moment in time. There's a few of the farm, some of Lucas with his friends, but my gaze settles on three young boys holding up Christmas gifts, wrapping paper strewn on the floor. “Oh my God, is this the three of you?”

“Probably, there are several up there,” he says, glued to his phone.

In the back, I spot a photo of Lucas with a guy who has dark hair and a girl with the same eyes as him. They’re early teenagers, the three of them.

“Who are they?”

He shrugs, so I grab the frame and hold it up. His eyes flicker over it, and a sad smile touches his lips. “My best friend Sammy and his twin sister.”

He takes a big bite of food.

“What was that eye twitch for?” I ask. “Oooooh, is this the woman you're trying to impress? She's pretty. Oh my God, it is!”

He finishes chewing and swallows. “I didn't admit to anything.”

“You don't have to.”