Page 36 of The Enemy Face Off

"I love you, too, Jonah. And I love you, Josie."

Josie looks between us, not saying anything.

Jonah started sayingI love youto me after only a few weeks.

Josie hasn't said it yet.

And that's okay.

She needs time, so time is what I'm going to give her. I'll keep saying it to her, though, because I want her to always know that she is loved.

The kids go back to opening their presents, Josie still unwrapping hers way more cautiously than Jonah. Even at this young age, I can tell that he's going to be fearless, anact first, think latertype, whereas Josie is a lot more measured and likes to take her time to assess things before jumping in.

I start scooping up all the wrapping paper and stashing it into a pile in the corner when my phone buzzes. I snatch it from the arm of the sofa and smile when I see who the message is from.

Beth:Save me! Please! It's not even seven and my smile muscles are all maxed out. My family is way too chipper.

I smile at the image of Beth surrounded by her family, who, from what she's told me, are the complete opposite of her. I believe her exact words were, 'They're so happy it depresses me.'

Milo:At least YOUR smiling face doesn't scare away children.

Beth:Is that your way of telling me you've frightened your own kids and possibly ruined Christmas for them forever?

I chuckle at that.

Some—most?—guys might take offense to the constant stream of insults and teasing that come my way, but I guess I'm not like most guys because I love it.

Milo:Happy to report that the kids are having a great time…even with me and all my smiling.

Beth:It's a Christmas miracle!

Beth:Anyway, I won't keep you. Just wanted to wish you all a great day.

Milo:Thanks. Same to you and your family.

I tap the side of my phone, wondering if I should ask how she's getting to Fraser and Evie's wedding. She's already up on the mountain since that's where her folks live, so I assume she'll spend the next two days with her family, and then drive straight to the venue from there.

I hold off from asking. She probably already thinks I'm a weirdo, why give her any more ammo?

The truth is, I'm dying to see her again. It feels like it's been an eternity since we've had a conversation that doesn't involve using our phones.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we're keeping in touch, but nothing beats seeing her in person.

Would I like for something more to happen with Beth?

No.

I'dlovefor something more to happen with Beth.

But I'm also a realist.

I'm a single dad with two children under five, a career that sees me crisscrossing the country eight months out of the year, and what am I forgetting?

Oh, yeah. She low-to-mid level hates me.

Teases me about my man bun.

Knocks my taste in music. Books. TV shows. You name it.

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