Page 95 of Unraveling the Truth About Love
Chapter Forty-Six
JOSH BARRELED INTO his father’s house after the four-hour flight, during which he’d come to realize just how much Riley meant to him, how much the few short weeks had changed his outlook and his heart, which was bubbling over with love. Even the anger he felt toward Claudia had subsided, as if he’d left it behind when the airplane had taken off.
Hugh grabbed Josh’s arm as hecame through the door. “Josh, is it true?” A few days’ worth of stubble peppered his chin and cheeks, and the gray button-down shirt he wore was a refreshing change from his typical T-shirt and racing jacket.
Josh beamed. “Absofrigginglutely. I need to shower. Where’s Dad?”
Treat embraced Hugh. “Good to see you.”
“Dad? How about me?” Dane called from the next room. He appeared in the hall andpulled Josh into a hug. “Get over here. I’m happy for you, bro.”
“Thanks, but it’s not a done deal yet.”
The heavy hand on his shoulder nearly brought tears to Josh’s eyes. “Dad,” he whispered as he turned to the man who had always been there for him. Hal Braden stood three inches taller than Josh, and as Josh walked into his arms, he took comfort in the strength of his father’s embrace. Hefeared the day that strength would diminish and his age would erase his father’s commanding presence. His dark hair was now streaked with gray and not quite as thick as it once had been.
“I hear this is a big night for you,” his father said.
“I hope so,” Josh said. He looked around the house where he’d spent his formative years, where he’d learned most of life’s hard lessons, and where he’dlost his mother. He swallowed past the lump in his throat and forced a smile. “Still talking to Mom?” he asked.
His father clenched his jaw and flexed his biceps, a habit he and Rex shared. “Son, I’ll never stop talking to your mother,” he said in a serious tone.
“Good, Dad. Good. Where’s Rex?” Josh asked.
“He and Jade are meeting us at the restaurant. Savannah and Max are already there.” Hallooked at his watch. “Seems to me you have about ten minutes before we need to walk out the door. You about ready?”
“Quick shower and shave.” Josh headed down the hall toward his childhood bedroom.
THERE WAS A war going on in Josh’s gut as he stepped from Treat’s Lexus SUV and stood before the restaurant.
Treat cameto his side and swung an arm across his shoulder. “Second thoughts?”
“No, just nervous as all get out,” Josh admitted. He was done hemming and hawing. Riley was the woman he wanted to spend his life with, and he was ready to tell her. He knew she might not want to return to New York after the mess she’d already gone through, but his heart drove him to her, and he wasn’t going to turn away—nomatter what was going on in his gut.
“That’s good. If you weren’t nervous, there would be something wrong with you,” Treat said.
“What if she says no?” Josh asked.
Treat shrugged. “Then you try again and again until she says yes.”
Josh handed Treat the package they’d bought earlier that morning. “You’ll make sure Rex knows what to do? And Savannah?”
“Sure will,” Treat said.
“She won’t sayno, Josh,” Hugh said. “You’re every girl’s dream. You’re wealthy, handsome, and quite a catch with your social status.”
“None of that matters to her,” Josh shot back.
“But the thing that does matter is too obvious to mention. You’re a good man.” Hugh patted him on the back and took a few steps forward, allowing Dane to come to Josh’s side.
Josh wouldn’t have believed those words came from Hugh’smouth if he hadn’t heard them himself.My baby brother is growing up.“That means the world to me, Hugh. Thank you.”
“You’re crazy, you know that? You sure you really want to tie yourself down? Take yourself out of circulation? Get that old ball and chain?” Dane grinned.
“Get outta here,” Treat said.
“Uh oh, you just spent time with Mr. Lovesick? No wonder you’re doing this,” Dane teased. “No,really, Josh, I’m happy for you. I’ve got your back. You need anything, I’m here.”
“Thanks, Dane.” Josh looked over at each of his brothers, feeling the absence of Rex and Savannah like missing limbs. He’d see them inside, but he wished he had a private moment with each and he wondered if they felt the same. Treat, Dane, and Hugh stood before him. Josh felt support coming off of them in waves.
