“You won’t miss all the excitement and intrigue?” Her forehead scrunched. “Because I’m still not sure who the real Josh is. This guy who likes to work on engines and help kids, or the agent who lived an exciting life and can lie like no one I’ve ever met.”
He took a step closer to get a better look into her eyes. Uncertainty shone brightly along with her unshed tears.
He wanted to hold her. To wrap her up and reassure her she’d always be enough for him. But she wasn’t ready for that, so he stuck his hands in his front pockets. “I’m all those things, Meg. No doubt, I joined the FBI for the excitement, but more to be a part of something important. I was good at what I did, but I had no one to miss me if some of the guys I put behind bars decided to retaliate. Then you came into my life and showed me what I’d been missing. I liked to think someone would care if I was gone, that maybe you and Haley . . . needed me?”
“We did need you, Josh.” A tear spilled over and down her cheek. “Still do. Dammit, I’m just going to do this.” She whipped a hand out from behind her back. “Here.”
He blinked for a moment, struggling to understand the meaning behind her gift. “You’re giving me a fruit cup?”
“Yes. Don’t you remember?”
When he shook his head, she sighed. “You told me nothing says love like a fruit cup. So I’m giving you one. Jeez. You aren’t making this any easier on me, Josh!”
His heart nearly beat out of his chest as he laughed and pulled her close. “Say it. Or I’m not taking you back.”
“I’m the one doing the taking back here!” She poked him in the ribs. “But all right.”
She leaned back and smiled. “I love you, Josh. I don’t know if things are going to work out, but I’m willing to try because I like my life better when you’re in it.”
“I’ve liked my life a whole lot better since the day I met you, Meg.” He kissed her. “And I’m going to spend the rest of it showing you how much I love both you and Haley. Now let’s go tell your grandmother the news. Maybe we’ll be able to walk out of here alive.”
The next morning, Meg stood beside Josh and Haley as they watched Eric drive a soccer ball down the field. The score was tied, one to one.
Josh picked Haley up and then slid his arm around Meg’s waist, pulling her close. She snuggled against his side, grateful for her family’s meddling for a change. She would have pushed him away to save herself future pain, but now she’d made up her mind to live in the moment and take life as it came.
And for the moment, life was pretty darned good.
Pam walked up beside her and drank deeply from her to-go mug of coffee. “Morning. How are you guys?”
Josh smiled at her. “Great. How are you?”
Pam’s eyes slid toward Toby. A sly grin tilted her lips. “Just fine, thank you.”
Meg glanced at Toby in time to see a look pass between him and Pam. Grabbing Pam’s arm, Meg dragged her away from everyone. “Are you sleeping with Toby?”
Pam chuckled. “We don’t do much sleeping, but yeah.”
Concerned for her best buddy, Meg said, “You know he’s not the committing type. I couldn’t bear it if he broke your heart, Pam.”
Pam laughed. “I’m not giving my heart to anyone but Mr. Right. And he hasn’t come along yet. Oh, I almost forgot, did you hear the news about Amber?”
Meg wasn’t sure she wanted to know. “What? Has she cooked up a new scheme to make my life miserable?”
“No. Nothing like that. Randy’s mother came in to see me for her perm yesterday. While she was under the dryer, Mrs. Jackson asked if it was true that Amber kicked Randy out!”
“Did she?”
Pam nodded. “Randy’s evidently banned from their house until he breaks it off with that waitress he’s seeing down south. He moved back home with Mommy yesterday.”
Meg smiled. “Good for Amber.” As much as Amber could be a pain, Meg really did want the best for her. She always had, even when Amber had turned on her when they were kids. Maybe there was hope for her and Amber to patch things up yet.
“Yeah. Well, gotta run. I have a cut and color in five minutes.” Pam hugged Meg. “I’m so happy you and Josh worked it all out.”
“Me too.” Meg gave Pam a hard squeeze. “We’re going to work on finding you Mr. Right next.”
Pam sighed. “Well, I’m certainly well acquainted with Mr. Wrong, so that’d be a nice change. See you later.”
“Bye.” Pam wanted a husband and kids, but never complained. Meg would make it her mission to find a nice guy for her. Pam deserved the same newfound happiness Meg had.