“I . . . have never seen anything like this,” I whispered.
“It’s breathtaking,” Daniel said softly as he stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.
“Well,” Hudson said from the doorway, “I’ll bring your bags up and let you have a few minutes. But don’t be too long. The food’s almost ready, and Tara gets a bit grumpy when folks don’t eat what she cooks.”
“Rightfully so,” Daniel said, smirking. “How’s she doing here at the Breakers?”
“Very well,” Hudson said. “She seems to enjoy the quiet.” He caught my gaze. “We have a high turnover rate for her position,” he continued. “It can get lonely out here, especially in the winter. It’s not for everyone.”
I nodded. “Makes sense.”
“Unless you’ve got six kids and ten grandkids like Tara,” he added, chuckling. “Then I suppose the quiet feels more like a gift.” He clapped his hands. “All right. Let me grab your bags.”
“I’ll help you,” Daniel offered.
“Me too,” I added.
But Hudson shook his head. “Maybe I’ll let Daniel’s spoiled butt help this old man carry a few bags, but I’ll fight tooth and nail before I let the new lady of the house lift a single thing.”
“Oh, please,” I said with a grin. “I can lift a bag or two.”
“Please listen to him,” Daniel said as we stepped into the hallway. “Otherwise he’ll scold me like I’m five again.”
Hudson grinned. “You’re talking big for someone who used to bawl when your toast was cut the wrong way.”
“Jesus. Can you unman me a little less in front of my wife, please?” Daniel shot back with a laugh.
Watching Daniel like this filled me with warmth. He was playful, relaxed, bantering like a kid with a parent figure. I hadn’t even imagined this side of him, not in a million years. Seeing him loved by someone other than me hit in a way I hadn’t expected. It gave me hope—hope that maybe, just maybe, the people here would love me someday too.
I looked down the hallway. A deep red runner muffled our steps, leading past several elegant doors and ending at a large set of double doors.
Daniel nodded toward the room at the end of the hallway. “That was my parents’ bedroom.”
“Oh,” I murmured. “I’m sorry.”
“What for?” His voice was light, not guarded. “You can take a look around if you want. There are several guest rooms on this floor too.”
“Maybe later. I want to set up Mochi’s cage. The one we ordered online.”
Before the trip, we’d bought a larger cage, one with perches, ladders, and brand-new toys.
“I’ll set it up,” Hudson said. “Just let me know where you’d like me to put it. I’ll see to it right after I bring your bags up.”
“Gosh, thank you so much, Hudson,” I said with a soft smile. I couldn’t stop grinning. No, this wasn’t perfect. Hudson wasn’t family by blood. But still, it was everything my heart craved. Some sense of family. Belonging.
“We’ll be right back,” Daniel said, and I watched them walk down the stairs.
Just before they disappeared, Daniel turned.
“Oh, one thing. The yellow door downstairs...” He and Hudson exchanged a quick glance. “It leads down into the basement. It’s the only yellow door in the entire house.”
“It’s dangerous down there,” Hudson added. “The stairs are old and full of dry rot. They’ve never been replaced. All the utilities were moved to the shed out back many years ago, so the basement was kind of forgotten when the home was updated. We keep it locked to make sure no one goes down there and gets hurt.”
“Are you sure it’s locked?” Daniel asked.
“Yes,” Hudson said, nodding. “We don’t want the cleaners getting curious or wandering down there by accident. Also, don’t roam at night, especially near the west wing by the basement. It’s an old house. You might… trip.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about me,” I said. “I hate spiders. You won’t catch me anywhere near that basement or any other.”
