Page 24 of The Housekeeper's Billionaire Boss
“Sure,” his mom replied.
“I’m okay with that.” That’s what Molly’s lips said, but the look she was giving him said it was anything but okay.
His shoulders sagged. “If I could, I’d tell you more, but I can’t. I signed a confidentiality agreement.”
“We’re good.” This time Molly gave him a real smile, or at least it looked like a real smile.
“I’ll get the car seat and leave it before I go.” Josiah leaned down and kissed Ellie. “This is the last time, I promise. I’ll see you later.”
He strode to the front door, grabbed his coat, and slipped outside, taking his phone off mute. “Hey, Malakai, sorry to keep you waiting.”
More than anything, Josiah was sorry for leaving. For the longest time, his mind had been set on becoming Realtor of the Year, and now he wondered if maybe it wasn’t what he wanted. It sure didn’t make him feel successful. Not when he had to leave the two girls he cared about most.
Shaking his head, he cleared his thoughts. Just a few weeks. That’s all he needed. Then he could think about other goals. Goals like love and family and kids.
* * *
Molly cutthrough her slice of pie and took a bite. Good heavens, it was delicious. With the way the kitchen smelled of cinnamon and nutmeg and apples, there was no way it was going to taste bad. Gabby had used fresh pecans, roasted pecans, and several other varieties including everything from maple-baked to honey-toasted pecans.
Groaning, Molly closed her eyes, absolutely certain she’d died and gone to pie heaven. “Oh, girl, this is so good.”
“You’ve said that about all of them.” Gabby laughed.
“Because it’s true. They’re so good. I think my favorite is that one.” Molly pointed to the maple-roasted-pecan apple pie with the laced crust topping. “There’s something about that maple that just melts in your mouth.”
Gabby nodded. “That’s my favorite too. Wyatt says it’s too sweet for him.”
Molly absolutely loved Gabby. Well, she loved all of them. They were as genuine now as they’d been when they’d gone shopping. They weren’t putting on fronts or being nice. They were all just good people. They didn’t think she was weird for loving comic books andSharknado. If only Josiah had been there to back her up about it being a great movie.
When he’d left her on the night of Black Friday, she’d waved it off. Today, though, it hit her harder. It wasn’t just her he’d let down; it was his family too. The people he said he loved. If he could leave them, did she even stand a chance? Not just her, but Ellie too. Could Ellie count on him to be there when she was in a play? What if he promised to be there and didn’t show up?
Carrie Anne walked into the kitchen and took a seat next to Molly. Leaning forward with her arms on the table, she sighed. “It’s a really good thing you weren’t doing this pie stuff before I got married. My dress wouldn’t have fit.”
“I’m thinking I should’ve packed my set of Thanksgiving pants,” Molly added. “I’m gonna be waddling by the time I get back to Dallas.”
Josiah’s sister smiled, and her eyes narrowed a fraction.
“No, Carrie Anne!” Gabby popped her on the arm. “Don’t even think about it.”
She scoffed. “What? All I did was smile.”
Gabby leveled her eyes at Carrie Anne and pointed a finger at her. “I know you, remember?”
Molly lifted an eyebrow. “Do I want to know what that was all about?”
Sighing, Gabby said, “That look is the one that gets you put on a dating website or pretending to date a guy to make someone else jealous.”
“In my defense, the last one worked.” Carrie Anne crossed her arms over her chest as she sat back. “And as for the first, Bear is just difficult. He didn’t even give it a chance.”
Molly sucked in a sharp breath. “You were gonna matchmake me?”
“Yes,” Gabby said.
At the same time, Carrie Anne replied, “No.”
Pointing at Gabby, Molly chuckled. “I think I believe her.”
Carrie Anne’s lips quirked up. “I was just thinking…you fit here, and wouldn’t it be awesome if we were sisters. That’s all. I know you said you don’t date, but…well, I think you and Josiah would be great together.”
