The room fell quiet. I looked between the two of them, sensing the weight of what hadn’t been said.
Daniel turned to me, his voice light. “This room used to be my safe zone. My little escape. But I think it’s time we move all of this out of the closet and into the library.”
Hudson nodded slowly. “I agree.”
“We said five minutes,” Tara said from the doorway, her arms crossed and her eyebrows raised. “Just so you know, I’m not reheating lunch for grown men who ditched a homemade meal to play with trains. Emily, come, sweetheart. I won’t let them hold a hungry woman hostage for toys.”
“My apologies, ma’am,” Daniel replied, mock-formal. “We’re coming right away.”
I couldn’t help but giggle, and I threw a look at Daniel as we followed Tara down the hall.
The dining room looked beautiful: simple but elegant. In the center of the table sat a vase of fresh white flowers. The vase was surrounded by wine glasses, tall water pitchers, and plates.A colorful salad, buttered vegetables, and a bubbling casserole were laid out buffet-style for us to help ourselves.
“Wine, anyone?” Tara asked, reaching for the bottle.
Everyone shook their heads.
“All right, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything,” she said, turning to go.
“You’re not eating with us?” Daniel asked.
Tara hesitated, glancing at Hudson like she needed permission or guidance.
“You eat with Hudson, don’t you?” he asked.
She nodded slowly.
“Well then, you’ll eat with us too.” Daniel was already pulling out a chair.
“The more the merrier,” I added, smiling.
“Plus, you’re the only one who can keep Hudson in check,” Daniel joked.
That made her laugh. “That is true. All right then, I’ll get my plate.”
She returned a moment later and set her plate and silverware beside Hudson’s seat.
I glanced at Daniel. He was already digging into the casserole. A sense of quiet pride stirred in my chest. He had a way of treating everyone—staff, strangers, anyone, really—with real kindness.
I filled my plate and took a bite. Tara’s vegetables were tossed in something buttery and herby. Thyme maybe? And the casserole was just the right kind of crispy on top.
“This is so good,” I said.
Daniel and Hudson chimed in with compliments of their own.
Tara lit up with pride. “Oh, this is nothing,” she said, waving them off. “I basically threw it together in a few minutes.”
Hudson scoffed. “You were in that kitchen all morning. Everything’s from scratch.”
“As if you know what I do in there,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Ididscramble this together in no time, and it’s okay. But wait until you all try my honey-roasted turkey legs. This casserole will seem like barn feed compared to those.”
“Of course. Yes, ma’am,” Hudson said.
Daniel and I exchanged a grin across the table. He cleared his throat, a playful glint in his eye. “I was thinking we could take a little boat ride along the coast after lunch.”
I perked up immediately. “That sounds amazing!”
“The water’s calm today,” he said. “We could cruise down the coast to Rockport or Rockland. Walk around, explore a little.”
