Maggie thought of Brad and Becky’s enthusiastic grandparenting and laughed. “He’s in for a real treat then.”
“That he is.” His voice held a smile.
Maggie was reluctant to disconnect the call. Maybe Josh was too. She tightened her grip on the phone as if she could hold on to him for just a minute longer.
I miss you. I still love you.
She imagined him returning the sentiment. A fanciful thought. Still, her vision grew blurry and she blinked back tears.
“Well,” he said at long length. “I should probably let you go. I just wanted to chat a minute.”
“Thank you for calling. And good luck with your family tomorrow, though you won’t need it.”
“Thanks. Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t. Bye, Josh.”
“See ya, Maggie.”
Tears pooled in her eyes again as she disconnected the call. She pressed the phone to her chest and told herself they were happy tears.
Chapter 50
Josh’s goal was to make it through lunch before spilling the news.
But they were only halfway through the meal when his sister aimed a look his way and interrupted the conversation. “What’s up with you, Josh? You’ve hardly said a word since you arrived.”
Owen spoke around a mouthful. “And he’s had a creepy smile on his face.”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” Patrick pinned a napkin down as the wind tried to snatch it away.
“I don’t have a creepy smile. I was going to wait until after lunch to tell you, but—”
“You and Maggie are back together!” Erin’s eyes sparkled with hope. “I knew it.”
“We’re not, actually, but thank you for the reminder.”
Her expression wilted. “Oh. Sorry.”
“I so hoped she would change her mind and come today,” Mom said. “I thought after you invited her yesterday she might.”
“Let it be, honey,” Dad said. “It’ll work itself out.”
Mia chimed in, “I wanna show Aunt Maggie how I can get in the ocean now.”
Mom offered Mia a smile. “You can show her next time she comes, sweetheart. She’ll be so proud of you.”
“If anyone’s interested,” Josh said, “I still have some news to share.”
“Go right ahead, honey,” Mom said. “The floor’s all yours.”
Josh took a breath, his gaze sweeping around the table. He’d given a lot of thought about how he’d deliver the news and decided he’d cut right to the chase. “It’s good news, but you might want to brace yourselves because it’s a doozy.”
Dad’s eyes flared with curiosity. “What is it?”
“Tell us.”
“Stop teasing already.”
