“I know.”
We talk logistics then—six months, maybe a year—but Sophie’s demise comes first.
Hudson grabs Pippa’s hand, pulling her closer to him on the couch.
She snuggles into him.
I lean back on the opposite arm of the couch, taking them both in. They are gorgeous.
Together, separately—just stunning. And I can’t believe they’re mine.
The thought comes fully formed, terrifying and simple: “Move in with me.”
They both still.
“There’s plenty of space. Room to breathe. Room to plan. It’s safe. I know both of your apartments are safe, but I—I just—” I take a breath. “I want you both with me. All the time. I don’t want to be apart more than when necessary.”
Pippa swallows.
Hudson doesn’t look away from me. His eyes are shimmering. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
A beat.
Pippa sits straighter. “I think that makes sense for the two of you. Definitely. I mean Hudson would probably already be living there if it weren’t for his work at the FBI. And I appreciate you including me, but?—”
“But what?” I challenge.
“It’s…it’s so, fast. I mean, Enzo, you and I were at each other’s throats a week ago.”
“I barely remember that,” I say with a small smile.
Hudson grabs her hand again. “Pip, do you think Enzo and I aren’t as committed to you as we are to each other?”
She looks at him for a long moment, then back to me. She takes a long, slow, inhale. “It’s not that. Not really. I mean, maybe a little. I’ll never have the shared history you two have. But that’s not what bothers me.”
“Then what is it?” I ask.
“I just never pictured myself…settled. Domestic? Me? It seems?—”
Hudson laughs a deep, belly laugh. It causes me to laugh a little and even Pippa cracks a big smile.
“What’s so funny?” she asks, clearly knowing the answer already.
“No one can domesticate you, baby, but I get it. If you would have asked me a few weeks ago if Enzo and I—” He starts laughing again. “Fuck. I was convinced my whole life that this would never happen.” He gestures between him and me. “I’ve spent half my life pretending to be someone I’m not. I never considered I could…have any of this. You’re not the only one feeling off kilter here.” He throws a wide grin my way. “Things are definitely moving fast.”
I’m worried he’s going to say we should slow down, that we should take it one step at a time—something reasonable.
Instead, he says, “But it feels so fucking right. Doesn’t it? I agree with Enzo. I want to spend as much time as I can with both of you.”
I move closer to them both and place my hand on their already-clasped hands. “I love you, Hudson.”
He reaches across Pippa with his other hand to touch my face. He tells me he loves me, too, and gives me a tender kiss.
I turn to Pippa. “I know it’s soon, you’re right, but I’m with Hudson on this. I’m done questioning myself, my feelings, my wants. I love you and I want you in my home, my bed. I want you to make my house a home.”
“You…love me?” Pippa asks, voice barely above a whisper.
