Page 16 of The Housekeeper's Billionaire Boss
Josiah put his arm around her and hugged her to him. “I’m glad too. Just wait ’til Christmas. Bandit makes cinnamon rolls that will make you believe in angels.”
More than anything, he was glad the dark circles under her eyes were lighter than they were before. Her entire countenance seemed refreshed. It made him feel good that he’d been able to help.
She hugged him around the chest. “The food is great, but mostly, I’ve loved how big your family is. Everyone talking and laughing and getting along.” She straightened and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I guess that sounds odd, huh?”
“No, it sounds like someone who likes a big family.”
“Molly,” Josiah’s mom, Caroline, said, “our typical tradition is to go Black Friday shopping in Amarillo. Would you want to go with us? It’s just us girls. We grab breakfast and then hit the stores for deals. We’d love to have you.”
Pauline leaned forward where she sat at the end of the table, holding her grandson, a babbling Travis, as he played with a plastic keyring. “Yes, Molly, we’d love it.”
Josiah had explained earlier when Pauline and Amos Fredricks first arrived who they were and their relationship with his family, basically part of the family. That Gabby and Stephanie were their two girls and now Gabby was married to his younger brother, Wyatt, and that Travis was their little boy.
Carrie Anne, Gabby, and Stephanie echoed their moms. “Absolutely.”
Reagan, who sat across from them, nodded. “Yes, it’ll be awesome.”
“Uh, well…I have Ellie…”
His mom flicked her gaze from Molly to Josiah. “Why don’t you and Josiah discuss it. No pressure at all. We just want you to know you’re welcome.” She smiled.
“Okay. Thank you. I’ll think about it.”
“Last year was so much fun,” his mom said with a chuckle.
Reagan rolled her eyes and leveled her gaze at Molly. “They’re laughing because last year at this time, I was pretending to be Hunter’s fiancée.”
Hunter’s entire face lit up neon red. “And all of you are grateful because her coffee is the best.”
Everyone at the table laughed and murmured agreements.
Hunter put his arm around Reagan. “She’s the best at a lot of things.”
Reagan’s cheeks turned deep red, and she ducked her head, smiling. “You’re married to me. You have to say that.”
“No, I don’t. It’s the truth.”
A second later, plastic keys flew across the table, and Travis giggled. Gabby waggled her finger at him. “No throwing, mister!”
He stuck his fingers in his mouth and bounced on Pauline’s lap.
Little cries began to carry into the dining room, and as Josiah started to get up, Molly stopped him. “It’s my turn.” She smiled.
“Okay.”
He watched as Molly walked out of the dining room and settled his gaze on the table. So far, this had been his best Thanksgiving ever. Maybe he could figure out a way to convince Molly she could date him or at least let him be a part of her and Ellie’s life. If he could find a way to prove he wouldn’t leave if things got hard, she’d be open to the idea.
His heart dipped low into his stomach. No. He’d seen her face when his mom put her on the spot. That’s not what he wanted, and he didn’t want her to pull away. How could he help her if she did that? It wasn’t worth losing her or Ellie just because he wanted something more. He needed to settle…like he always did.
It was best for both of them if he did that. If he somehow didn’t win Realtor of the Year, he’d be working for it the next year. Molly and Ellie needed someone who put them first, and until his goal was reached, he couldn’t do that.
Convincing Molly to date him and then not giving her the attention she deserved would be wrong. He didn’t want to do that to her. Not when she’d seemed so sad while talking about her childhood. The right thing to do was to keep things as they were. He’d help when he could, and maybe in a year or two, they could date.
If she was still available.
He rubbed the spot over his heart. It hurt to think that, but he wasn’t going to be selfish. After all, if he cared about her and Ellie, he’d want what was best for her, even if that wasn’t him.
Chapter 8
