Page 22 of Tough Love

“Hudson, Reed wanted a hand with something. He’s inside.”

He nods and walks through the front door and inside.

“How was your lesson, Addy?”

I stare at her. She sent him away. Does she think I’m not telling her the truth because he was standing there? “It was good. I was on Sergeant for, like, twenty seconds?”

She takes a sip from her glass, studying my face. “I know my husband can be a hard man, but he knows what his family needs. What people need. Have you tried riding before now?”

“No.”

I sip the juice. It’s cold and refreshing, and I hope it takes away the heat that has flooded to my cheeks with this conversation.

“That’s fine. If anyone can help you back on a horse, it’s our Huddy. He has a way with horses.”

“He seems to.”

She smiles at me, then sits up in her chair abruptly, delight lighting up her face. “Tomorrow, Sunday lunch, you have to come.”

“Ah, I don’t want to intrude on your family time.”

“Nonsense. It’s no intrusion. And we all know Charlie will be happier if you’re here.”

I laugh at that, and she winks at me. I finish my glass and place it on the table. “Tomorrow, then, for Charlie. Can I bring something?”

“Just yourself. Or if you have a chance, something you would like to eat for lunch, a side dish?”

“I can do that.”

She stands and grabs the jug and glasses.

“Thanks, Louisa.”

“See you tomorrow, Addy.”

I wave and wander back to my car. Charlie is waiting for me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, buddy.”

He gives me some love and I climb into the car. I start the engine and wait for Charlie to move away before driving off. Reed stands by the barn, Magnet’s reins in hand. He salutes me with a hand at his brow, and I chuckle at the silly notion and wave. The only thing I can think of for the next forty minutes on the way back to town is the fact that I got on a horse today.

And the part of me that lived for horse riding swells as the biggest smile claims my face and happy tears blur my vision.

Chapter Seven

HUDSON

Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

Happy birthday, Adds!! ????????

Addy’s phone sits on the kitchen counter as she helps Mom and putters around, chatting about New York as if they are old friends from way back. Wearing an elegant yellow sundress with flowers that ends above her knees, and topped with a heart-shaped bodice and half-moon straps, she’s fucking stunning. I track her as she moves around the kitchen, chatting. They talk about her work at the clinic. And when Ma brings up her accident, Addy masterfully redirects. To her credit, Ma leaves it. Addy’s phone is buzzing.

It’s her birthday?

Shit.

Happy birthday, babe.

From Adam.

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