Page 58 of Loving Josy
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Josy
The soft click of the living room clock fills the quiet space around me as I glance at my phone for what feels like the hundredth time. Noah texted me an hour ago to say he’d be leaving the Tavern soon. My heart races at the thought of him walking through that door, his presence filling the room like it always does.
Today has been nothing short of a whirlwind. My thoughts keep drifting back to Violet’s words, her radiant smile when she told me the news. “I’m pregnant,” she said, and for a second, the world stopped spinning. Violet. My best friend. Our babies are going to grow up together.
The joy bubbling in my chest is almost too much to contain. I’ve been replaying the moment all day, every detail etched into my memory; the excitement in her voice, the tears in her eyes, the way she hugged me like we were the only two people in the world.
But it’s not just Violet’s news that has me on edge tonight.
Today, I had one of the most important conversations of my life with my therapist Dr. Bennett. For the first time, I said the words I’ve been too scared to admit, even to myself.
“I love him,” I told her. “I’ve always loved him. And I think I’m ready.”
Dr. Bennett’s warm smile and gentle encouragement still echo in my mind. “It’s okay to feel scared, Josy. But it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. Taking a leap of faith isn’t about not being afraid. It’s about trusting that the person you’re leaping toward will catch you.”
I know she’s right. Noah will catch me. He always has, even when I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.
My fingers trail absently along the edge of the throw pillow on the couch as I think about everything I want to say to him tonight. I’m ready to leave my doubts behind and stop letting fear hold me back from the happiness I know is waiting for me. I’m ready to tell Noah the truth, not just about how I feel now, but about how I’ve always felt.
I’ve been in love with Noah for as long as I can remember. Even when I tried to convince myself otherwise. Even when I pushed him away, thinking it was for the best. Deep down, I’ve always known.
And tonight, I’m going to tell him.
I’ve imagined this moment so many times, but now that it’s here, I feel a mix of nervous anticipation and calm certainty. In three and a half months, our daughter will be here. She deserves to be born into a world where her parents are together.
A knock at the door startles me out of my thoughts. My heart leaps as I stand, smoothing my hands over my dress. This is it. “Get ready, Everly. Mommy is going to have a serious talk with Daddy,” I say as I rub my belly on my way to the door.
When I open the door, Noah’s standing there looking a little tired but undeniably handsome. His black shirt clings to him, and his work pants are streaked with dirt from whatever project had his attention earlier. His cap is backward, stray pieces of hair curling against his forehead. Even like this—especially likethis—this man makes my insides twist in the most delicious way. How is it possible for someone to be so effortlessly gorgeous?
“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, leaning down to kiss my cheek, his voice as smooth and warm as the night air.
“Hey,” I manage, my voice softer than I intended.
His gaze lingers on me, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “You okay? You look… different.”
I smile, my heart swelling. “I’m more than okay. I need to talk to you, though.”
He steps inside, slipping off his boots by the door. “Alright. What’s on your mind?”
I take a deep breath, my fingers trembling slightly as I reach for his hand. But before I can speak, Noah tilts his head, his brow furrowing slightly. “Hold up. You knew Violet is pregnant and didn’t want to tell me?”
A laugh bubbles up, and I shake my head. “It was a surprise! I didn’t want to ruin it for Austin.”
“You could’ve given me a hint,” he says, his tone a mix of mock exasperation and genuine amusement. “Esteban and I spent the day thinking the worst. Austin was so cryptic in his texts.”
I press my lips together to hold back a laugh but fail miserably. “You’re right. I probably should have. But you should’ve seen Violet, she was so excited for Austin to tell you guys himself. It was worth it, wasn’t it?”
He gives me a look, then sighs, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yeah, it was. But still, a heads-up would’ve been nice.”
I laugh, imagining Esteban’s over-the-top reactions. “Well, now you know, and you’re going to be an uncle again. It’s pretty great news, don’t you think?”
His eyes soften, and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Yeah, it is. But don’t think this gets you off the hook. Next time, I expect a warning if Austin starts acting mysterious again.”
“Deal,” I say, grinning up at him.
The moment stretches between us, charged with anticipation as we walk to the living room. Noah glances at me curiously, his brow slightly furrowed. We sit on the couch, the muted TV casting soft light across the room. I fiddle with the hem of my dress, my pulse thrumming in my ears.
