Gazing up into his eyes, I want to get lost in them like I do pretty much every time. Opening a bakery has always been a dream of mine, and it was fantastic when it finally happened. I’m definitely excited about the first anniversary and about celebrating it, but right now, I’d rather spend some more time with Hudson. Especially since he just got home from the last concert of his tour yesterday—just in time for Mira’s birthday. I’m not sure who was happier to see him.
Sounds like that deserves a celebration too.
Pouting, I lean into him. “Do we have to go? Can’t we just stay home for a bit longer?”
He smiles at me, his eyes sparkling mischievously. “Well, we could, but just think about all those poor people that woke up today wanting to eat some of your delicious cake or pastries.”
“All right, all right.” I mindlessly brush my hands across his chest while still gazing up at him. “I’m so happy you’re back for good now.”
He lets out a big breath, staring at the white ceiling. “Tell me about it. I was seriously counting down the hours. I’m not sure if I was happier when we were done, or the rest of the tour team. Apparently, I’ve been getting on everyone’s nerves a bit.”
That makes me chuckle, especially since I’ve come to know all of the bandmates and most of the tour crew pretty well over the last year, joining Hudson for his concerts whenever it was possible. “I can just imagine you guys. Even though we all know they missed their other halves just as much as you did.”
He puffs out his chest, looking pretty proud of himself. “You’re absolutely right. At least I’m not ashamed of admitting I’ve missed you guys the most.”
“I can certainly live with that. We missed you too. A lot.” A snicker rumbles through my body. “Particularly Mira. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard ‘Daddy’ here, ‘Daddy’ there, especially since she started talking so much more over the last few months.”
“Good. I can’t wait to spend more time with her. Maybe she can come up to the academy with me sometime next week? I already have a few music sessions planned.”
I nod enthusiastically. “She’d absolutely love it, no doubt about it.”
“Perfect. Now let’s go.” He pulls me out of the bathroom, through our bedroom, and down the stairs.
“What is going on with you this morning?” I laugh at his unusual behavior, trying to keep up with his rushed steps. “Usually you’d be the first one to say ‘screw everyone,’ and have me pressed up against a wall.”
“Later, sweetheart.” He squeezes my hand and turns around to grin at me. “It’s a big day, so I’m excited.”
I sigh loudly, knowing exactly how right he is.
Today is a big day.
“Hudson, stop for a second. There’s something I need to—”
My words trail off as we walk into the kitchen, and I stop at the sight in front of me.
The whole room is filled with flowers. Tulips, to be exact. My favorites. They’re everywhere—on the kitchen bar, the big island, the countertops, the bar stools. Wherever the eye can see, there are tulips in all possible colors.
It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen. So beautiful.
“Wow, I…” That’s pretty much all I can think of saying.
“Shh.” Hudson chuckles as he holds my hands, exhaling loudly as he slowly goes down on one knee. “My turn first.”
Despite the situation, we both have to laugh, and I’m already loving this moment more than I ever thought I could.
Even though I can’t believe this moment is really happening.
“Charlie, right here in this kitchen is where we first met and where our journey began. You had me mesmerized from the first second, even when I only caught a glance of you before you threw a ball of dough in my face. You’re beautifully different and everything I could’ve ever dreamed of finding in a partner. You’ve brought me so much joy by not only being the wonderful person you are, but also by enriching my life even more with our beautiful girl.” He pauses to take a deep breath and reaches into his pocket.
Even though I know what’s coming, my breath still hitches in my throat, my hands shaking like trees in the wind. A sigh escapes my mouth when his hand appears in front of me, but this time, he’s holding a beautiful ring between his fingers.
“Sweetheart, there’s never going to be anyone more perfect for me than you, and I can’t imagine the rest of my life with anyone but you and Mira. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife and letting me officially be Mira’s father?”
Tears run down my cheeks as I look at this beautiful man in front of me. Seeing him down on one knee brings out emotions I didn’t know existed—they’re so overwhelming that my knees start shaking too. I was certain I’d cry today, I just didn’t know it was going to be this early on or for this reason.
He’s still looking up at me expectantly, making me realize I haven’t given him an answer yet.
“Yes, yes, yes. Absolutely yes.”
Before he can get back up on his feet, I throw myself into his arms, making both of us topple over onto the floor. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
He laughs and pulls my face to his, showering me with impatient kisses.
After a few minutes, he pushes me back gently so we’re both seated on the floor.
He gently lifts up my hand. “May I?”
I nod eagerly, spreading out my fingers in anticipation. Once the ring is on my finger, I pull it close to my face to get a better look at it. It’s different than anything I’ve ever seen, but somehow it looks familiar too. I don’t know much about jewelry, but it looks like it’s vintage with a modern look to it.
It’s absolutely breathtaking.
“Do you like it?” Hudson’s voice is filled with uncertainty. “We can get you something else if you want. No worries at all. I know it’s nothing big and fancy, but I thought it would—”
“Shh.” This time, I interrupt him. “Thank you so much, it’s absolutely perfect. I can’t imagine anything more beautiful, so give me a moment to fully take it in.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s a very unique piece, just like you.” His next words come out in a soft whisper. “It’s your grandma’s ring. Well, at least part of it. My grandma found it in her belongings and thought you might like it. The band was pretty demolished, so we had that exchanged for something more modern. But the stone was still in great condition, so we used that in combination with the new band.”
“Oh, Hudson.” I throw myself at him again, burrowing my face into his shoulder. My sobs are quiet but heartbreaking. I will never be able to tell him how much this gesture means to me. This will be one of my most treasured possessions, I’m absolutely sure of it. “Thank you so much.”
“Anything for you. I’m just happy you like it and that you said yes.” He gives me a big smile, gently wiping my tears away with his thumbs. “What an awesome day.”
Giving him a small smile, I reach into the back pocket of my jeans to hand him the small package I put there earlier. “Maybe we can make it even better?”
“What?” The smile falls from his face as he stares at the small rectangular box in my hands, looking at it like it might bite him at any moment.
I push it toward him, nudging his hand with it. “Here, I’ve got something for you too. Open it.”
“Are you sure?” His eyes are as wide as saucers, and I have absolutely no idea what’s going on in his mind right now.
“Yes, of course I’m sure.” I pull it back an inch toward me, the shape poking my belly. “Or do you want me to open it?”
He shakes his head, almost grabbing the package out of my hands with a newfound eagerness. “No, no. I’ll do it.”
Getting to work immediately, small pieces of paper fly in all directions, making me chuckle.
And then Hudson stares at the contents in his hands for a long time. “Is this for real?”
I nod, unable to hold back the gigantic grin on my face.
“We’re real
ly going to have a baby?” He holds up the pregnancy test I wrapped for him, his voice completely in awe.
“Sure looks like it.” I can’t help myself and squeal a little.
This time, I’m the one being tackled to the floor. Hudson hovers over me, carefully holding my face in his hands. His eyes are watery, gazing into mine with so much affection that mine automatically start tearing up again too.
He bends down to smother my face with kisses before settling on my lips for good. “I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby. Mira is going to be the best big sister ever.” He keeps shaking his head. “A baby. I can’t wait.”
A second later, he’s up on his feet, holding out his hand to me. “Come on, let’s go. Everyone’s waiting at the bakery to celebrate with us. Boy, they don’t even know half of it. They are going to flip.” He chuckles softly to himself before pulling me closer. “I love you so much.”
Snuggling into him as close as I can get, I let out a deep, relaxed breath before kissing him deeply. “I love you.”
When we pull apart and I look up at his face, I’m pretty sure his smile could light up an entire continent, and I can’t get enough of it.
Lifting me up, he spins me around in a bed of tulips. “Best day ever.”
I laugh because I couldn’t agree more. “Definitely best day ever.”
THE END
***
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Acknowledgments
This novel. Hudson and Charlie. Mira and the rest of the Mitchell family. None of them might have ever seen the light of day if it wasn’t for a bunch of people in my life.
So...let’s buckle up and throw around some well-deserved lovin’.
To my husband — You’re my biggest supporter, no matter if you listen to my rambling, help with my plotting, comfort me when I’m exhausted or want to throw my laptop at the wall (while easing my frustration with ten pounds of chocolate). You’re there for me. Always. You’re my cheerleader (without the pom-poms and cheers), and I’m incredibly grateful for you. You encourage me to go after my dreams, knowing exactly how much I need that extra push sometimes. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need, and for being selfless enough to let me do my thing. You (and our monsters) own my heart. Forever.
To Suze — Where am I even going to start with you and this story? Thank you for loving Hudson and Charlie as much as I do, and sometimes maybe even a little more. Your constant support and encouragement push me even when I don’t want to take another step. You’re an amazing friend and CP, and I’m beyond grateful that life has thrown us together.
To my betas Melissa, Kristen, Stephie (plus two anonymous ones) — Thank you guys so much for not holding back and for taking the time to improve my story. It wouldn’t be the same without you, and I appreciate your feedback to no end.
To Jenn Wood — I love how your words flow so effortlessly with mine. Thank you for taking this story to the next level and beyond. You helped me fall in love with it again, and it wouldn’t be the same without you.
To Judy Zweifel — You keep impressing me with your excellent proofreading skills, and I’ll be forever grateful you caught all the things you did. I’m sure you saved me from a meltdown or two. Thank you!
To my family and my lovely friends Kaylyn, Brooke, Chelli, Kirby, Lia, Becca, Holly, and Lorraine — You guys have been by my side for most of this journey, and I can’t ever thank you enough for all the love and support over the years. Your encouragement has helped me more times than I can count.
To my Awesome Peeps — Having you guys by my side has made this adventure all the better. Your love and support mean more than I can ever put into words.
And last but certainly not least.
To my readers — You guys are the reason I do what I do. Knowing you are out there reading my stories is what keeps me going and I can’t ever thank you enough. You warm my heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jasmin Miller is a professional lover of books and cake (preferably together) as well as a fangirl extraordinaire. She loves to read and write about anything romantic and never misses a chance to swoon over characters. Originally from Germany, she now lives in the western US with her husband and three little humans that keep her busy day and night.
www.jasminmiller.com
[email protected]
Baking With A Rockstar (A Brooksville Novel Book 1) Page 31
