Hello My Fake Fiancé (Book 1 Hello Series)

HMFF15-Daddy and Hudson

Chapter 15...Daddy and Hudson

Dawson

The first night with Hudson isn't as bad as I expect. He only cries once, and I'm ready to get up and check on him, but Danielle beats me to it.

"I've got it," she mumbles sleepily, slipping out of bed before I can even sit up.

"Danielle, stay in bed. I'll handle it," I say, but she doesn't even acknowledge me. Stubborn as ever.

When I wake up again, Hudson isn't in his crib. I glance over and smile. Danielle is curled up in bed with Hudson tucked against her chest, both of them sound asleep. His tiny fingers clutch her shirt, and her arm drapes over him protectively. They look so peaceful together, like they've always been this way.

I grab my phone off the nightstand and snap a picture. I can't resist. They're too perfect not to capture this moment. The camera shutter sound is quiet, but it's enough to make Hudson stir. He sits up slowly, looking around, and when Danielle snorts in her sleep, he grabs a pillow and plops it on her face.

"Hudson, no!" I whisper, pulling the pillow away, but I can't stop laughing.

Either my laughter or her own snort wakes Danielle, and she blinks at the two of us like we're aliens.

"Why are you two weirdos just sitting there staring at me?" she grumbles, her voice thick with sleep.

"Morning, sunshine," I tease, smirking. "You were out cold. So cold, in fact, that you didn't hear a single one of your alarms while I was in the shower."

"That's weird. I never oversleep," she mumbles, rubbing her eyes and yawning. Her hair is a tangled mess, and her face has pillow creases etched into it. She looks like a grumpy, adorable little mess.

I scoop Hudson off the bed, kissing the top of his head. "Come on, little man. Let's let Mommy wake up properly. Time for breakfast."

"Yay! Breakfast!" Hudson cheers, bouncing in my arms.

In the kitchen, Hudson munches happily on banana slices and Cheerios while I sip my coffee. Danielle wanders in a few minutes later, freshly showered but still looking half-asleep. She grabs a banana off the counter and leans against it, taking a bite.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife," I greet her, grinning. Hudson beams up at her, his cheeks stuffed with banana.

"Good morning, Hudson!" she coos, kissing his cheeks all over. "Can I have a bite of your banana? Will you share with Mommy?"

"No, no, no!" Hudson shouts, clutching his banana like it's the most valuable thing in the world.

"You heard the man," I say, shrugging.

Danielle rolls her eyes. "Speaking of Hudson," she says, crossing her arms. "What's the plan? I can't take him to work with me."

"Well, I can't take him to work with me either," I reply, already bracing for the argument I know is coming. "You work with kids, let him get a head start."

Her glare could probably melt steel. "Dawson, you sit in an office most of the day. You can keep an eye on him way easier than I can. He's going with you. His diaper bag is already packed, including a change of clothes. Have a nice day!" She grabs her purse, blows Hudson a kiss, and marches out the door before I can get another word in.

"Bye, Mommy!" Hudson squeals, waving enthusiastically.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Well, buddy, looks like it's just me and you today. Ready to go to work with Daddy?"