Page 76 of Loving Josy
We all burst out laughing, the sound carrying through the trees. I look at my watch and notice the time. “If we leave now, I can make it back and have everything ready before Josy comes back from the coffee shop.”
“Let’s go.” Austin says and we pack everything and leave.
I set the flowers in the center of the table and take a step back to admire my work. The steaks are resting on the counter, the potatoes and mac and cheese are perfectly plated, and the table is set with candles flickering gently. The faint scent of garlic and herbs fills the air. It’s cozy, romantic, and everything Josy deserves after these past weeks of taking care of me.
Just as I’m adjusting one of the napkins for the hundredth time, I hear the jingle of keys at the door.
When Josy steps inside, her eyes widen. “Noah?” Her eyes glancing from the table to me, still holding her purse.
“Welcome home,” I say, a grin spreading across my face.
Her hand comes up to cover her mouth, and she blinks, her eyes glistening. “Did you do all this?”
I nod. “Surprise.”
She drops her purse by the door and walks over, her eyes scanning the room like she’s afraid it might disappear. “Noah, this is… wow. You cooked?”
“Steak, potatoes, and mac and cheese,” I say, pulling out her chair with a small bow. “Only the best for you.”
Josy laughs softly, shaking her head in disbelief as she sits. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
I take the seat across from her, my hands resting on the edge of the table. “I wanted to. You’ve been doing so much for me. I figured it was time I did something for you.”
She smiles, reaching for her napkin, but I clear my throat, stopping her.
“There’s something else,” I say, leaning forward. Her brow furrows, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “I remember everything.”
Her hand freezes, the napkin falling onto her lap. “What?”
“All of it,” I say, my grin growing. “You. Us. The accident. Everything came rushing back today.”
Her lips part, and for a moment, she just stares at me. Then she jumps up, rushing around the table and throwing her arms around my neck. “Oh my God, Noah! Are you serious?”
I laugh, hugging her back tightly. “I’m serious.”
She pulls back just enough to look at me, her face lighting up with pure joy. “This is the best news ever! But wait… can you tell me what I love most in this whole world?” Josy grins mischievously at me.
I can’t help it—I laugh out loud. “My body.” I point at myself and flex a muscle.
Josy bursts into laughter, the sound so infectious that I can’t stop grinning. I love seeing her like this. I pull her closer, and her laughter fades as her eyes lock onto mine.
“I figured I’d celebrate by making you dinner,” I say, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She laughs again, a sound so full of relief and happiness that it makes my chest ache. “You are amazing. Truly.”
“I had some help,” I admit, smirking. “Esteban and Austin were my cheerleaders.”
She arches a brow. “Cheerleaders, huh? What did they do?”
I grin, standing up and winking at her. “I’ll tell you after dinner. Let’s just say I may have bought boxers with personality.”
Her laughter echoes through the room, filling it with warmth.
As we sit down to eat, I can’t help but feel like everything is finally falling into place.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Josy
