Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(34)

“Yeah, and her husband Rusty. Little Sarah is the one that’s still attached to the umbilical cord.”

“Okay. I think I’ve got it.”

“We could go back to my room and ignore them.”

“No. This is nice. Thanks for inviting me.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re the first woman who wants to know them. All the others were quick to want to leave. It’s nice. I hope you’ll show up next week.”

“Seriously? I’m the only person who wanted to know your family. That’s ridiculous. Where did you pick these women up, and why?” I’m sort of confused as to how he could pick all the wrong kind of women to spend his time with.

“Walmart, silly. That’s where I always shop for women on a budget.” He hands me a drink as he says it. “It’s tea. Aunt Miranda makes the best. She learned it from Ty’s mom, the older couple who just walked in.”

I nod like I’m getting it all, but know I’ll be confused later. “I’m sure that’s where you found them.” I sip at the tea, while he pulls me along, a little toddler following us.

“Don’t mind my sweet Madison. She has a crush on her uncle.”

The little blonde is adorable, just like her uncle. They have the same dimples. Before I can reply, someone comes from behind us. “You two would make the cutest set of parents.” It’s Callie. She’s winking at her brother, as if I won’t notice.

Josh reacts quickly. “Shut your mouth. I ain’t having kids for a long time.”

I’m uncomfortable. It’s not exactly the conversation two people have after a week of being a couple. We’re struggling to find a common ground on the labeling. I don’t plan on missing one single birth control pill for the next couple years, at least.

When dinner starts it’s easier to handle the crowd. I sit next to Josh, who keeps me close to his sisters.

They let loose, cutting up on each other and then laughing it away. It’s beautiful to see them together, but what’s the most wonderful sight is turning to see Josh smiling at me when our eyes meet. It just feels right.





Chapter 15


Joshua


I’m hugging her goodbye, wishing I was able to go along with her and family for their vacation. After six weeks of seeing each other as much as possible, I’m standing at the airport kissing my girlfriend one more time before she boards a plane for Mexico. “Call me when you land.”

“I will.”

“Are you sure there’s Wi-Fi?”

“That’s what the brochure says, but I doubt it’s high speed. I’ll be lucky if we can Skype.”

“It’s only a week and then you’ll be home.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to buy a ticket and come with me?” She asks.

“Your parents paid for this trip before we were together. It’s important to them. I’m good. Our cattle shipment goes out on Tuesday, so I’ll be busy for the most part. It’s only at night where it’ll hit me hard.”

Tamsyn makes a sad face, her bottom lip protruding. “You’re sweet when you get all sensitive.”

“What can I say? You bring out the best in me.”

She giggles.

“Don’t go hooking up with any island dudes. I can’t compete with those tans.”

She slaps me on the ass. “Stop it. They don’t compare to the man I have waiting back at home.”

It’s been over a month since we started dating each other, and not one of those days have I ever considered being with anyone else. She gets me. She loves my family, and they love her right back. I feel lucky, blessed even. She’s all mine, and she reminds me as much as possible. I’ve fallen for her, and without saying it I think she’s fully aware. I don’t hide it. There’s no reason to. I’m happy, content, and optimistic that there’s so much more for us to come. “Tell me you’ll miss me again.”

“I’ll miss you,” I say against her lips. “So much.”

“When I get back we’ll spend the whole weekend in bed. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

She laces our hands together and looks into my eyes. “I know this is probably stupid, but in case the plane goes down, there’s something I want you to know.”

“Don’t say it.”

She’s laughing at me, because she knows it scares the shit out of me. “What? Why can’t I say it?”

“Because. The plane won’t crash. Don’t you dare say it. It’ll make it worse.”

“Oh, you poor baby. Am I still allowed to feel it? Can I mouth the words?”

I place my finger over her lips to prevent it from happening. “No.” We’re both smiling. We’re always smiling. That’s how I am certain it’s real.

“Fine, but I do. Just so you know. Maybe I’ll text it before we take off.”

She starts backing away. “You better not. I don’t want to hear it until you’re back in my arms.”

“Six days, babe. Then you’re going to hear it all the time.”

“Okay.” That will give me enough time to practice in the mirror. I have to get it right, because I don’t want to f*ck it up.