44. Hudson

Chapter Forty-Four

HUDSON

A month later

“What’ll it be?” Janet asked from behind the register.

“Huh?” I was distracted, utterly, by Stella, I hadn’t noticed that the customers in front of us had already been served.

Janet drummed her fingertips on the counter, her smile sly. “I assume you were standing in line because you wanted some coffee, or something to eat?”

Casey appeared through the swinging door from the back, giggling a little when she saw the look on my face. She smiled toward Janet. “Hudson is whipped.”

I heard someone approaching from behind and glanced over to see Parker. The expression on his face was muddled, a combination of annoyed, good-natured horror, and humor. Just to get him back a little for threatening to kick my ass, I looked at Casey, smiling widely. “I am completely whipped and proud of it.” Holding Stella’s hand, I leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss. Her cheeks were pink by the time I lifted my head.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Parker muttered. “You’re holding up the line. You’ve made your point. You and Stella are doing great, and I’m happy for you.”

When Stella glanced over at Parker, the flush on her cheeks deepened and a hint of annoyance flashed in her eyes. They were still getting adjusted to their newfound sibling relationship. They got along pretty well, but Stella’s independent streak was strong, and she didn’t appreciate Parker trying to protect her.

Casey grinned. “Take all the time you need.”

“Actually, please don’t,” Janet said. “There’s a group coming in right now.” The bell chimed above the door and a cluster of tourists came walking in.

We ordered and I covered Parker’s coffee. Janet chatted with us as she made our drinks. When Parker stepped away to use the restroom, she smiled between us. “I am happy for you two. Remember, let the good stuff be your shining star. Don’t let the daily annoyances of life get in the way.”

Beck happened to be approaching and caught Janet’s last comment. His smile was wide as he looked amongst us. “Exactly. For example, Maisie didn’t do the dishes last night. I’m totally over it.”

Maisie was right behind him and stopped at his side, elbowing him hard. “Last night was your night to do the dishes. I’m totally over it,” she said tartly.

For all of the jokes about Beck being nosy, which he was, and often offering unsolicited advice on relationships, he was a happy guy. When Beck looked down at Maisie, they laughed together before he gave her a lingering kiss.

Janet glanced over. “Take their advice. They’ve got it figured out.”

Griffin and Tish were approaching with Tiffany and Wes. “Or them,” Maisie said.

“Or who?” Tish asked as she stopped beside Maisie.

“You have your relationship figured out,” Maisie said with a shrug.

“Well, most of the time,” Tish offered dryly as she glanced askance at Griffin.

“What?” Griffin asked, his eyes, and his brows hitching up.

“You forgot the diaper bag. I’m over it,” Tish replied with a shrug.

Griffin burst out laughing. “That’s why I keep an extra one in your car.”

We had coffee and breakfast with friends. On my way to the restroom, Graham and Madison were walking in. Leo arrived, unaccompanied, and Beck narrowed his eyes as he studied him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Leo asked.

“No reason,” Beck said quickly.

Leo glanced around. “Am I the only single guy here?” he asked under his breath to Griffin, who had stopped beside him.

“You’re definitely not the only single guy who’s a firefighter,” Griffin replied with a grin.

Leo let out a breath. “Good to know.”

“Why is that good?” Casey asked, before adding, “What can I get you?”

Leo’s gaze lifted to hers as he shrugged. “No reason.”

Beck bumped him with his shoulder. “Don’t worry, man, when you’re ready to settle down, I’m your guy.”

“My guy? That’s cool, but I thought you were married.” Leo looked genuinely befuddled.

Griffin chuckled. “If you haven’t figured it out, Beck is nosy.”

Leo rolled his eyes. “Oh, I figured that out.”

Stella was saying something to Madison at the table when I sat down beside her. I couldn’t resist and leaned over to press a kiss on her cheek. When she smiled at me, my heart tripped and stumbled. She did that to me, constantly knocking me off- balance emotionally. I didn’t mind because she always caught me.

“What is it?” she asked when she looked up at me.

“I’m really glad you ran over my crutches.”

Her cheeks flushed pink. “I’m really glad you rescued me from that silly fire.”

“Anytime.”