2. Harper

2

HARPER

I sit in the hospital bed, fingers hovering over my phone screen, hesitating. The sterile scent of antiseptic fills my nose, and the steady beeping of the heart monitor provides a rhythmic backdrop to my thoughts. I glance over at the unopened bottle of water on the bedside table, contemplating whether or not to call my estranged mother.

I can already imagine the harsh words she’s going to say. We haven’t gotten along in years, and I’m sure this fire is going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“Ugh,” I groan aloud, my breath ragged with frustration.

My internal monologue is a whirlwind of mixed emotions as I weigh the pros and cons of reaching out to my mother. There’s a part of me that longs for the comfort of family, someone to lean on in this vulnerable time. But another part of me knows that the painful memories between us aren’t easily forgotten. I acknowledge that my mother is my last family member, and there’s a fear in my chest that if I don’t try to mend our relationship now, I may never get the chance again.

But, none of that matters if she doesn’t feel the same way and wants absolutely nothing to do with me.

“Maybe she’s changed,” I whisper to myself, trying to find some semblance of hope in the situation. “Maybe we both have.”

I don’t believe my own words.

I stare at my reflection in the darkened window across the room, my eyes searching for answers. The fluorescent lights overhead cast an unnatural glow on my face, accentuating my pale skin and the dark circles under my eyes.

“Or, more likely, she’s going to tell me what an awful person I am,” I murmur, my voice wavering. “I don’t know if I can handle that right now.” I put my phone down on the table beside the bed.

The kids are better off with her right now anyway. I’m not at my best to protect them, and at least he doesn’t know where my mother lives, so they’re safe with her. I have to figure out what my next steps from here are going to be, regarding where the kids and I will live.

Even if my mother and I don’t particularly get along, if there’s one thing she’s good at, it’s mothering, so at least I know the kids are in good hands.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I’m caught in the storm of my conflicted thoughts. The steady beep of the heart monitor is the only sound that fills the sterile room, offering no comfort or guidance. The heaviness in my chest feels unbearable, and all I want to do is escape from it.

Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door before it swings open, revealing a nurse holding a clipboard, with deer antlers on her head. The sudden interruption startles me, and I quickly wipe away any traces of tears from my cheeks.

“Miss Harper,” the nurse says brightly, her voice cutting through my turbulent thoughts. She looks like she’s in the same shape as me, meaning that she’s probably been pulling a few overnighters. “We’ve reviewed your progress, and pending a positive evaluation tomorrow, you’ll be discharged.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised by the news. Despite my internal struggles, the thought of leaving this hospital bed and returning to some semblance of normalcy is alluring, even if I’m not one-hundred-percent sure what comes next.

“I am,” she confirms with a nod. “You’ve been a trooper, healing quite nicely.”

That makes me happy. The quicker I’m back on my feet, the quicker I can figure some things out and get my kids back. “What are the ears for?” I ask, referencing the antlers.

“Oh, these?” She points at the headband, and I nod. “Since we’re getting closer to the holidays, sometimes it can help cheer up some of our patients.” She smiles. “Do you like them?”

Right. It’s December, and Christmas is just around the corner. Usually, Christmas is my favorite holiday. Right now, I’m not really in a jolly mood, although I’ll have to change that for the kids.

“Anyway, there’s someone here to see you today.”

“Who?” I inquire, curious as to who would come visit me at such an hour.

“Mr. Hudson,” she replies, stepping aside to reveal the man himself. Hudson enters the room, exuding confidence and charm as his eyes meet mine. Immediately, my pulse quickens. There’s something electric about his presence, a magnetism that draws me toward him.

“Hey, Harper,” he greets me, his voice both soothing and exciting at the same time. As much as I try to remain composed, I can’t help but feel my cheeks flush under his gaze.

“Hi, Hudson,” I say, attempting to sound casual while my heart races. I can’t believe he actually came back.

He stands beside my bed, his tall frame casting a shadow over the room. His dark hair is slightly disheveled, and his eyes hold a mischievous glint. The way he looks at me sends a thrill through my body, making it difficult to focus on anything else.

“Thanks for coming,” I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s been a little dim here.”

“Of course, I couldn’t let you spend another night in this place without some company,” Hudson says with a wink. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to see how you’re holding up.”

“Ah, so you’ve come to check on the hospital food?” I tease, unable to keep a smile from spreading across my face. “I can assure you it’s just as terrible as everyone claims.” I point to the untouched food on a table, underneath the television near the entrance. “I’m sure inmates eat better, frankly.”

“Is that so?” He chuckles, leaning against the edge of the bed. “Maybe I should smuggle in something better for you next time.”

“Please do,” I laugh, enjoying the playful banter between us. The sound of his laughter is intoxicating, and I find myself drawn into the warmth of his presence.

“I’m serious, though,” Hudson says, his tone shifting to one of genuine concern. “How are you really doing, Harper?”

“Truthfully?” I pause, considering my response. “I’m scared. Everything’s been so…overwhelming lately.” I swallow hard, wondering if I’m revealing too much. But something about Hudson makes me feel safe enough to be vulnerable.

“Hey, that’s completely understandable,” he assures me, reaching out to gently squeeze my hand. His touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, leaving my skin tingling where our fingers meet. “You’ve been through a lot, and it’s okay to feel scared. But, you’re not alone, okay?”

“Thank you, Hudson,” I whisper, my heart swelling with appreciation for his support. Our eyes lock, and a moment of intense connection passes between us—a silent understanding that we share something special.

I hesitate, biting my lip as I weigh my words carefully. “Hudson, I…I don’t know what it is you’re looking for, but I feel like I should tell you that dating is not something I can do right now…it’s just, with everything going on?—”

“Hey,” he cuts me off, his voice soft, as he catches my gaze and holds it with a warmth that makes me shiver. “I get it. Your life’s been turned upside down, and you need time to find your footing again.”

Hudson’s fingers delicately trace the knuckles of my hand, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks as I search for words.

“I just don’t want to complicate things more than they already are,” I finally admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “And I don’t want to drag you into my mess.”

“Harper,” Hudson begins, his voice low and measured, “let me be clear about one thing—your mess can’t be any worse than mine. Besides, I like you. You may not have noticed me in your bakery, but my eyes were always on you.”

As he speaks, his thumb runs along the back of my hand, his touch both gentle and electrifying. My heart races at the intensity of his gaze—the way his eyes seem to pierce straight through me, as if he can see all the uncertainty swirling within.

“Listen,” he continues, leaning closer so our faces are mere inches apart, “I’m willing to wait, to play the long game. I want to get to know you, Harper. The real you. The girl behind this brave facade you put up. And when you’re ready—truly ready—then we can explore a world outside of being friends.”

No man has ever talked to me like this before. Or ever made me feel like this before.

For a moment, I can only stare at him, my breath caught in my throat. The sincerity in his eyes is undeniable, and I find myself overwhelmed by the flood of emotions his words unleash within me.

“Are you sure?” I manage to choke out, my voice trembling with vulnerability. “I mean…what’s special about me?”

“I don’t know,” Hudson replies without hesitation, his eyes never leaving mine. “But, I just feel this pull toward you. Do I really need any other explanation?”

The room feels charged, full of unspoken promises laced with temptation.

“Harper,” he whispers, his voice low and husky. He leans closer, his warm breath tickling my cheek, until his lips brush against my skin in a tender kiss that leaves me craving more. My heart races, my pulse quickening as anticipation churns within me.

“Unfortunately, I need to get ready for work,” Hudson says, glancing at the clock on the wall. “But I’ll be back later tonight to see how you’re doing, alright?”

“Okay.” I nod, feeling a twinge of disappointment but also admiring his dedication to his responsibilities. It’s just another reason I’m drawn to him.

“Take care, Harper,” he says, giving my hand one last squeeze before releasing it. As he heads toward the door, I can’t help but watch him, my gaze lingering on the broad expanse of his shoulders, the way his muscles flex beneath his shirt.

“See you later,” I whisper, anticipation already building for his return.

With one last lingering look, he turns to leave the room, the door closing softly behind him. The silence left in his wake is deafening, and all at once, I’m alone with my thoughts.

My heart races as I replay our conversation in my head, his words weaving through my mind. His concern, his playful banter, the way his touch made me feel alive—everything about him sets me aflame. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this way, and it frightens me.

My fingers trace the apple of my cheek, still tingling from his kiss. I can only imagine how nice it’d feel for him to kiss me, really kiss me. The longing inside me swells, filling every corner of my being. My resolve wavers, and I know deep down that resisting him will be like trying to hold back the tide.

A small smile forms on my lips as I imagine what it would be like to have Hudson by my side, not just during this time of uncertainty, but in the future as well. Would he stand strong beside me as we face the challenges life throws our way? Or would the fire between us burn out as quickly as it was ignited?

I close my eyes, allowing myself to indulge in the fantasy for just a moment longer. The image of his piercing gaze locked onto mine, his hands caressing my skin, does things to me.

The silence of the room settles around me like a comforting blanket, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions churning inside. The sun is starting its descent outside my window, casting long shadows across the hospital floor. Tomorrow, they’ll be discharging me, sending me back into the real world.

“Tomorrow’s a new day,” I whisper to myself, trying to muster up some optimism. My heart races with anticipation, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through my veins.

With a sigh, I close my eyes, allowing myself to drift into a fitful sleep.