Page 42 of Loving Josy
Wait... what was he saying? I blink, dazed, realizing I’ve been staring too long. “What?” I whisper, barely audible, my voice catching in my throat.
He chuckles, the sound deep and rich, and leans in so close that our breaths mingle. “Why are you thanking me?” he repeats, his tone softer now, almost reverent.
Oh, that’s what he asked. My cheeks heat as I finally gather my thoughts. “Because... because of how you’ve handled all of this,” I murmur, my voice trembling with emotion. “Your happy attitude toward this whole mess. I know we didn’t plan for this, but I’m so grateful. You’re so excited about this baby, so willing to be part of every step. Look at you, downloading apps, watching videos, doing all these things while I’ve barely had time to even Google ‘pregnancy.’”
His gaze softens, and his hand finds mine, his thumb tracing slow circles on the back of it.
“Josy,” he says with a low chuckle, “you’ve been busy building a business from the ground up. Give yourself some grace. We’ve got plenty of time to figure this out. Together.”
The warmth in his voice soothes the knot of guilt I hadn’t even realized I was carrying. I glance down at our joined hands, the strength in his grip anchoring me, grounding me in a way I didn’t know I needed.
“You really think we’ll figure it out?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I know we will.” His firm tone leaving no room for doubt. “We’re in this together, Josy. You, me, and Grape—whatever comes our way.” As I look into his eyes, I realize something: for the first time in a long time, I believe him.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Josy
Watching the snow fall has always been one of my favorite things to do. There’s something magical about sitting on the windowsill with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand, bundled up in soft pajamas, and witnessing the world outside transform into a pristine, quiet wonderland. The flakes drift down in slow, hypnotic patterns, blanketing everything in sight with a shimmering layer of white.
Here I am, alone on Christmas Eve, soaking in the peaceful beauty outside my window. Violet and Austin invited me to spend the evening at Austin’s parents' house, but I couldn’t bring myself to go. Noah invited me to spend the night with his family as well but the thought of dressing up, putting on makeup, and making small talk felt exhausting. Besides, my clothes have been getting tighter by the day, my growing baby bump making its presence known.
I glance down, resting a hand on my belly. The gentle curve feels both surreal and comforting, a quiet reminder of the little life growing inside me. My mom recently sent me some maternity dresses—flowy, soft pieces that pair perfectly with tights. I can still hear her voice when she handed them to me two weeks ago:“Pregnant women look beautiful in dresses, Jojo.”
I accepted her present and all the attention that she has been giving me. Her excitement when I told her the news was contagious.
Thinking of her, I grab my phone and shoot her a quick text.
Me: How’s the Caribbean treating you?
It doesn’t take long for her to reply.
Mom: It’s been wonderful! We’re relaxing on the beach and drinking margaritas. I just wish you could have come with us, Jojo.
Mom: Have you been sleeping and eating well?
A small smile tugs at my lips. Ever since I told her I was pregnant, she’s been texting me nonstop, checking in, making sure I’m okay. She’s more attentive than she’s ever been, and honestly, I love it. Better late than never, right? She is so ready to be a grandma and I love that she’s excited. I love all the attention that I have been receiving from her. I missed so much of it when I was growing up, that now I want to bask in all her love.
She had invited me to join her and her husband on their trip to Puerto Rico, but the idea of being a third wheel wasn’t appealing. Plus, I’ve been too busy to think about vacations. Between the pregnancy and overseeing the opening of my new coffee shop, my days have been a whirlwind.
Speaking of the shop, it’s been a dream come true. Traveling to Sweet Springs every other day to check on it has been exhausting, but worth it. The café has been an incredible success, far beyond what I imagined when I first started this journey. The manager I hired is amazing; competent, friendly, and dependable. Knowing the shop is in good hands gives me hope that I can open another one someday.
I place my phone down on the windowsill, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of my mug as I look at my reflection in the glass. The soft glow of the Christmas lights outside casts a faint shimmer over the snow, their colors twinkling like scattered gems against the white canvas. My gaze drops to my growing belly, now a gentle curve under the fabric of my pajamas.
My pepper.
The nicknames Noah gave the baby always makes me smile. Now, every time I think about this tiny life growing inside me, it’s a fruit or a veggie.
I rest my hand over the bump, feeling its firmness beneath my palm. It’s strange how fast things have changed. Just last week, I could’ve passed for someone who’d indulged in one too many holiday treats. Now, there’s no mistaking it, I'm carrying a little human. The thought is both exhilarating and terrifying.
Turning a little I lean back against the cool glass and let out a soft sigh. “Fourteen weeks,” I whisper to the stillness of the room, my breath fogging up the window. I draw a small heart in the condensation, then add a little pepper shape inside. It’s silly, but it makes me laugh softly.
I close my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the hot chocolate and the quiet magic of the snowfall calm my restless thoughts. My mom’s words linger in my mind, her excitement palpable even through the phone. She’s been so attentive lately, more than I ever remember her being. It’s like the thought of becoming a grandmother flipped a switch in her.
The corners of my lips tug upward as I recall her packing my fridge with homemade soups and casseroles last week, insisting,“Pregnant women shouldn’t be living on takeout, Jojo!”Who knew my sometimes-distant mom would become so hands-on?
I glance down at my phone again, a small chuckle escaping me. Her texts are always a mix of nagging and love, but tonightthey feel comforting. It’s nice knowing she’s thinking about me, even from thousands of miles away. After spending most of my life feeling lonely and abandoned, I’m just grateful that my mom is working so hard to be part of it now.
