Noah tips the watering can too far, and water splashes out onto our shoes. He looks at me, then giggles, and we both smile. She’s right. I need to use everything I’ve got to make this work. And if being featured inHope Mattersas a single mom and business owner brings in customers, then I’ll do whatever it takes.
“Take as many pictures as you want.”
Daphne snaps away as Noah and I water the row of flower pots.
“When will the story be up?” I ask ten minutes later as I walk her to her car.
“It will be in the next print edition ofHope Mattersand on the website in a few days.”
Daphne pauses before she gets into her car. “I hope it gets you new customers, Paige. It’s a good thing you’ve started here. Good luck.”
Her genuine warmth disarms me, and I lift Noah into my arms. Noah waves until the car disappears down the driveway.
“Single mom and business owner.” I plant a kiss on Noah’s head. It still smells milky if I breathe in deep enough. “Who needs a father anyway? We’re doing just fine on our own.”
12
RYAN
The door squeaks open, and Hudson’s voice booms into the room.
“Morning!”
I remain staring at the ceiling. He didn’t even knock, but I can’t be fucked to point that out. I close my eyes tight, hoping he’ll go away. A moment later, I hear him in the kitchen and a tap running. Then he’s by the bed.
“Meds.”
I sit up enough to take the pill bottle from him. I shake two into my hand, then a third for good measure.
“Hey.” Hudson snatches the third pill before I can lift it to my mouth. “Two at a time.”
“Who are you, the pill police?” I grumble.
“A concerned friend.” He slips the pill back into the bottle and sets it on the kitchen counter.
“More like a pain in the ass.”
Hudson chuckles. “I can see you’re feeling better, then?”
“I’m fine,” I grit out, wishing he’d leave me alone. My stump hurts, I’m stuck in bed, and all I want is for this pain to ease.
Hudson grins. “Good, because we’re going to see Joel. He’s got work for you.”
“Work?” I bark, scowling. “What work could I possibly do?”
Hudson raises an eyebrow. “Last I checked, you still had two hands and your brain, as long as it’s not too muddled with painkillers. You were the best engineer on the team. There’s a bunch of stuff Joel needs fixing.”
I groan. I really don’t want to get out of bed today—not that I ever do. “There must be someone else.”
“Nope. Part of the deal to get you here was that you’d help out. No one gets a free ride at Jake’s Retreat.”
“Then why’s it called a retreat,” I mutter.
“Stop complaining, and get your ass out of bed. Or do I have to tip it up like they did at BUD/s?”
The reference to our training makes me wince. I’m far from the young, capable man who endured the toughest training on this earth to make it into the SEALs.
“Tip it up.”
