Page 107 of Crazy Love

Her eyes shine. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re paying attention, Preacher Man.”

“Oh, I’m not missing a thing about you, Mrs. Hudson.”

When I bring her the tea, her eyes open when I place the tea on the coffee table.

“Rest. I’ll make you another cup later,” I tell her.

“Tell me something I don’t know about you yet,” she says.

I pause and sit on the couch. “Hmm. Well…I wasn’t always this…confident. I was pretty shy as a kid.”

“Really? That surprises me. You’re so self-assured now.”

“I had a growth spurt right between my freshman and sophomore years of high school. And I’d been okay at football before that, but always a little clumsy. It was like everything suddenly started working for me.”

She grins and takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. “I bet the girls noticed.”

I smile back. “Hell, yeah, they did. That might have helped with the self-esteem just a little bit.”

She rolls her eyes and laughs. “Mm-hmm. I’m sure.”

“What about you? What were you like back then?”

She lifts her shoulders and yawns. “Not much has changed about me.”

“Did you always dream of being a dietitian for the Mustangs?”

Her eyes get a faraway look. “You know what? No, that came much later. I know it’s not very progressive of me, but…what Ialways dreamed of was falling in love, having a family, making our home feel special…” She blinks and her cheeks get pink.

I rub my thumb on her cheek and she leans into my hand.

“Dreams can’t be discounted. Ever.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “You helped make my dream come true, that’s for sure…getting Sam into this house finally.” I smooth her blanket down before my eyes meet hers again. “But it’s turned into so much more. I didn’t even dare hope that I could have all of this, Addy. But…you’ve surpassed every dream I’ve ever had. I hope…” I clear my throat, needing to get this out, but suddenly a little nervous. “I hope I’m doing the same for you too.”

She sits up and winds her hands through my hair, pressing her forehead against mine. “You are. More than I can say.”

I exhale, relief spreading through me.

“And it’s not just the kids, Penn. Or this house, or all the beautiful things. It’s you.”

“I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that.” I pull back, staring at her intently. “It’s you for me too. I’m so in love with you, I don’t even know up from down anymore.”

She laughs and it’s the best sound. “I’m right there with you. I love you so much, Penn. What are we gonna do?”

I wrap my arms around her as we laugh. “We’re going to enjoy the ride.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

NEW WAYS

ADELINE

It’s the day before this week’s away game. So much to do. When I get to work, I go to Lorelai’s office, feeling like I’m barely hanging by a thread. My talk with Penn helped. I didn’t know how much I needed to hear those things either, but I’ve felt better ever since. I still feel like I have to get things in order though…like maybe I won’t be able to rest until I do.

Lorelai looks at me like she knows what’s coming. She shuts the door behind me and motions for me to sit down.

“Are you not happy with your position here, Adeline?” she asks.

I let out a sharp breath, pushing my hands through my hair. “I’ve loved my job. I still feel so lucky to be here. But…so much has changed since I took it…and in such a short amount of time.” My throat tightens, and I take a steadying breath. I do not want to cry in front of my boss. “It’s not that I don’t want to be here. It’s just—there’s so much going on. Penn and I are trying to adopt Sam and Winnie. And Winnie…she’s still crying and asking me if I’m going to come back every time I leave.”

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