Already some had faded from the purple, almost black, to green and yellow. She didn’t even want to know what the rest of her body looked like. She’d made it a point not to look when Ash had helped her shower.
The door opened and she eagerly looked up to see everyone spill through the door. Ash led the way and right behind him were Mia, Bethany and Brittany. They swarmed her bed, giving gentle hugs and exclaiming how much better she looked. They were total liars but she loved them for it.
To her surprise, Kai Wellington came in with Gabe and Jace. She arched an eyebrow in Brittany’s direction and Brittany blushed like a schoolgirl getting caught making out with the quarterback.
“He insisted on coming,” Brittany whispered. “He hasn’t left me alone since this happened.”
“Damn right,” Kai growled. “Not going to let some fucker get to you and hurt you. Bad enough he got to Josie.”
“He sounds so possessive,” Josie whispered to Brittany. “I take it things are going well?”
Brittany’s eyes glowed and she nodded vigorously. “Oh yes. Definitely.”
Josie squeezed her hand with the fingers that weren’t casted. “I’m glad.”
“How are you feeling?” Mia asked anxiously.
“Better,” Josie said.
At Ash’s skeptical look, she flushed. “Okay. Not wonderful, but I am better. I can sit up now without feeling like my chest caught on fire. And I can breathe normally again. They took the oxygen off this morning.”
“That’s wonderful, Josie!” Bethany exclaimed. “We’ve been so worried about you.”
“How are you guys?” Josie asked in a low voice. But her question was mainly directed at Mia. Ash had told her about Mia’s history with Charles Willis.
“We’re okay,” Mia said, but her eyes were haunted. “I still feel like it’s my fault. I mean I’m the one who pissed him off.”
Josie shook her head and winced at the pain it caused. “He’s an asshole, Mia. You aren’t to blame for his actions.”
“Got that right,” Ash growled.
“I hate that I share a last name with him,” Bethany said, pulling a face. “I don’t want anyone thinking we’re related!”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Like Willis isn’t a common last name?”
“You won’t have to worry about that much longer, baby,” Jace said, satisfaction written on his face. “Your last name will soon be Crestwell.”
Bethany’s face flushed with happiness and she automatically stared down at the ring on her left hand. And it was a gorgeous ring. Huge diamond but it didn’t look gawdy at all. It was tastefully expensive and it suited her perfectly.
“Speaking of, have you set a date yet?” Josie asked.
Jace looked unhappy and Bethany laughed. “We’re working on it. I wasn’t planning anything until you’re completely recovered and can stand for me at my wedding.”
Josie’s heart warmed and she smiled big, allowing her pleasure to show.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” she said. “Even if I’m still in a cast. Don’t wait on me! I don’t want to delay your big day.”
“It wouldn’t be the same without you,” Bethany said, putting her hand on Josie’s. “I want you all there. Brittany too! All the girls will be there. Caro has promised that she’ll come even if it means flying in from Vegas.”