A Very Merry Nanny (Very Merry #2)

Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

EMMA

“ N ow, are you nervous?” Hudson asks as we stand in the bustling auditorium of the Community Center, surrounded by a sea of faces from every corner of Merryville. The vibrant energy in the air is palpable, and I think the entire community has gathered for this momentous occasion. Excitement twists through the room.

“Yes, I'd say I am. But it's a good nervous,” I reply. He hooks his finger with mine, a gesture both reassuring and electrifying. I find strength and adoration in his simple touch.

Off to the side, Hudson's entire family is gathered with Colby, their faces illuminated with pure joy. Mawmaw, with her twinkling eyes, watches us proudly, and I'm convinced she's already planning our wedding. She gives me a thumbs-up, and I chuckle.

The judges stride onto the stage, clad in crisp culinary jackets. As they take their positions, the room grows quiet. Their footsteps echo eerily in the silence, amplifying the tension that hangs in the air like a thick fog.

Leaning in, Hudson whispers into my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “No matter what happens, you'll always be my Cookie Queen.”

His words send a rush of warmth to my cheeks, igniting an unexpected blush.

“Welcome to the Ninetieth Annual Community Cookie Contest,” the head judge announces, their voice booming with authority. “This year we had 382 entries, and every cookie was meticulously judged by professional chefs across several categories, including presentation, freshness, taste, and texture. Yes, every single cookie was eaten and rated.”

Hudson interlocks his hand with mine, an intimate connection that feels daring and new, especially in front of so many people. The sensation of his fingers entwined with mine sends goosebumps racing up and down my arms. A mix of excitement and euphoria rushes over me. I’m in my own little world, lost in thoughts of what could be. Hudson smiles at me, his eyes sparkling with hope, the same hope I have tucked deep inside my heart.

Suddenly, Hudson turns to me, placing his hands firmly on my shoulders, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. His excitement mirrors Colby’s infectious spirit. “Emma!”

“What? What is it?” I respond, shaking off my daydream, only to find the crowd erupting in cheers, all eyes fixated squarely on us. “We won!”

His arms swoop me into a warm embrace, and our lips connect in a kiss that suspends us in time. In that moment, the crowd dissolves, leaving the two of us in a private bubble of elation. I can't help but laugh against him, knowing we could do this... together .

“Oh my God! We won!” I say, realizing what's happening.

“I knew we could do it,” he beams, gripping my hand tightly as we bounce toward the front of the room, our hearts racing in tandem. A large screen showcases images of our cookies, and the crowd's applause showers us in approval.

“We thought pairing a soft, traditional gingerbread cookie with a more modern icing and a delicate dusting of cinnamon was pure genius. It melted in your mouth like ice cream. Best cookie of the day by far,” the judges praise. “My new favorite cookie.”

“Thank you,” Hudson replies, his grin infectious as they hand us the trophy. An elaborate sash is draped across both of our shoulders, and he wraps his arm around me, pulling me close as we pose for a photo that captures this monumental moment.

He tilts my chin gently with his fingers, his eyes sparkling with determination. “We did it. Going in the Hall of Fame together. No one else I'd rather share the title of Cookie Champion with.”

“Me and you,” I affirm, my heart swelling with joy, my smile wide and uncontrollable.

Our family rushes us. Hudson holds Colby in his arms, and I don't think I've felt this happy in all my life.

“You did it!” Claire exclaims, pulling me into a tight hug. “I knew you would.”

“I guess all that practice wasn't wasted,” I say, not talking about my depression baking, but all the men I dated to prepare me for The One .

“I'd say so,” she says.

“Holy hell! You did it!” Jake says, pulling me into a hug and effortlessly swinging me around in a circle.

Hudson laughs and so does Colby. “She's not a rag doll. Put her down.”

Lucas gives me a high five, then leans in and whispers in my ear. “When's the wedding?”

“Shut up!” I tell him, playfully shaking my head.

Hudson sets Colby down and meets him at eye level. “You're going with Mimi tonight. Be good, okay?”

“I am! Mimi made pumpkin pie! Mmhmm!” Colby nods, moving back to Hudson's mother who is having a proud mama moment.

We're met with congratulations, people wanting to take pictures with us. The next hour is a whirlwind.

After the ceremony ends, Hudson and I step back into the world outside. We're immediately bombarded by cameras and people yelling and jostling for our attention. The chaos is overwhelming and intrusive, and it snaps me back to my reality.

It's nearly too much for me to bear, and I can see that Hudson's similarly affected. “I'm sorry,” I murmur, looking up at him, wishing I could shield him from this.

“It's not your fault, Em,” he says, giving me an encouraging smile that reaches his eyes. “Now, can we please get the fuck out of here?”

“Yes, please.” I laugh, knowing crowds aren't his thing and probably won't ever be. And I love that about him.

Traffic leaving Merryville is a nightmare, but somehow we manage it. The truck's headlights illuminate the road ahead, casting long shadows that dance across the landscape.

“We'll never be able to do normal things without being watched or followed. Are you ready for that?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly as I search his face for assurance.

“What is normal, anyway?” he asks, his tone firm yet soothing. “There's nothing normal about you, Em, and that's okay. I've accepted who you are and everything that comes with being with you. I don't always like all the outside bullshit, but it’s out of our control.” He glances in my direction, reaching for my hand. Our fingers interlock, and he kisses my knuckles. “I still choose you .”

“Thank you,” I say, strangely aware that I have only a little over two weeks left in Merryville before I must return to New York.

When we arrive home, the soft glow of the Christmas tree fills the living room with warmth and cheer. Hudson carefully places the trophy on the mantel, a symbol of our triumph, and I can't help but smile as I look up at it.

“Do you think we can beat Mawmaw's record?” I ask.

“We can try. Only twenty-one more to go.” He picks up his book—the one he and Jake are still buddy reading—and joins me on the couch, settling beside me. After the day we've had, the quiet soothes my soul.

I pull out my phone and text my best friends a picture of Hudson and me accepting first place. The moment is officially frozen in time, and it's something I'll cherish for eternity.

Harper

Does he have another brother?

I laugh at the text, and Hudson glances up, curiosity flickering in his eyes. I try to ignore the way his gaze makes my heart flutter and focus on the conversation, but I can’t resist stealing a glance at him. His brow quirks up, a playful challenge, and I feel like I'm in actual heaven—at least, my version of it.

Emma

Actually, yes! Not your type though. The paps have followed me to Texas. What's being said about me right now?

They only follow me like this when a spotlight is directly on me.

Billie

How are things in Texas?

I know she's sidestepping my question, but I see right through it. The last thing I want is to go online and type my name into a search bar. It would drag me into a place I haven't visited in a long time. I'm heavy on protecting my peace and staying shielded from it all, but knowing what's being said allows me to defend myself and protect Hudson.

My old life has been out of sight and out of mind. It will stay like that until I return to New York and face it head-on. When I think about the city, it doesn't feel like home. I'm not sure it ever has.

Emma

Please tell me what's going on.

Harper

Sigh. I'm sorry, Emma.

Both of their text bubbles pop up simultaneously. Billie's disappears, but Harper's continues, and seconds later her text appears.

Billie

Maddox broke up with that woman he was engaged to and did an exclusive interview. He told the world he realized he's still in love with you. And might always be.

Harper

There are pictures of you and Colby going in and out of his school. Everyone knows that Hudson is divorced. They're saying he left his wife for you after you infiltrated his life and pretended to be a nanny.

Billie

It's a dumpster fire. But there's nothing to worry about. The speculation is ridiculous. Everyone's invested, though.

Harper

The rumors are better than reality TV. But a lot of people are rooting for you, Emma. Do not worry about this, okay? Enjoy the holidays.

Billie

You're still attending my party, right?

Suddenly, adrenaline courses through my body like a shockwave, and I drop my phone onto the plush couch. Hudson immediately sets his book down. Concern is etched across his face. “Em?”

I check my heart rate, feeling like I might slide into a panic attack. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, desperately trying to stop the rising tide of anxiety. He sits up and wraps his arms around me, holding me tight, anchoring me to this reality—the one where it's us against the world. “What's wrong? Talk to me.”

I cling to him, fearing that this life with him will slip through my fingers like sand. My trauma whispers that it’s too good to be true, but my heart screams that it’s the real deal.

“You're worrying me,” Hudson murmurs, his voice low and filled with concern.

With trembling hands, I pass him my phone, letting him read the messages. I watch his face closely. His jaw clenches, and his nostrils flare in a way that betrays his growing frustration. I can see the bricks of the protective wall he builds around his heart being constructed carefully, each one a response to the harsh reality of our situation.

He hands it back to me with a perplexed look in his eyes. Then he unlocks his phone and opens his web browser, the soft click of the keys echoing in the silence.

“Don't,” I say urgently, latching onto his wrist, my heart pounding hard. “You might not like what you find.”

He exhales slowly, a cloud of uncertainty hanging between us. “Do you want him back?”

“I don't do second chances, Hudson. Except with you. And only you,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. The weight of my confession hangs heavy in the air.

Gently, he brushes his thumb against my cheek, a tender touch that sends warmth coursing through me, and I can see his shoulders relaxing. The tension vanishes. “Okay.”

“I'll do whatever I can to get the pictures of Colby removed,” I promise him, my heart aching with sincerity. “I'm so sorry.”

“Don't apologize. We'll navigate it together. Me and you, Em.” His voice is steady, a life jacket in the constant current that tries to sweep me under and away from him.

He leans forward, painting his lips across mine. I pour every bit of who I am and who I'll ever be into the kiss. It’s a fusion of gratitude and yearning, a moment of pure connection. I cherish this man who adores me for who I am, the real me, flaws and all.

My thoughts still tug at me, and I'm so overwhelmed that a few tears spill from my eyes.

“Oh, please don't do that,” he says, wiping my cheeks with gentle fingers.

“It almost feels like the end.” My voice trembles.

“No, Em. This is only the beginning. And it's already so fucking beautiful.” His reassurance protects me like a shield, protecting me from the storm.

Hudson stands, his presence commanding as he holds out his hand. “Come on.”

In one swift motion, he lifts me and carries me over his shoulder, smacking my ass playfully.

“Mine. Always mine,” he declares. The possessiveness in his tone isn't lost as he effortlessly takes the stairs two at a time. He nudges open the door to his bedroom, and with a fluid motion, he lays me down on the bed. My hair spills around me, and he looks at me with pure admiration.

The moonlight splashes through the big windows, casting silver shadows across the room. His smile is so warm it could melt ice.

After a few heartbeats, Hudson joins me on the bed, the space between us shrinking into nothingness. Our mouths slowly magnetize toward one another, pulled by an invisible thread of passion, want, and raw desire that fuels the inferno burning between us.

In that moment, I feel like I'm twirling, falling, and dancing into the abyss with him, losing myself in the depths of our connection. As we make love, our hearts braid together so tightly and meticulously. The sharpest blade can't destroy what we've built, a soul bond. Each heartbeat echoes the rhythm as we move together, surrendering to the intoxicating pull of desire and affection. His moans in my ear send me to a different dimension.

“I'll always choose you,” I say, surrendering myself in this sliver of time and space with him, wanting an eternity more.

We make love until we're breathless, until we're absolutely nothing without the other. Then we do it all over again. Every caress and kiss deepens our bond. A life without Hudson just doesn't exist. This man has my heart, body, and soul in a chokehold. I want this to last forever.

“I love you, Emma,” he says, kissing and holding me tight against him. His voice is a gentle whisper, yet it carries the weight of a future with him.

“I love you,” I whisper into the night. My heart swells.

He holds me as he falls asleep, and I stay awake, lost in my thoughts of wishes coming true. The quiet of the night captures me. As his breathing becomes steady and rhythmic, I drift closer, listening to his heartbeat as he sleeps.

I want to be a better woman, lover, and friend because of him and for him. His presence encourages me to live and love more than I ever thought was possible. I smile, knowing a perfect human does exist, and surrender to the tranquility surrounding us. I drift away, knowing I'm already living in a dream.