Page 53 of Unwrapped By the Grumpy Mountain Man
"Are you sure?" I ask, unable to believe what I'm hearing.
"I'm sure. It's time I started acting like an adult again. Like the father you deserve."
A small sob escapes me. Hudson appears in the doorway, concern written on his face. I wave him off with a watery smile.
"I love you, Dad," I say into the phone.
"I love you too, kiddo. Always have." His voice is rough with emotion. "Now go enjoy Christmas with your family. I'll see you soon."
We say goodbye, and I set the phone down, wiping tears from my cheeks. Hudson is beside me instantly, his arm around my shoulders.
"Everything okay?" he asks quietly.
I nod, leaning into him. "Better than okay, actually. He's getting help. Two weeks sober."
Hudson's eyebrows rise, but I swear I see him hiding a smile. "That's... good on him."
"Tell me about it," I laugh shakily. "He said he wants me to focus on us, on our family. That he's going to take care of the house."
"You deserve this, Goldie," Hudson says, kissing my temple. "You deserve to have your father back."
Before I can respond, Silvie appears in the doorway. "Vi? Dad? It's time for the first special present. Everyone's waiting."
Hudson exchanges a look with me I can't quite interpret. "We'll be right there, Sil."
In the living room, the girls have gathered around a large envelope on the coffee table. It's addressed to me in unfamiliar handwriting.
"What's this?" I ask, sitting on the couch.
"Open it," Hudson urges, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
I slide my finger under the flap, pulling out a stack of official-looking papers. As I read the first page, my breath catches.
It's a deed. To my mother's house. Paid in full.
"I don't understand," I whisper, looking up at Hudson in confusion.
He sits beside me, taking my hand. "Your dad and I had a meeting last week," he explains. "He wanted to do something that would take a weight off your shoulders. We talked about what that might be."
"You paid off the mortgage?" I ask, still stunned.
"I helped," he confirms.
I stare at the papers, unable to process what I'm holding. The house that has been such a source of stress and worry is now free and clear. The promise I made to my mother, fulfilled beyond anything I could have imagined.
"How did you even..." I trail off, overwhelmed.
"Your dad gave what he could," Hudson says quietly. "And I was happy to cover the rest. Your peace of mind is worth every penny."
"But it's so much money," I protest weakly.
He shakes his head. "It's not about the money, Goldie. It's about you not having to worry anymore. About honoring your mother's memory without it being a burden."
Tears spill down my cheeks as I throw my arms around his neck. "Thank you," I whisper against his skin. "Thank you so much."
His strong arms encircle me, holding me close. "Merry Christmas, Goldie."
Lucy tugs at my sleeve. "Are you crying because you're happy or sad?"
