For the next twenty minutes, I try to pay attention to what they’re talking about, but my focus is solely on the woman next to me. Juniper chews on her bottom lip with every new piece of information, her fingers tapping on her thigh the way they do when she’s anxious.
Things like taking shifts to watch Hudson, meal rotations, and Briar’s job are discussed, as well as a short explanation of what happened to his parents. This poor little boy has gone through more in his three years of life than anyone should experience in a lifetime. My heart aches for him.
“Why don’t we get you two settled and fed, then we can talk more about how this will all work,” Mrs. Calhoun says. “Juniperand some of the staff are headed to The Mule, so it’s just us for dinner. What does Hudson like to eat? I’ve got chicken breasts I can grill up, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or I can run into town and pick up whatever he likes.”
“He’s not particular. Do you want some potatoes and chicken?”
“Tatos.”
“That’s a yes. We’ve been subsisting on fast food for the last two days, so a good, home-cooked meal would do wonders for us.” Briar looks at Juniper and gives her a stern look. “I know you’re going to insist on staying here to help, but Hudson and I will be here for a while. There’s plenty of time for you to get to know him. Go have fun with your friends. We’ll talk tomorrow, okay?”
I can tell Juniper wants to protest, but she doesn’t.
“Just because you’re older doesn't mean you can tell me what to do,” Juniper grumbles, but it holds no heat.
“She’s right, June-bug, go have fun. Everything else can wait until tomorrow, or next week, even. We don’t have to have everything figured out tonight.”
“I know, Daddy.” She stands, and I follow suit.
“It was nice to meet you two,” I tell Briar.
“You too, Addison.”
We head out the door, but before we can make it off the porch, I pull Juniper into a hug. Her body sags, and my heart pinches. She carries so much on her shoulders, and knowing she feels like she can relax with me is a gift. My nose hovers above her hair, breathing in the subtle floral scent of her. I already have a list of the hair products she uses, so I can smell like her when I leave.
Don’t think about leaving right now.
“We don’t have to go tonight if you’re not up for it. We can go back to your place, and you can talk me through everything going through that pretty head of yours instead. You tell me what you need.”
Juniper sighs, and I feel it more than I hear it. She pulls backenough to look me in the eye. “I think a distraction will be good. Bry and Daddy are right. I can’t do anything tonight, not until Hudson warms up to me a bit more.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
I place a gentle kiss on her nose. “Let’s go then.”
Juniper is trying her best to stay upbeat, but the longer we’re here, the more her shoulders slump. She gave Oakley a brief rundown of the situation so she wouldn’t be shocked when she heard someone in the room next to her, and Oakley promised to be as quiet as a mouse so she wouldn’t wake them up.
After an hour of watching Juniper twirl her straw in her drink, barely taking a sip, I ask her if she wants to dance. She tells me she’s not up for it, so we head out. She needs to relax after the stress of the day. I only wish there was something I could do to ease her worries, at least for one night.
On the drive home, I never let go of Juniper’s hand. I don’t know if rubbing my thumb along hers does anything to ease the anxiety radiating off of her, but it’s all I can do.
When we get inside, Juniper leans against the front door and sighs, her head tipping back against the wood. I kneel in front of her, lifting one foot out of her boot and setting it aside, repeating the action with the other one.
“What are you doing?” she whispers, looking down at me.
“I’m taking care of you. I know I can’t fix anything, but I want to help however I can. Tell me what you need.”
Juniper swallows, tugging me up gently by my shirt. “I need you.”
“You have me, but?—”
“No,” she shakes her head. “Ineedyou. Help me take my mind off of everything, just for tonight. I don’t want to think anymore.”
“Are you sure?”
“One hundred percent.Please,Addison.”
