Hearts on Broadway (Book 2)

Chapter 2 - Cracks in the Foundation

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the farmhouse bedroom, casting a soft glow over the room. Georgie stirred under the covers, her eyes fluttering open as she registered the distant sound of Jackson's cries. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand—7:30 AM. A wave of exhaustion washed over her; it felt like she had just closed her eyes moments ago.

Beside her, the bed was empty. Morgan must have gotten up already. She could hear his muffled voice through the baby monitor, soothing Jackson with a gentle hush. Georgie sighed, a mix of relief and guilt settling in her chest. She should have been the one to get up, but she hadn't even heard Jackson wake.

Pushing the covers aside, she sat up slowly, her body protesting every movement. The fatigue clung to her like a heavy blanket, but she forced herself to stand. She shuffled to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face in an attempt to shake off the grogginess. As she stared at her reflection, she noticed the faint shadows under her eyes and the pallor of her skin. Motherhood was taking its toll, but she reminded herself that it was all part of the journey.

"Get it together, Georgie," she whispered to herself. "Today's a new day."

She threw on a comfortable pair of jeans and a loose-fitting blouse before making her way downstairs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her, momentarily lifting her spirits. She found Morgan in the kitchen, bouncing Jackson gently in his arms while humming a tune.

"Morning," Morgan said, flashing her a warm smile. "I was just about to bring you some coffee."

"Thanks," Georgie replied, managing a small smile in return. "I didn't hear him wake up."

"He's been up for a little while," Morgan said, his eyes flickering with concern. "I figured you could use the extra sleep."

She felt a twinge of guilt. "I appreciate it. I guess I was more tired than I realized."

Morgan stepped closer, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "You doing okay?"

"Yeah, just tired," she said, avoiding his gaze. She reached out to take Jackson from him. "Come here, sweetie."

As she held Jackson, he squirmed slightly, his tiny face scrunching up before he let out a soft whimper. Georgie rocked him gently, but his fussing only intensified. She tried shushing him softly, but nothing seemed to work.

"Hey, it's okay," she murmured, her anxiety creeping up. "Mommy's here."

Jackson's cries grew louder, piercing the quiet morning. Georgie felt her chest tighten, a flush rising to her cheeks. Why couldn't she calm her own baby?

"Here, let me try," Morgan offered, his tone gentle.

Georgie hesitated for a moment before handing Jackson back to him. Almost immediately, Jackson settled down, his cries fading into soft coos as he nestled against Morgan's chest.

"There we go," Morgan said softly, rubbing Jackson's back.

Georgie forced a smile, but inside, a storm was brewing. "He always seems to calm down with you."

"He's just being finicky today," Morgan said, trying to reassure her. "You know how babies are."

"Yeah, I guess," she replied, turning away to pour herself a cup of coffee. The bitterness of the brew matched the taste in her mouth.

They sat down for breakfast, but the easy conversation from the day before was absent. Georgie picked at her toast, her appetite nonexistent. Morgan filled the silence with stories about the farm and ideas he had for new songs.

"I'm thinking of getting back into the studio soon," he said, his eyes lighting up. "Maybe next month. What do you think?"

"That's great," Georgie said, mustering enthusiasm she didn't feel. "Your fans will be excited."