Page 66 of Loving Josy
“He was shocked, to be honest. Apparently, he thought I was out of his league. Can you believe that? Noah Ross, thinking I was out ofhisleague.”
“Wait, what?” Violet looks genuinely perplexed. “How could he think that? I remember how you two used to text and talk constantly. It was so obvious to everyone that you were both head over heels. He couldn’t have beenthatdense, Josy.”
“That’s what I said!” I laugh. “But then he told me he’s always loved me too, and—” my voice softens as emotion wells up in my chest, “—that he wants everything with me.”
Violet presses her hands to her heart, her eyes shimmering. “That’s so sweet, Josy. I’m so happy for you two.” Then her grin turns mischievous. “Let me guess. You had a wild night, didn’t you? That’s why you came in late. Too much sexy fun?”
I laugh, feeling my cheeks heat up. “It was magical. I can’t stop thinking about it.”
She pulls me into a quick hug, grinning from ear to ear. “I’m so happy for you, Josy. I love seeing you like this. Now all that’s left is for us to both get married to the loves of our lives and have a ton of babies. Then, fingers crossed, one of your kids and one of mine will fall in love. Think of the family reunions!”
I laugh harder, shaking my head. “For that to happen, you’ll need to have a boy. Everly needs a handsome guy in her life and Adrian is too old for her.”
“True,” Violet agrees with a wink. “But seriously, look at us. Who would’ve thought we’d end up here, being this happy, living in the same town, raising our kids together?”
“Right?” I say, feeling a wave of gratitude. “I’m so glad you moved to Honey Springs. Honestly, I don’t think anything would’ve happened with Noah if it weren’t for you and Austin falling in love first.”
Violet’s eyes twinkle, and she gives me a knowing smile. “It was fate, my dear Josy. We had to go through all that crap to end up this happy.”
I nod, my heart full. “Fate,” I repeat softly, knowing deep down that she’s right.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Josy
It’s almost closing time at the shop, and I still haven’t heard from Noah. Not a call, not a text. Nothing.
I glance at my phone again, biting my lip. I’d sent him a couple of messages earlier, but he never responded. At first, I told myself he was busy, maybe caught up with work or something. But as the hours ticked by, my unease grew.
Finally, I give in and type another message, even though I’m starting to feel like a psycho.
Me: Are you okay? I haven’t heard from you.
I hit send and watch the screen for a moment, waiting to see those three dots that signal he’s typing back. Nothing. The message is delivered but not read, like with the last few I’ve sent.
With a frustrated sigh, I set the phone down on the counter, trying to shake off the worry gnawing at my gut.Maybe his phone died. Maybe he’s just tied up.But the uneasy feeling in my chest refuses to go away.
The sound of the bell above the door pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up, hoping it’s him, but instead, I see Austin hurrying toward the counter.
Something’s wrong.
The look on his face—grave, almost panicked—sends a chill racing down my spine. My pulse quickens.
“Austin?” I say, my voice sharp with worry. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
He stops in front of me, trying to catch his breath. “I came as soon as I found out,” he says, his voice tight.
My heart drops. “Found out what? Austin, you’re scaring me. Take a breath and tell me what’s going on.”
He nods, but his expression doesn’t change. He runs a hand through his hair, clearly trying to figure out how to say whatever it is he needs to tell me.
“Esteban called me,” he finally says, his voice breaking slightly. “He asked me to come tell you?—”
That’s all it takes for my mind to spiral. My stomach churns as a hundred awful scenarios play out in my head. My knees feel weak, and I grip the edge of the counter to steady myself.
“What happened?” I whisper, my voice trembling. “Is it Noah? Is he okay?”
Austin looks at me, his face filled with something I can only describe as heartbreak.
