Chapter Twenty-Two
TATE
The sound of Josie’s voice and those three words felt like a clap of joy. Her words rang like a bell again and again in my heart.
“I love you, and we’re all fine. Nothing more than a slide off the side of the road. It’s pretty slick out,” I explained.
“Are you hurt? At all?” she demanded.
I could hear a sniffle in her voice, and it twisted my heart. “I’m completely fine. I might have a headache later because the stop was abrupt. Leo’s tire caught on the edge of a tree so the rim is bent, but that’s it.”
“When will you be home?”
I glanced out the window. Although it was dark and the visibility was shit, the map of this road was stamped in my brain from driving it for so many years. “About fifteen minutes. I’ll be there soon. I love you.”
“Okay. I love you too. I have the propane stove on, so it’s nice and toasty in here. Are you hungry?”
“Of course,” I teased. “We just landed in Anchorage a little while ago. Don’t go crazy worrying about dinner, and for fuck’s sake, don’t drive anywhere to get takeout.”
“I won’t, but I’ll whip something up. I’ll see you when you get here.”
After I ended the call, Beck glanced over his shoulder. “Glad you’re being smart about Josie.”
“What do you mean?” I returned.
“Making sure she knows you love her. That situation with Kara’s mom at the airport could’ve gotten messy.”
Running a hand through my hair, I scoffed. “No shit. I haven’t seen or heard from her in years. I’m guessing she was just there and saw me, but what the hell?”
“As soon as you took off, she walked back to some guy who she seemed to be with.” Beck shook his head. “After everything that happened and leaving because she didn’t want to deal with the court stuff, I can’t believe her nerve.”
I sighed. “I always knew someday I’d have to face this. Fortunately, Kara’s doing great. If Marnie actually reaches out again, I’ll figure it out.”
Maisie turned in her seat and looked back at me. “You’re an amazing father. No matter what happens, you can handle it.”
“Thanks. I try.”
“Moving on,” Maisie added. “I’m glad you know how much Josie matters.”
“I already knew I loved her,” I said honestly. “I think maybe we were both tiptoeing because it’s happened fast, and our exes are, well…”
Maisie rolled her eyes. “Kayla and Lyle can deal with their own baggage. It’s been years, and they’re the ones who screwed you two over.”
I shrugged. “For sure.” I nodded. “Anyway, I’m ready to get home to Josie. I’d tell you to drive fast and take chances, but we already did that.”
Beck chuckled. “I don’t think Leo was going too fast.”
“He wasn’t,” I agreed. “The roads are just shit.”
With Beck going slow and steady, he pulled into my driveway almost exactly fifteen minutes later.
“I know you’ve been down here before, but take it easy on that slope. There’s not much of a shoulder,” I offered as he navigated the driveway.
“There’snoshoulder,” Maisie pointed out.
When he came to a stop in front of my place, the lights were blazing. Through the blur of sleet and snow, I could see Josie moving around in the kitchen area.
“Thanks for the ride.” I leaned forward and gave Beck’s shoulder a firm squeeze. “Also, thanks for finding Leo and me and making sure we were okay.”
