Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(68)

Josh sits the open box on my food tray and looks right at me. “It’s been two days. Are we ever going to talk about why you came to the ranch that night?”

“I wanted to see you.”

“Because of my present?”

“Because I can’t accept such an extravagant gift.”

“Either way you’d be wearing it. I just figured to get it out of the way sooner than later.”

“Josh.”

He leans in and kisses me on the side of my cheek. “I’m in no hurry, but one day you’ll be my wife. If you’re not ready to wear the ring, we’ll put it away for safe keeping, but it won’t be returned, not unless you decide I’m not the man you want.”

I giggle. “You know that’s never happening, right?”

“Yeah. I do now.”

It’s quiet for a few seconds. “I don’t have anything to give you.”

“You’re alive,” he corrects. “You’re having a baby, and I know it’s mine. If that’s not enough, I’ll be happy with your heart. That’s all I want for Christmas.”

“I’m pregnant.” I say it as a statement. “I always took my pills. I mean, I missed and did it the next morning a couple of times, but I never completely missed.”

He’s laughing at me. “You know what, if you were anyone else I’d be pissed, but hearing that you’re carrying my child gives me fulfillment.”

“We haven’t been together that long, Josh. It’s too soon.”

He waves his hand. “Nonsense. There’s no rules. You lived with me for a time. You know what to expect.”

“The doctor says it’s still early. I could miscarry too. We have to prepare for anything.”

“You won’t, but if something happens and I’m wrong, we’ll try again later. I’d rather be young and get to enjoy our children then to be too damn old to do anything with them.”

“Them? Our children? Like plural?”

“Yeah. Our plural children. Why? Is that a problem?”

I shrug. “It’s a bit terrifying.”

“I’m not afraid of anything as long as I have you by my side.”

I take the ring out of the box and hold it out for him. “It would be a waste to keep it stored away. What will it hurt to wear it?”

He smirks, takes the ring, and slips it on my left hand finger. “It’s just a ring.”

“It’s the ring, Josh. You’re crazy.”

“I’m nostalgic. It’s Christmas. Besides, it’s a promise. By wearing it you promise to be mine. If something changes you can take it off.”

“I doubt that will happen.” I hold up my hand and stare at the sparkling jewels. “I feel bad for feeling happy.”

“Why?”

“Because my happiness means someone else is miserable.”

“She’s getting help,” he says. “They’re doing a psych evaluation on her this week. Wes said they hired a good lawyer, and even they said she won’t get off scott free. She’s going to have to do time, at least in a medical facility.”

“What happens when she gets out?”

“We don’t need to worry about that now.”

“I trust you, Josh.” I never thought I could again, but everything has changed. It’s not about his gift, or what I’ve been through. It’s because I know without a doubt that he’s loyal to me. If this were Shaun, I’d consider an abortion, but with Josh the thought never crossed my mind. It’s not the best time, in fact it’s awful, but we’ll get through it.

“I talked to your parents last night. If you’re up for it, I think you should move back into the farmhouse. We should be together.”

I nod. “Okay.”

“Wow, that was quick.” I can tell he’s pleased. “My mom will be thrilled.”

“I lied to you,” I begin. “I told you I was seeing someone.”

Josh snickers and comes in for a kiss. He stops before our lips make contact. “I know you lied.”

“How?”

“I went through your phone.”

“Seriously,” I manage to get out before we kiss.

“Yep. I was going to let him know you were already spoken for, but there was no mystery man, not even on social media.”

“Josh, really?”

“Your password is my gamer name. You’re so predictable.”

“Smart ass. How do you think I came up with the idea?” He knows it’s true. I checked the night of the accident in my office. His password is still my gamer name.

The room begins to fill, and after a few minutes I realize that they’ve all brought gifts and food, and my parents. Jax comes walking in with a small decorated tree, while Jake carries huge bags of wrapped boxes. There are babies and juices, and I swear I smell bacon being carried in, followed by a couple nurses lending some extra chairs. I turn to Josh in shock. “What’s all this?”

“You couldn’t come to us for Christmas, so everyone is bringing it to you, darlin’.”

I start to cry. It’s beautiful and thoughtful, and so much more than I could ever ask for. Josh leans down and whispers in my ear. “All the presents are for you.”