Page 90 of Cabin Fever Baby

“I can’t wait to meet this woman.”

I hoped to God I got to introduce her to them. “I’m going to drive by the cabin and see if there’s lights on. If there’s aren’t, I guess I’ll go over in the morning.”

Probably.

I wasn’t sure I was above pounding on the door until someone opened it. Even if it was one of her brothers.

I didn’t think I could go another night without at least talking to her. If I was going to stare at the ceiling during another sleepless night, I’d do it while knowing I’d tried my best to figure out this mess.

“All right, man. I think you’re nuts, but love makes us crazy. Remember when Cecily broke up with me over the summer before I went to college?”

“That was an ugly time.”

My middle triplet brother wasn’t the best judge of women. He’d gone out with more than one unhinged woman in high school, continuing the pattern right through college.

Finn laughed. “She was a wild one. I heard she’s married with two kids and lives in Cicero. Freaking crazy life.”

We’d lived our whole life in the Syracuse area. After hearing my dad’s history with our mom, it was crazy to me that it almost hadn’t happened. I couldn’t let that be me and Ocean. At least not without a fight.

“I hear that if you’re looking for a family, Crescent Cove is the place to be. Maybe you’ll meet the future Mrs. MacGregor before you finish building your fancy spa.”

Finn snorted. “We’ll see about that one. I need to get the contract before I worry about that.”

Knowing Finn’s track record, that was probably a good plan. “Wish me luck.”

“You got it. Text me if you need to get drunk. I’ll meet you in the basement.”

“Thanks, Finn.”

“You got it, man. Go get your girl.”

As I was pulling out of the driveway, flurries started to fall. It was either a good sign or an omen, I wasn’t sure which.

By the time I got around the lake to Bond Lane, the snow was starting to stick. I gripped the steering wheel as a flash of my last trip ending in a careening spin made my throat go dry. But my dad’s SUV was sturdy and a much heavier piece of machinery than the Versa, so I was able to tamp down my nerves.

Slowly, I made my way up the private lane to see my Versa was still very much under a mountain of snow. In my love stupor, I’d forgotten to have it towed out.

However, that was a future Hudson problem. I had one focus, and it was Ocean Hawkins. As I eased around the bend and got past the tree cover, the picture-perfect cabin came into view. The whole place was glowing with warmth.

The tree was on, as well as the living room lights.

I parked behind a motorcycle and a massive black truck. There was another SUV covered in snow. That must have been Ocean’s vehicle.

My stomach flipped and headed for my throat.

I was not going to be sick. I was going to go in there and tell her I loved her and that she should give us a chance.

Even if I didn’t have a fucking plan.

God, I was so stupid.

Why would she want to give me a chance? I didn’t even know if I wanted to go back to Chicago.

Actually, I did know.

I knew it wasn’t a good fit anymore, but how could I expect this bright, beautiful woman to take a leap when I didn’t have a plan.

I paused on the steps, ready to turn around.