Page 39 of Jude

She just recognized a lifeline thrown into her deep, churning waters.

‘I understand,’ she said, her voice firm despite the slight tremor in her hands. ‘I accept.’

Chapter 10

SOFIA

Aday later, Maggie marched me through the glass doors of a bright, high-end department store in an air-conditioned mall in Vermont.

She pushed a chrome shopping cart with purpose, her eyes scanning the racks of cotton blouses, denim trousers, and leather boots while she pulled garments from the hangers.

Maggie dropped a stack of cotton tees into the basket, followed by a stunning dress.

‘You’ll need a full wardrobe for the Tennessee humidity, Sofia. Most of all, a simple, elegant dress for the courthouse tomorrow morning. My son has a black titanium card, and it’s our civic duty to stretch it. He told me I’ve no limits and I plan to test his word.’

I ran my fingers over the smooth silk of the ivory-colored dress she pulled on, the fabric cool and luxe.

‘It’s far too beautiful, signora. Also too expensive.’

‘Call me Maggie, love,’ she corrected with a gentle smile, taking the garment from my hands and holding it up to my shoulders to gauge the length. ‘And you deserve it all; we all need a little joy in our lives every so often. This tone suits you. We’ll take it.’

She piled her shopping cart with more selections, and I, helpless to say no, followed her lead, picking a few pieces I liked.

As we walked toward the shoe department, my initial excitement at the unexpected shopping trip gave way to a disquieting worry.

What the hell was I doing right now?

I was about to marry a tall, inked, muscled rock star I had just met and move to Nashville with him.

I’d be living under his roof, invading his personal space, and playing house with a total stranger.

This wasn’t some casual roommate situation; I’d be invading his privacy as his inconvenient wife.

How was he even going to treat me behind closed doors?

He appeared to be the type who lived for his quiet routine.

The second I messed up his vibe or got on his nerves, what was stopping him from just tossing me out at a moment’s warning?

I’d be at his mercy, stranded in a strange city with zero backup. Praying he wouldn’t just lose his mind and dump me on the curb the minute he got annoyed by my existence.

‘He won’t bite, you know,’ Maggie said, reading my thoughts, speaking into my spiraling concern. ‘Jude will be a total gentleman, Sofia. I raised him right. If he fumbles the ball even once, you call me immediately and I’ll chew his head off.’

Despite myself, I chuckled at the fierce, protective expression in her eyes. I wanted to believe her; I did, but on the other hand, I couldn’t picture it.

Her son wasn’t some soft-hearted guy who aimed to please.

Jude was forbidding and brooding, carrying himself with aloofness, making the idea of domestic bliss with him feel like a huge gamble.

Maggie picked up a pair of leather flats, turning them over to check the sole before her blue eyes found mine.

‘Jude told me about your parents, Sofia,’ Maggie murmured just above the store’s music, changing the subject. ‘I’m sorry for your loss. It’s a heavy burden to navigate this world without them.’

A sudden ache squeezed my ribs, and I tightened my grip on the handle of the shopping cart. I swallowed the dryness in my throat, staring down at my scuffed sneakers.

‘Thank you. I miss mum. Every single day, I think about her. Also about my dad.’

‘You have anyone else?’