Page 51 of The Chef's Kiss
A tear tracked down my cheek, followed by another until I couldn’t keep them at bay.
When I looked at Dad, I couldn’t read his expression. He sat in complete stillness as we all waited for him to react. Finally, as if coming to a decision, his expression shifted, and he stood. “I’ll have an account set up for you at one of the motherhood stores in Hidden Cove. We can ask Ruby’s mother for help in coming up with what you’ll need. Anything you want, you—”
“Dad,” I cut him off. “Money isn’t what I need right now.” I just needed him.
The tears wouldn’t stop, and it seemed like Dad only noticed right then. He sighed and pulled me into a hug, resting his chin on the top of my head. “I’m going to do better,” he whispered, probably hoping my brothers didn’t hear him. “I’ll be a better grandfather than I was a father.”
I hugged him back, speaking into his shirt. “You’re being a pretty good dad right now.”
As my words sank into him, he held me tighter. Conner was right. I’d never be alone as an Ashford. It might feel like that sometimes, but I had to remember the truth.
After the tears dried and my brothers argued over who got to be what kind of uncle, I shoved them out the door. Dad and Granddad retired for the night, leaving me with the blissful quiet.
I relaxed onto the couch in the den, resting a hand on my stomach. “We’ve got this, baby.”
My phone dinged, and I reached for it, smiling when Hudson’s name appeared.
Hudson:How did it go?
Without him, I may not have gone through with this.
Jorgie:Better than I imagined.
Jorgie:Thank you. For making me brave enough, for being there. For telling the truth.
Hudson:It was all you.
Maybe it was, but he still gave me the push.
18
HUDSON
Superiore Bay was a completely different place when Jorgina walked at my side. It was hard to explain, but it was like every person suddenly saw me as more than a stranger.
“Morning, Shelby.” She smiled at the woman behind the counter of Hugga Mugga. “What are you doing here so early? Don’t you have employees you can make take the early shift?”
Shelby laughed at that, her face much kinder than I’d seen it before. “The girl I’d scheduled called in sick, so it’s up to me. I don’t mind, though. I have to keep this place going if I’m going to compete with that cousin of yours.”
“With Jake?” Now, it was Jorgina’s turn to laugh. “His coffee is terrible. Trust me, there’s no competition.” She turned to me with a smile. “Have you met Hudson Silverman?”
“Briefly.” Her eyes shuttered the slightest bit, but Jorgina pretended not to notice.
“He’s opening up the new restaurant at Orchard Hill, and you should see the menu we have planned. I’ll make sure you get an invite to the soft opening.”
“Oh, that would be lovely.” She slid our drinks across the counter. “Would you like a scone? On the house.”
“Absolutely.” Jorgina took the scone and bit into it, crumbs falling from her lips.
To my surprise, Shelby looked at me and smiled. “What about you, Hudson?”
I cleared my throat. “Yes, I’d like that. Thank you.”
We said our goodbyes and stepped out onto the street, staying under the awning for a moment to avoid the drizzling rain.
I made a sound in the back of my throat as I studied her, and she lifted narrowed eyes to mine.
“What is it?”
