Ronan. that little shit. He’s already vacated the seat he was in a moment ago. I lean forward to glance behind me and across the aisle, looking to give him a piece of my mind, when my eyes snag on someone glaring at me from under a bushy eyebrow frown. TJ.
He’s sitting diagonal from my seat and probably saw my phone screen the whole time. Protectiveness flares hot through my body. He obviously saw Allison on the video call and heard Ronan, because let’s be honest— who couldn’t?
I don’t waver under his scrutiny. I hold his stare until he shakes his head and scoffs, looking away first. I hope that doesn't cause Alli any grief. Does she even still deal with him now that they're divorced? Hudson said he was gone but that could just mean gone from the house for all I know. It's probably not a good idea to base anything off the word of a nine-year-old. Surely TJ still sees Hudson.
I've heard of plenty of hockey men having to split weekends and trade holidays with theirkids. Something about Hudson being carted off between homes like that breaks my heart.
I rest my head back against the seat and close my eyes. My thoughts drift to more exciting things, like Alli coming over for the team dinner tomorrow.
The perfect excuse to have her in my kitchen, filling the space with her sweet perfume.
Chapter 8 -Allison
I went way too far. I stand back and look at the open concept of my neighbours house. Some might say that it looks like Christmas threw up inmyhouse and then they would enter this home and learn what that really looks like.
Too late now. There's no going back.
Hudson, Matty and I all worked together to bring in the seven foot Christmas tree. The real kind that smells amazing. However, I didn't account for the fact that all three of us are five foot three inches and under. We probably looked like little elves waddling it into the house.
After picking the boys up from school, we had an impromptu shopping trip for all things Christmas. There are twinkling garlands everywhere, stockings hanging off the side of the mantle, and of course the tree. I picked a few too many themed throw pillows for the large couch. Our homemade Christmas cookies are in the oven. Christmas carols play on the surround system that I bluetoothed my phone to accidentally.
Hudson and Matty are wearing matching Christmas pajamas while hanging up some of the ornaments they picked out. Some are pretty angels and some are silly, like the hamburgerornament. They were excited to find some that were themed from the game they play on that handheld thingy theyre always taking turns with.
Santa already did her shopping and made sure to get Hudson one just like it so they can play at the same time. I even got them both the new game that just came out. I had to drive around and found the last two in different stores.
Christmas is just a few days away now and I want to make it the best yet. Especially since TJ hinted at not coming this year. Now that he's moved out, it's hard to get him to be interested in being a father to Hudson. The last time he visited was two weeks after he moved out and the divorce was finalized. That was three months ago.
Hudson told him it was the last year he wanted to play hockey. It was awkward to say the least.
I don't miss TJ. It was good while we were young. Then when we had Hudson, it was scary. More for me than him. In fact, not much really changed for him. He didn't have sleepless nights or even diaper changes. Our marriage was… fine, I guess.
After trying for more children over the years without success, it started crumbling. The big family dreams I always had faded to grey and the distance between us grew. We didn't even acknowledge our last two wedding anniversaries.
Seeing the texts to other women in different cities was just the final straw.
After all the decorating and baking, we are wiped out. I carefully place all the cookies into the new cookie jar. I pretend I don't see them stuffing them in their shirts.
We head back to my house so they can play on the PlayStation. If they weren't such active kids, I would worry about the video game obsession. I order pizza and let them eat in the fort they built together in Hudson's bedroom.
I plop into bed after a body shower and turn on my current obsession.Bridgerton.I'm only on the first season. Emalyn says the books are better, but she has more time to read than I do. I can only manage our monthly book club picks.
We've currently been obsessed with this author, Delaney King. She's only released one book so far, but it is the best dark romance, and our discussions keep going back to it even when we have already chosen another read.
I think every girl is just obsessed with the mmc because he's obviously flawed, but he doesn't make any excuses for his shit. He just loves her fiercely and unalives anyone who ever caused her any minor inconvenience.
What's a girl gotta do to get a man like that, you know?
Sometime after Daphne and Simon get caught in the garden, I must fall asleep because a buzzing near my head has me blinking in the darkness. The TV is on theare you still watchingscreen, so I know it must be late.
I answer Tate's facetime.
Chapter 9-Hudson
Matty and I have been playing in multiplayer mode on my new racing game for hours. Mr. Tate is supposed to come get us so we can help him barbecue.
It’s hard to sit still when I get excited. Mom always bakes with me but today I get to grill like one of the men with those big metal tongs and the big fire coming out of the grill.
Matty’s stomach growls loudly. He rubs his belly but doesn’t say anything. Matty’s always polite and never asks for much. Mom says it’s my job to take care of my guests though by making sure they know where the bathroom is and offering food and blankets.
