Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(59)

I don’t hug her when we part ways in the parking lot, nor do I make plans to see her. Something holds me back from being able to look at her the same way I used to. Where I figured this might help us find common ground, has only left a bigger hole in my heart.

I take the sonogram photograph home for my parents to see. I can tell they’re still on the fence about being excited that Liv is having their grandchild. My mom misses Tamsyn being around the house. She’s constantly asking if I’ve heard from her. They don’t ever speak of Liv, or ask her over for a meal. Wes and Cammie haven’t come to dinner in weeks, and with Christmas on the horizon I’m wondering if it’s best if I pack up my things and head to Kentucky, where I know not a single person will be since they’re all planning on celebrating at our place this year.



For the most part, I’ve been keeping busy during the day, and sleeping a lot at night. I haven’t been able to touch my video game system because it reminds me too much of Tamsyn. I’ve thought about seeing if she’s online, but at this point I have to throw in the towel. If she wanted to speak to me she’d return my phone calls.

I do a little Christmas shopping that following weekend. I’m not sure why I stop, but I find myself at a jewelry store, staring down at engagement rings. I would have liked to put one of them on Tamsyn’s finger if we’d been together longer. It’s the constant reminders that drive me nuts.

When I leave the mall I’ve found myself in the possession of a present for Tamsyn, but in order to get her attention I’m going to have to do something drastic. I head home and change into a slim fitted black suit and tie, style my hair, and put on her favorite cologne. Then I hop back in my truck and drive straight to the dealership hoping she’s there.

When I pull in I’m fully aware she’ll recognize the truck. A salesman comes outside to stalk me for a sale, but I tell him I already have a person I’m working with. A half hour later he comes out again, and I patiently tell him I’m waiting for Tamsyn to assist me. Standing in front of the newest Shelby Mustang they’ve got in, I’m determined to see her again, even if it’s as she’s heading to her car when the place closes.

Finally, nearly an hour after waiting, I see a female coming out of the building, except she’s not the Tamsyn I would normally recognize. Her once platinum hair is a natural shade of honey brown. It’s long and straightened, and as she gets closer I notice her makeup is way lighter than she usually puts it on. She’s stunning. I can’t take my eyes off of her. “You look amazing.”

“What are you doing here, Josh? You’re embarrassing me. Why are you dressed like that?”

“I’m here to trade in my truck and wanted to be professional.”

“What? You love that truck.”

“I need a change.”

“And you want to buy this, I assume?” She points to the Mustang.

I nod. “Well, duh.”

“Josh, it’s terrible for a baby seat.”

“I was hoping that if I buy the Mustang I’d have a reason to see you.”

“So you’re going to buy a car from me so I have to see you? Are you crazy? Why are you really wearing a suit? Did someone die?”

“I am when it comes to loving you.” I pull a wrapped tiny box from the pocket of my dress pants. It took me forever to make the selection, but I know she’ll love it. The most important part is the note that I’ve included.

She sees the size and backs away. “No. You can’t buy me gifts in boxes like that one.”

“I can do what I please. It’s Christmas.”

“Go home, Josh.”

She’s walking away. “What made you change your hair, Tamsyn?”

When she turns to face me again she’s got tears in her eyes. “Someone I loved told me every day that I didn’t need the hair and makeup to be beautiful, so I took his advice.”

“Loved, as in past tense?”

“Don’t do this to me. I’ve been doing better. You can’t come here and mess up my progress.”

“God, I miss you.” I have to ignore her wishes. It’s been too damn long.

“Seriously, Josh. It’s Christmas time. It’s hard enough being alone for the holidays. I can’t have you making me depressed.”

I push the small box toward her. “Open it.”

I can tell she’s reluctant. “I don’t want to.”

“Why?”

“Because I know it came from your heart.”

“So what if it did?”

She shoves it back at me. “I can’t accept it.”

“Come out with me after work.”

“No!”

I chuckle. “I recall going through this once before. I got my way in the end.”

“I’m seeing someone,” she announces.

It’s like a kick to my gut. I don’t know why I thought she’d still be hung up on me. Maybe when the excitement wore off I wasn’t everything she once assumed. Maybe I hurt her so badly she couldn’t get past the betrayal. My gift isn’t going to bring her back to me, that’s for sure. “Does he treat you right?” I hate asking.

“Yeah. It’s new, so I don’t know where it’s going, but I’m having fun.”