Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(52)

“I’ve been a wreck about it for days. You know that. You kept asking, but I didn’t know how to tell you. It’s been killing me. I knew it would hurt you, and the idea of that kept me from coming clean.”

“You didn’t tell me because you knew I’d leave.”

“You’re right. That’s a big part of it.”

“Wow, look, he does know how to tell the truth,” she says sarcastically.

I reach for her but she pulls away. “Tamsyn.”

“I thought you were the one. I really did. I could picture our future so clearly. You had me going. You were perfect, portraying a man any woman could love. You were right to warn me in the beginning. You told me you’d mess up, but I gave you the benefit of doubt.” She pauses for a second, breaking down again. She’s so close I can touch her, but I don’t attempt it. “I can’t stay here with you. I can’t look at your family.”

“Don’t leave. They love you. I love you. Please don’t do this.”

“It’s done, Josh. We’re done and I’m going home.” She storms past me and climbs back on the horse. “I’d appreciate it if you got someone to give you a ride back home next week. I’m taking the truck back to North Carolina. I’ll get my things from the ranch while you’re away so it’s easier on the both of us.”

I run my hands through my hair. I’m in shock. This wasn’t supposed to happen for weeks. I know I didn’t deserve the extra time with her, but at least I would have been prepared.

I sink down on my knees and watch her riding away, my heart shattering into a million pieces as the first set of tears run down my cheeks.





Chapter 24


Olivia


For the record, I didn't know my brother was going to go through the trash and find the pregnancy test. When he confronted me I wanted to lie, but Wes is hard to convince. Besides, I need someone on my side to help me through this. If he discovered it was Josh he'd feel obligated to help us work out our differences.

The call comes in a little after nine. When I see his name pop up on my screen I already know what's it about. Wes has arrived in Kentucky and given Josh an ear full.

I take a few deep breaths and prepare to get yelled at. "Hey Josh."

"How could you?"

I play dumb. "How could I what?"

His voice is different. It almost sounds like he's crying, but that's not possible. "She's gone, Liv. Tamsyn overheard everything. She's packing up and leaving. She ended it between us. FUCK!" He screams.

"I don't understand."

"You told your brother. You knew how he would react. How could you?"

"Josh, I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

"Of course I'm not okay. The first woman to ever love me is leaving me. How do you think I am?"

"She's not the first person," I correct him.

"Don't. Don't you dare compare what we had to my relationship with Tamsyn. That woman means everything to me. I just watched my possible future look me in the eyes and tell me it's over. You should have seen her. How could I do this?"

He really is crying, and it's breaking my heart. "Josh, please don't cry. Jesus, you have to calm down."

"I can't. I won't. You ruined me. I had one chance and you took it away from me."

"I'm sorry. I never meant for it to come out like this."

"Well it did. I hope you're happy. You got exactly what you wanted. She's out of the picture."

I actually feel terrible he's going through this heartbreaking time. Guilt stricken and obviously over emotional, I do my best to comfort him. "Go after her Josh. It's getting late and she's probably a mess. Hunt her down and convince her to stay. Maybe after you've both calmed down you can talk more."

"She told me to leave her alone."

"Just do what I say. Show her you won't give up."

"I shouldn't be talking to you about this."

"It's okay. I owe you that much. Tamsyn is stubborn. She's probably rushing to get out of there, so get off the phone and stop her, Josh."

He hangs up the phone without another word. I'm still in shock. Joshua Healy doesn't cry. He rarely expresses any emotions except for disgust. She really has changed him, but there's still a part of me that hopes he can't convince her to stay, because if the pregnancy tests are accurate, I'm going to have to work my ass off to win back the father of my child.





Chapter 25


Tamsyn


I don't even remember getting back to the stables, but thankfully I manage. I don't waste time taking the saddle off the horse, but instead make a beeline for the mansion where my luggage awaits. I'm halfway through the long dirt lane when I hear the sound of a horse running. I don't have to look back to know its Josh; the man who just ripped my heart from my chest.

He's calling my name. "Tamsyn, stop!"

At first I don't want to listen, until I hear the struggle in his voice. As mad as I am, it still gets to me to hear him this upset. "What?"

"Don't leave. The roads are tricky and you don't know your way. At least wait until morning."