Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(57)

She’s right. I have to accept that she’s willing to stay with me for the remainder of the week. “Okay.” I kiss her hand.

“Can you ask your sister and Wes to keep the news a secret?”

“They already are. My parents didn’t even know.”

“Good. I don’t want it to be weird. I’ve been looking forward to this holiday for a long time. It would be nice to have this week with you. Maybe we can figure out how to stay friends.” She’s breaking down as she says it. “I’m so sorry, Josh. This hurts me. It’s killing me. I don’t want to lose this, but I can’t stay. I won’t share you.”

I pull her into my arms and hold her there. It’s terrible – all of it.

“I know, babe. It’s ripping me apart, but I get it.”

She rests her forehead over mine. “Just know that I love you. I’m angry. I’m in shock, but I still love you.”

“This isn’t the end of us. I swear it.”





Chapter 27


Tamsyn


I moved out of the Healy home on the Tuesday we returned to North Carolina. Josh helped me pack my things, the whole time begging me for another chance. After our episode the first night, I spent every second of the holiday with him, but never changed my mind. We kept the peace. He held me every night before bed, sometimes we’d cry. It’s was draining, but necessary. I’m glad I stayed. It was important for both of us to have some kind of closure, if that’s possible. I can’t sit around knowing someone else is carrying his child; someone who loves him and wants him for herself. I’ll never trust them. It won’t work.

I don’t know how I’m supposed to move forward with my life. My short romance with Josh has left me wondering if I’m better off alone. I’m back at the dorms, but seriously considering going home. I need the support of my parents now more than ever.

I’ve promised Amy I’d stay in touch, though I know it will be too difficult to maintain a relationship with her while her son remains under her roof. He called me four times the first day, three, the second, and continues to send messages constantly. I’m hoping it wears off, not because I want to cut ties, but because it’s what we both need. I can’t hang on to hope that isn’t there.

A week after the breakup I receive a message from Livvy via text message. It’s short and to the point.

We need to talk. – Livvy

I wait a full day to respond, because honestly, I have no idea if I want to face her. Everything that’s happening in my life is a direct result of her. On the other hand, it’s time she gets what’s been coming to her from day one.



When and where? – Tamsyn

We make plans to meet up in the parking lot of our old favorite ice cream shop. It’s been closed for years, so we’ll have plenty of privacy. After a long day of classes, I drive straight to the location and pull up next to her vehicle.

She’s wearing a pair of khaki pants and a white button down blouse, but her hair in up in a messy bun. She’s still pretty. I wonder if Josh thinks the same. Was it his attraction to her that he couldn’t fight?



“I’m here.” It’s all I can get out.



“Thanks for coming.” She’s leaning against her car with her hands in her pockets. I’d love to walk up and kick her ass, but she’s carrying a child and I’m not an *.

“I’m not doing it for you. I need answers, at the least an apology. You succeeded. You took away my chance at happiness. You ruined my relationship with Josh.”

“I didn’t make you break up. You did that yourself.”

“He cheated on me. Of course I’m not going to stick around for him to do it again.”

She laughs at my comment. “I’m pretty sure he’s learned his lesson.”

I roll my eyes. I hate her speaking to me like she knows him better than I do. “I’m not here to discuss what’s done.”

“Fine, I’ll get to the point. I’m going after Josh, and I want to make sure you back off. For the sake of our child I think it’s best if you weren’t still friends.”

“Are you f*cking kidding me? I love him. It’s bad enough I left, but you want us to sever all ties? Screw you, Livvy. I can’t force Josh to hate me.”

“Actually, you can.” She sighs. “I’ve made a ton of mistakes when it comes to him, but he’s trying to do the right thing and support me during this pregnancy. It’s a chance for us to start over. I’m not saying it will work, but I need to at least know you won’t be the reason.”

“You think you can force him to stop loving me? Go ahead and try.” I may not know everything there is to know about Josh, but I can feel his love for me. It’s still there. He’s just as heartbroken as the day I left. He still ends every single call with those three words. That’s probably why she’s coming to me. He’s obviously done it in front of her and she’s pissed about it.

“Have some respect for my unborn child.”

I hate her. She’s using that baby like I knew she would. “I hope that kid grows up to see you for the monster you are. You don’t deserve to be a part of his family. They’re too good for you.”