Right after the arrest, Rick assumed Josie hated him for not protecting her from Cummings. It was some comfort when his newest friendsBea, Ginger, and Roxietold him there was something else bothering Josie, but that she refused to discuss it. They assured Rick that Josie would come around, and suggested he give her some space.
Hed never had platonic women friends before. He had no idea it could be so handy.
Feel free to get carried away with me any time you want, Josie, Rick said.
She nodded. Ive been afraid to come to you. She looked down at the cushions. Can we sit?
Rick took her hand and pulled her down on his lap. She patted his arm and then moved to the next cushion over. With my other relationships, I never used to come out with stuff that bothered me. I held it inand look where that got me. Josie took a deep breath. Rick, I want to do things differently with you. I came here today because we need to clear the air between us. Can we do that?
Yes. Rick nodded. But first, I have to askhave you been okay?
Josie nodded. Yeah. Im fine physically. Mentally, it hasnt been horrible. At first Cummings scared me, but he wasnt all that bad.
Rick raised an eyebrow.
He was just a guy who couldnt mourn the loss of his daughter. For seven years, hed focused all his energy on hating you. Josie took a breath. I think he figured out that no matter how many of Rick Rousseaus girlfriends he kidnapped, Margot wouldnt be coming back.
I only have one girlfriend, Rick said. I dont plan on having any more, ever.
Josie looked down and fiddled with some clover, a faint smile on her lips. It took everything in him not to touch her.
Rick, Cummings told me that Margot came home pregnant on Christmas break of her sophomore year. Josie raised her eyes to him. She looked sad. Did you know about that?
Rick froze, the question jarring him. No. Why?
She was four months along when she had an abortion. The baby was yours.
Rick felt his body go rigid with denial. It couldnt be! Margot never said anything about a baby, Rick said, his calm a cover for the chaos inside him. I think Cummings was mistaken.
Josie pursed her lips. Didnt you date her in college?
Rick rubbed his jaw, not sure their activities constituted dating, but it was the euphemism of choice on every college campus, everywhere. Yes.
I dated her for the last part of our freshman year, then again in the fall of our sophomore year. And she never said a word to me about being pregnant.
Josies shoulders sagged.
Rick leaned his head against the tree trunk, trying to breathe. There was something about this that wasnt rightsomething more than being told hed fathered a child he never knew existed. Something at the back of his mind was screaming that it didnt make sense.
Then it hit him, and he laughed out loud with relief. That baby was not mine, Josie.
Josie frowned at him. How do you know?
Rick leaned toward her. Did Cummings say Margot was four months along at Christmas?
Josie nodded. He said the doctor initially refused to perform the procedure because she was too far along.
Josie. Rick reached out for her hand. Listen to me. It wasnt my child. I need you to believe me.
He saw how she struggledit was broadcast all over her face. She wanted to believe him. She was willing to believe him. But it was hard.
That was the only thing… Josies chin quivered. It was the one thing I told you I couldnt handle, Rick.
I remember. And Im telling you the truth.
Josie looked deep into his eyes and nodded. All right, she said. Im going to trust my instinct here and believe you. She smiled sadly. I want to believe you.
Would it help if I could prove it?
How in the world could you do that? She leaned away from him, confused.
Rick chuckled and shook his head at the irony. I never thought Id turn into Chatty Cathie about all this, but remember when I told you I was in jail twiceonce in the States and once in Thailand?
Josie nodded.
I was in jail four months before Christmas of that year. I couldnt have gotten her pregnant.
Josie sat up straight. Are you absolutely sure?
Sweetie, I was a guest of the city of Milwaukee from late August to the beginning of October, when my dad finally got the charges dropped. I was three weeks late starting the semester at Yale, but the registrar let me in anywayyet another problem my father managed to make go away.
Josie blinked.
Margot may have claimed I was the father, but I wasnt. He watched Josies face, relieved by her tentative smile. I can have my arrest records by the end of the day.
I dont need records, just your word, Josie whispered, the tears gathering in her eyes. Mrs. Needleman told me that when I talked to you Id know whether I could trust you, right here. Josie took one of Ricks hands and pressed his finger into her belly. She was right. I will never doubt you again, Rick.
He fell into her, and she welcomed him into her arms. After the initial rush of relief, Rick grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. He kissed her softly, letting his lips tell her all the things words could not do justicethat she was the love of his life, the glue that held all the good things together.
Genghis began to lick Ricks face, ruining the moment. They both started laughing.
I think hes jealous, Rick said.
No. Hes just missed you. Josie touched Ricks cheek. Hes started sleeping by the door. Hes been waiting for you.
Thank you for coming to talk to me. Rick propped her up on one of his knees. Dont ever be afraid to ask me about my pastor my present or future for that matter. Theres nothing I dont want to share with you.
Really? Josie bit her bottom lip. You love me like that?
Rick chuckled. Would you like to know just how much I love you?
Josie nodded, her eyes sparkling.
Lets stand up for a minute. Josie jumped to her feet and pulled Rick up.
Now, close your eyes for me. She did. Keep them closed.
Rick dug into the front pocket of his shorts, pulling out the little velvet box hed been carrying around since the night his proposal was interrupted. It seemed like years ago.
He got down on one knee. He opened the box and offered it up in his right hand. Genghis plopped at Ricks side. Clearly, this was going to be a team effort.
You can open your eyes now, Josie.
She gasped, and her hands flew to her mouth in astonishment.
Will you marry me? Will you try this with me?
I will! she shouted, half laughing and half crying, staring at the ring in awe. I think Im about to get carried away again, she said, just before she pounced on him.
CHAPTER 23
The August air was clear and cool, and a few clouds floated across the blue sky. Samhain Ranch was in full bloom, the grapes plump and round, the fig trees heavy with fruit, the gardens bursting with outrageous color and scent. The one hundred or so invited guests mingled on the lawn and sipped champagne, their laughter rising and falling on the breeze. Dogs and children weaved in and out of long skirts and tablecloths. Josie couldnt help itshed been spying from behind the thick vines of the guest cottages second-story balcony, and she couldnt tear herself away.
It was her wedding day. Who would have ever imagined that Josephine Agnes Sheehans wedding would look like something from a storybook? Who wouldve imagined shed be marrying a man like Rick Rousseau?
Frankly, whod ever imagined Josie getting married, period?
Theres not going to be a wedding if you dont finish getting dressed!
That was Beth, yelling from downstairs.
Josie, we cant find your fathers cummerbund! That was her mother. He might have left it at home! Sweet Mother of Jesus! /Psst./ Josie turned in surprise to see Rick perched on a bedroom windowsill.