Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(44)

I spend the next hour trying to get to know as many family members as I’m able to, up until it’s time to change into our costumes. I help get the food set up, alongside of Isabella and Christian. They talk my head off about my relationship with Josh, and if I think we have the potential to get married one day. I try not to think that far ahead, but when it’s mentioned I have to step back and consider what it would like to be a real part of this huge family. I’d love it. They make me feel wanted, like I belong.

Then it happens. I see Wes first, followed by his sister. I scan the room in search of Josh. He’s lifting a chair above his head to make room for another table, and she’s looking right at him. My blood starts to boil. I feel defensive, as if I need to make it known that he’s mine. Maybe it’s childish, but our past history tells me this is relevant and necessary.

I excuse myself from the women and make my way to Josh. He’s already sat the chair down and offers me his undivided attention. My arms go around his. He reciprocates and kisses me on the forehead. “You ready to get dressed in our costumes?”

“Yeah. I think that’s what everyone is planning on doing. Then we have pictures outside in about an hour.”

“I’m a little overwhelmed. Maybe we should have picked costumes that weren’t so revealing.” I have his undivided attention. Josh hasn’t seen the suit. He’s in for a big surprise.

“If it’s that sexy, I might not let you out of my room.”

“I might be okay with that.”

He slaps me on the butt as we leave the building, me totally forgetting about what’s her name with her looming eyes. I’ve got the guy. That’s all I care about.



Josh has been sitting on his bed patiently waiting for me to come out of the bathroom. The pleather bodysuit was a bitch to get on, but I’ve managed. I tuck my blonde hair into the kitten headpiece, and then make sure my mask is straight before grabbing my whip and opening the door to reveal myself.

Batman is smiling. He’s cupping his groin as I take the whip and snap it, while purring, “Ohhh, I’ve been a bad bad kitty.”

“Holy mother of Jesus, I’ve just died and gone to heaven.”

I crawl onto his lap and lick up the side of his face, keeping in character. “This * needs some attention.” I’m rocking back and forth over him, while he attempts to kiss me in his Batman attire. We both stop in order to laugh.

“I don’t want you going out there dressed like this.”

“Why?”

“Because, this should be for my eyes only. I’m not kidding.”

“How about I promise to wear it whenever you want.”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

“I know,” I whisper against his lips. “Can I use the whip?”

“Oh yeah. We’re going to use it.”

I cackle and kiss him again. “If you keep talking like that I might not want go anywhere.”

He picks me up and carries me toward the door. “Tonight, after this shit is over with, I’m bringing you back to this room and f*cking the shit out of you. That’s a promise.”

“Meow,” I say against his ear. Josh slaps me hard on the ass as he continues carrying me down the stairs.

His parents are about to head out too. They’re dressed as Raggedy Ann and Andy. They’re adorable. When they both see what Josh and I are wearing their eyes increase in size. “Wow,” his mom announces. “You two look amazing.”

“Thanks,” I quickly reply. “Are you sure it isn’t too much?”

“Are you kidding? Josh has dressed up as a farmer for the past five years. This is fantastic.”

He raises his brows, but the mask just moves. “Let’s get this show on the road. The sooner I can take off this head thing, the better.”

We make the short walk to the barn hand in hand. His cape is blowing with the breeze, the whole time he’s complaining about whatever he can. “My nuts are squished. I’m going to be chafed. My back itches.”

“Will you quit bitching? It’s one party, and then you get a reward.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

We’re the center of attention when we enter the area. Not everyone is back, but the majority of the family stands and watches us coming into the decorated space. Cassie and Logan have decided to be Vikings, while Callie and Cob are a football player and cheerleader. Uncle Tyler and Aunt Miranda are dressed as jars of peanut butter and jelly, while his sons have taken their costumes to extremes. One is dressed as a large penis, and the other is the set of testicles, with hair might I add. Amber and Reese compliment them in matching playboy bunny outfits. All of the children are dressed up as different farm animals. There’s a cow, a pig, a chicken, a dog, and a cat so far. They’re super adorable. Cammie and Wes are in the far corner. He’s adjusting something on the back of her Minnie Mouse ensemble. He’s her soul mate, Mickey, while someone recognizable lingers behind them alone. I know who it is, and try not to pay attention to the French maid, barely there, shirt and top. It only takes her a second to locate Josh and toss him a smile, while looking at me only after she’s finished. He squeezes my hand. “I’m going to tell her to leave.”

“No.” I hold on so he can’t walk away. “It’s fine.”