Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
“Probably why Laura left. What about later, after you were grown and married?”
“Honestly? I’m not sure I would have been much better. Hudson would’ve created a mountain of friction between me and Autumn. She wouldn’t have handled Laura’s presence in my life well.”
Beck leaned forward slightly. “Because she would have been jealous? You hadn’t touched Laura in years.”
“That wouldn’t have mattered,” Seth said without hesitation. “Autumn never felt comfortable around my family. Mom didn’t like her much, so adding an ex and a kid into the mix?” He shook his head. “That would’ve been a disaster.”
“Grace seems to like most everyone. What did she have against Autumn?”
“She thought Autumn was too needy, too clingy. Lacked independence. That was true, but…”
“Even then your inner Dom wanted to care for and protect her.”
“Exactly. And anything that took my focus from Autumn scared her. She hated my job, so she would have viewed Laura as a threat and Hudson as competition for my attention.” Seth shrugged. “After she and Tristan died…I wouldn’t have been capable of even being present for Hudson, much less giving him what he needed. To find Silas, I went dark. Worked for Nikolai. I disappeared for almost a year. Hudson would’ve been…eight? Nine? Too young to understand why his dad abandoned him. So even though Hudson’s childhood was rough and I hate that he was damn near grown before we met…it was probably for the best.”
Beck studied him, clearly turning that over in his head. “Things happen for a reason.”
Seth met his eyes and nodded slowly. “Even when those reasons suck.”
The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew their attention. Then Heavenly appeared in the doorway, flashing them both a warm smile as she headed for the coffeemaker. “Morning.”
Hudson trailed behind her, dressed and ready but still half-awake as he poured a glass of orange juice. “Hey.”
“Morning, you two,” Seth greeted.
Beck grinned. “Everyone sleep okay?”
Heavenly shot him a reproving glance that went straight over Hudson’s head. “Kinda. Hard to sleep, you know?”
Seth looked at his son, chest swelling with pride. “This morning is a big deal for us, buddy.”
“Yeah.” Hudson shrugged like he was playing it cool, but there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes. “And it’ll be good to see Mom, too.”
“I’m sure she’s looking forward to it,” Seth replied.
Carl and his mom swept into the kitchen next. She was already dressed, her energy buzzing as she made a beeline for the coffee pot and poured herself a cup. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Morning,” Seth said, leading the chorus that Beck, Heavenly, and Hudson joined.
Carl tipped his head and saluted him with a nod and a knowing grin.
“Ready to be a bride today?” Seth asked. His mom’s excitement was endearing.
“As I’ll ever be.”
“You are, and you haven’t forgotten anything.” Carl kissed her softly.
She sent her groom a sheepish smile. “You’re right.” Then she turned to Seth. “So you’ll be back from meeting Laura by two?”
“Should be,” Seth assured her. “Still plenty of time.”
“The wedding is at five, and there’s still so much to do.”
“Like what?”
“Hair and makeup starts at three. And I still need to pack our bag for the honeymoon suite tonight, plus—”
“Grace.” Carl cupped her shoulder, his tone warm but firm. “We’ll get it all done. Everything is going to be fine.”
She exhaled, visibly steadying herself. “You’re right. Of course you’re right.” She looked back at Seth. “Call if you’re going to be late, okay?”
“We’ll be there way before five,” Beck said easily. “I’ll make sure.”
His mom smiled, then squeezed his shoulder. “Thank you. When Seth was a teenager, I didn’t think he could tell time, since he almost always stayed out past his curfew.”
“That was on purpose, Mom,” Seth quipped.
Everyone laughed.
“I’ll take your tux to the church,” Carl offered. “One less thing to worry about.”
“Perfect,” Seth said. “I appreciate it.”
Mom crossed the room to Hudson, who leaned against the kitchen counter. She set down her coffee, expression softening as she wrapped him in a tight hug. “It’s not just my big day, but yours, too, sweetheart. I’m so excited! Next time I see you, you’ll officially be a Cooper.”
Despite being sixteen, Hudson towered over her as he returned the hug, gently patting her back without a trace of teenage snark. “I’m excited, too, Grandma.”
Seth pinged with pride as he watched their exchange. By his side, Heavenly looked a bit wistful.
Moments later, his mom released Hudson, her eyes glassy as she cupped his cheek. “We’ll have a special toast just for you tonight at the reception.”
“Really?” The teen grinned.
“Yep. Grab your coat and shoes. We need to leave soon.”
“On it,” Hudson replied before he raced out the kitchen.
“He’s such a good boy, Seth,” his mom cooed, gaze trailing after him.
“Like father, like son.” Seth winked.
“Oh, please. You were a handful at his age.” She swatted his shoulder playfully before suddenly turning somber. “I know it was only because you’d taken on so many adult responsibilities.”