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Thought you’d like to know we’re official. That’s the message I read seconds before I click on an image attached to Hudson’s text, my hand coming up to cover my mouth as I take in the picture.

It’s a side image caught from someone who must have been standing behind me as Hudson ran off stage and lifted me into his arms. I’m looking down at him with a wide smile on my face and he’s looking up at me, beaming. Given the lighting, the image isn’t the clearest, but you can see it’s us.

I’m getting ready to respond and ask him where he got the picture when another text comes through, linking me to an online news article.

What’s next for Hudson James? We talk to the rising country star about his debut album, his current tour with country royalty, Travis Travers, and even dive into his love life.

Following the headline is a couple pictures of Hudson performing on stage and then a question and answers section between the reporter who did the article and Hudson.

I read through the whole thing, learning I know most of the answers before reading his responses. But I pause when I come across what I’ve been looking for since he sent me the link.

Q: So your fans are dying to know. Hudson, is there a special lady in your life? Someone who’s inspired some of your incredible songs?

A: She’s more than just special.

My heart hammers in my chest and I can’t read the words fast enough.

Q: Well don’t keep us in suspense. Do tell. Who is she? How did you two meet? Is it serious?

A: I’d prefer to keep her to myself for a little while longer. But yes, it’s serious.

Q: Serious as is in she might be the one?

A: Serious as in she is the one.

Everything blurs on the screen and I swear if I wasn’t sitting on my couch I would most definitely be on the floor.

My hands begin to shake when I spot the picture Hudson sent me right below the last answer.

Hudson James may not have been ready to share the identity of his mystery woman, but someone backstage sure was. Snapping this very intimate photo of James right after his performance in Houston this past weekend. The woman has since been identified as twenty-seven year old interior designer, Lennon Claire.

My stomach rolls and I’m not sure if I want to scream in joy because the world knows he belongs to me or if I want to puke because, well, the world now knows he belongs to me.

My phone beeps in my hand and I look down to see another message from Hudson.

Hudson: Lennon?

It takes me a moment to realize that he can see I’ve read his messages and he’s probably worried that I haven’t responded.

Me: Just read the article.

Hudson: And?

Me: You said I was the one.

Hudson: You are the one.

Me: I think that might be a little premature.

I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to accept that he would think that way about me when I thought he was the one five years ago after one night together.

Hudson: When you know, you know.

I smile, able to envision the relaxed smile on his face followed by a slight shrug of his shoulders.

Hudson: I was worried you might be upset that they named you.

Me: Why would that upset me? I’m more than happy to scream it from the rooftops.

Hudson: It can get a little tricky in my line of work.

Me: Meaning what?

Hudson: Meaning people might come looking for you.

Me: As in fans?

Hudson: As in fans, reporters, photographers, or anyone else who might be curious.

Me: Should I be worried?

Hudson: No, of course not. But you should be prepared if someone were to approach you. Might be a good idea to have some answers in mind for questions people might throw at you. Or at least that’s what J said. She’s not too happy about the photo being leaked, but like I told her, it’s not like I’m trying to hide you.

I think back to the one time I met Hudson’s PR manager, Jane. She didn’t seem too thrilled about me then. I can only imagine how she feels about me now.

Me: What are you doing right now? Can we talk on the phone instead of texting?

Hudson: I’m at sound check. Promise I’ll call you later. I just wanted you to be aware.

Me: Okay.

Hudson: You sure you’re okay with this?

Me: Not much we can do about it now. But yes, I love you, Hudson. I don’t care if the whole world knows it.

Hudson: Good. I love you too. Talk soon.

I sigh, dropping my phone on the couch next to me before letting out what sounds like a laugh and groan all balled into one.

On one hand, I really don’t care that they named me as the woman in Hudson’s life. Hell, I’m glad they did. On the other, it makes me nervous to think that people might seek me out.

Shaking it off, I snag my phone from where I dropped it seconds ago and quickly pull up my recent calls, clicking on Emma’s name.

If there’s anyone that can calm the sudden nervousness inside of me, it’s my best friend. The second I hear her voice on the other end I relax.

I pace the floor of my living room as I go over everything with Emma. I haven’t spoken to her since I got back from Texas five days ago. She hasn’t been at work because she’s had some stomach bug and I’ve been pretty distracted so I use this opportunity to fill her in on not only the article but also on my weekend with Hudson.

Nearly an hour later I’m lounging on my balcony, sipping a margarita, feeling a lot more calm about how quickly my life is changing.

Emma reminded me of what’s really important – which I knew she would – and that’s Hudson and how I feel about him. The rest is just a bunch of noise. I just have to learn how to tune it out and focus on him.