Page 45 of Fate In Fiction

The drive to her parents’ is quick, and on the way, Josie rants about how we need to up our game this time around and act as if we are actually in love. Pulling up out front, Hanson makes his way over with a smile.

“Taking good care of our girl?” He and Josie share a hug and his soft eyes look at her more lovingly than her own father’s do. Huh.

“Doing my best, sir.” I shake his hand and head to the back of my car, popping the trunk. Josie shoots me a questioning look, and I hold up two top-shelf bottles of scotch, a bottle of wine, and some chocolates.

“It’s not Christmas. What’s with the gifts? You can barely hold it all yourself,” Josie snaps, all confidence stripped from her voice. Why would this cause more of her nerves to spike?

“Just a thank you for dinner. My family always brought gifts when going to somebody’s home.” I shrug. “Standard procedure for me.”

“A thank you for dinner?”

“Enjoy.” I hand Hanson a bottle of scotch. “Thanks for looking out for Josie.” He nods, clearing his throat.

“Thank you for the gift.” He glances toward Josie as they share a look, and I wonder how much of us he knows about.

“Those probably cost more than our dinner,” she mutters, my hand on her back as we walk up the steps.

“You’re welcome for being kind to your family, my dear.” My pointed look triggers her showtime act as she plasters on an excited smile and turns the door handle.

“They’re here!” Julianne runs to the door, wrapping her sister in a hug.

“Oh, and don’t they look stunning together.” Her mom claps her hands with a bright, warm smile. “Look at you two, the perfect couple.” She wraps Josie in an overdramatic reunion hug before reaching out to embrace me.

“I come bearing gifts.” Locking eyes with Julianne, who is already eyeing the chocolate, I hand her the box. “The chocolate mousse-filled ones are my favorite.”

“Thank you so much, Emmett.” A small blush appears on her cheeks as her attention swings to Josie.

“I brought wine and scotch for you and your husband.” I hand over the bottle of wine as the mayor enters.

“There is the man of the hour!” Mayor Callahan holds out his hand. “You’ve got quite the taste in liquor, I see.”

“A thank you for dinner.” I nod, passing him the bottle.

“It’s very much appreciated.” Mayor Callahan examines the bottle. “Let’s head to the dining room.”

Josie’s toe has been tapping the top of my foot for the past ten minutes as her father continues to rant on about politics and city plans. She remains calm with a soft smile and politely nods when appropriate, as if she gives two shits about her father’s ideas. When my eyes travel to Julianne, she shoots me a quick blink of an eye roll. I wink her way and watch the blush on her cheeks deepen. Clearing my throat, I lean back, reaching my arm over to Josie’s far shoulder and giving it a small squeeze out of adoration.

“So, little miss.” I speak on the beat of silence, drawing Julianne’s attention. “Josie tells me you’re really enjoying camp. I have quite a few good memories from attending as a child.” Josie rolls her neck against my hand and, instinctively, my hand gently grips her tense muscles, my thumb running up and down. Sleeping on the stupid chair probably hurts by now.

“It’s totally awesome.” Her voice rises with excitement. “We got to go horseback riding up the mountains the other day, and swim in the lake, and there are sooo many new friends I’ve made.”

“Make sure you enjoy every moment of your childhood, because it only happens once. Running around a summer camp is much more fun than all the office work and traveling I have done now.”

“Traveling sounds fun, though.” In a helicopter, it would be more fun. “I’m going to fly around the world when I graduate high school.”

“Julianne.” Their mother shoots an unsettling look. “Don’t be so foolish. You have all the time in the world to travel once you’re married.” Josie’s neck muscles cease under my touch, and my stomach turns with how they’ve been brought up.

“Travel isn’t much fun when it’s for work,” I state, unsure of how to backtrack the moment. “I should take your sister along with me next time.” Josie turns her head with a heart-melting smile. “You look beautiful.” The words fall effortlessly off my lips as I look down at her, taking me by surprise. Leaning over, she places a soft kiss on my cheek. The feeling of her lips on me sends a weird tickle down to my stomach, and I wonder why I’ve never felt that before.

“You make my heart happy.” Josie smiles, and I can’t help but mirror hers.

“You make my heart happy, little darlin’.” In this moment, my heart does squeeze with joy.

“Well.” Julianne pulls our attention to her. “I don’t think I’ll get married unless I find a guy who looks at me like that. And they have to be funny too.” Julianne’s sassy tone is revving up her parents, not that I care to pay them any mind.

“I hope you get as lucky as me.” Josie winks as I squeeze her shoulder and pull her in closer to kiss her temple.

“I can’t wait to be an auntie again.” Julianne beams, and I feel Josie and I both still. My eyebrows shoot up as I look at Julianne, and don’t miss the death glares exchanging between Josie and her mother. A silent war I want no part in. This better not turn into part of their deal.