Page 44 of The Housekeeper's Billionaire Boss
The awkward silence between Josiah and Molly lasted the entire drive back to the ranch. What could he say? He’d known from the very beginning that she didn’t want to date. Did it really matter that he’d planned to tell her he loved her and didn’t care about a stupid award?
With all the kissing they’d done, he thought she’d changed her mind. He wasn’t thinking it was stress or worry drawing them closer, but he should have realized it before letting his heart run wild. Now he not only didn’t care about the award, but he didn’t have Molly and Ellie either. Hurt didn’t begin to cover how he felt.
While everyone else was outside watching fireworks, he brought Ellie inside. The loud noises scared her, and he wasn’t in a festive mood. As he cradled her in his arms, he slowly packed his suitcase. They wouldn’t be leaving until January 2nd, but this way he’d have a head start on it.
He was so torn between wanting to make their stay last as long as possible and wanting time to speed up so he could get it over with. Molly hadn’t said it in so many words, but when they got back to Dallas, she wouldn’t be working for him anymore. Not only was he losing her, but he was pretty sure he was losing Ellie too.
“Josiah,” his mom called his name as she entered his room. “If you want, I can watch Ellie while you enjoy the fireworks.”
He turned, and her gaze landed on his half-full suitcase. “You’re already packing?”
“Yeah, Molly said she wants to get back to Dallas so she’s available for the lawyer.” It wasn’t a total lie, but it wasn’t the absolute truth either.
She closed the distance between them. “Are you okay?”
Nodding, he handed Ellie to her. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You’re really a terrible liar. You know that, right?” She set her hand on his upper arm and rubbed it. “Now, what’s wrong?”
“I let myself get a little too carried away with Molly. She doesn’t want a relationship, and I knew that. I should have kept my distance, and I didn’t. I’ll be fine.” He went to move, but his mom stopped him.
She took her hand from his arm and clasped his hand, squeezing it. “It’s been a rough few weeks for her. I can’t begin to understand what she’s been going through. Maybe give her a little time to sort herself out. I know she cares about you.”
“Maybe,” he said softly. “Did Dad tell you I’m thinking of moving back?”
“He did, and I can’t say I wasn’t tickled pink. Is that what you want to do?” She shifted Ellie to her shoulder, and Ellie belched. “My goodness.” She leaned back and looked down at the baby. “You feel better, huh?”
Laughing, Josiah checked his mom’s shoulder for spit-up. “Wow, nothing. Just air, I guess.”
“Her poor tummy was hurting, I bet. She’s such an easy baby.” His mom patted Ellie’s bottom. “These are the kind of babies that lull women into wanting more. Then they have a few more and they get a Wyatt West—who made up for all of you in one shot.”
“I remember. I thought he’d never stop trying to kick me in the face.”
“Me either.” She smiled. “So, back to you moving. Are you sure you want to do that?”
He sat on the edge of his bed next to his suitcase. “Yeah, I think so. As the ranch grows, so will the town. Bear isn’t finished hiring people. They’ll need grocery stores, schools, and all the other things that come with having a town. It’s actually a great time to move back.”
There was also a rumor floating that oil was found between Caprock and Amarillo. If that was the case, it wouldn’t just be Bear’s employees needing homes; it would be oil-field workers too.
“Well, you won’t have me talking you out of it. I’d love to have all my kids close again.”
“I’ve missed being home too.” He paused. “Case has wanted my apartment since I bought it.” Neither of them knew it at the time, but they’d been bidding against each other. A year later, Case was looking for another place to rent when he contacted Josiah through a referral. For a second, it had been a little weird, but there were no hard feelings. From there, they’d become great friends.
His mom walked to the door. “Go outside and enjoy the fireworks. I think we’re going to play a card game while we watch the ball drop.”
Standing, Josiah sighed and followed her out of the room. He didn’t feel like watching fireworks, but he wasn’t going to argue with his mom. Maybe they’d lift his spirits. Probably not. At this point, his spirits felt buried, and he didn’t have the energy to dig them out. He was pretty certain it would be a while before they left the ground again.
His mom waved as she stepped into her room, and he continued down the stairs, grabbing his coat before stepping outside. He draped it over his arm and sat down in the closest rocker. It was cold, but the crisp air felt good against his skin.
In the distance, he could see Molly talking to Carrie Anne, Reagan, and Gabby. A few feet away, Wyatt stood with Hunter while their dad held Tucker and pointed to the sky.
This was almost how he’d pictured the day ending. Instead of sitting on the porch, he would be standing next to Molly with his arm around her, starting the new year with her beside him. He was going to tell her he loved her and didn’t care about Realtor of the Year or any of that. He was choosing her and Ellie.
Moving back home was a wise choice. It would give him the opportunity to be near family and the distance he’d need to get over Molly. He’d never stop loving Ellie, but eventually, maybe he could move on enough that he could find someone to share his life with. At least, that was his hope.
* * *
Looking over her shoulder,Molly spied Josiah sitting in a rocking chair. His mom let her know she was going to watch Ellie so he could see a few of the fireworks.
