Coming home every day to a house filled with love, laughter, and a newfound peace is nothing short of a blessing. It’s a gift that had been cruelly snatched away and then unexpectedly returned through Kerry’s presence. She’s rekindled a part of me I thought had left forever with my late wife—the ability to connect intimately, to foster a personal relationship that transcends the boundaries of family and business. In her, I’ve found someone I can come home to and share all my problems, fears, worries, stresses, and even joy. Kerry has become a friend, a friend I’m grateful to have in my life.

Granted, we butt heads nearly every day, but by the end of the night, when it’s just us, sipping on wine and whiskey, all is forgotten. The only thing that remains is the comfort our presence seems to bring each other.

“Alright, stop with all the coded looks,” I say, snapping out of my thoughts and narrowing my eyes at Hudson and Mom, who are exchanging smug glances. “It’s obvious that Kerry’s awesome. She’s sweet, nurturing, funny, smart. She’s… she’s perfect for the girls.”

“Who knows?” Mom shrugs, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Maybe she’s perfect for you too.” She adds a playful wink as if that’s supposed to be subtle.

I shake my head, letting out a dry laugh. “Nope, not happening. I’m her boss, Mom. I’d never cross that line,” I say firmly, ignoring the flicker of heat in my chest as I think about the one or two too many times I almost did.

“You sure ‘bout that?” Hudson asks, arching an eyebrow. “You got that dinner date tomorrow night, and I know Kerry’s gonna be lookin’ good. Umm, umm, umm, that woman…” He trails off, shaking his head with an exaggerated grin, clearly imagining Kerry in some disrespectful scenario that sets my blood boiling.

I glare at him, my jaw clenching tight. “Hudson,” I snap, my voice dropping an octave, “whatever you’re thinking, you better chill… now.”

His grin evaporates, and he throws his hands up in mock surrender. “So… your friend slash nanny that you’d never cross the line with is off-limits, even in my thoughts? Got it.” He rolls his eyes, leaning back in his chair like he’s the victim here.

“Boys, that’s enough talk about Ms. Kind,” Mom cuts in, her tone sharp enough to slice through the tension. She smooths down the front of her blouse, giving us both a look that brokers no argument. “Besides, she’s way too good for the both of you.”

Hudson mumbles under his breath but wisely keeps it low enough that I can’t catch the words.

“Now,” Mom continues, her voice all business, “let’s focus. We’ve got a PR situation to handle, remember?”