Page 22 of With All My Heart, Joy

Melody’s dimpled grin was secretive, and a twinge of envy tugged at Joy’s heart. TJ hadn’t needed a break from Melody since the day he met her.

“Don’t worry about Silas,” Lucy quipped as she turned onto the mall drive. “If I’m not around, he works. Therefore, it’s good for me to leave him so that he gets more work done.”

“Sure, sure.” Joy hugged her coat around her, burrowing into her scarf. “Don’t want him losing his millions.”

“Oh, please. So not my reason for marrying him.”

Melody chuckled. “Don’t deny it’s an added bonus. You couldn’t pull off this last-minute wedding otherwise.”

Lucy’s cheeks turned pink. Joy was glad she’d gotten her dad’s bronze complexion. “Well, whowouldn’tmind millions?”

As Lucy circled the busy lot outside of Target seeking a close parking spot, Joy fiddled with the phone in her lap. She’d posted a clean-with-me video to Joy Lives Life yesterday. How many views had she gotten? Did people like it? Hate it?

She clenched her teeth, then shoved the phone deep into her coat pocket. Mr. Miller had said no checking comments. She couldn’t promise to last until their next appointment, but it had only been two days. She couldn’t break that fast. She could live without knowing another day at least.

“How’s your production coming along, Melody?” she asked as Lucy pulled into a spot that she’d been waiting for. Melody was the theater director at a local nonprofit, Artisan’s Hope. “It’s next weekend, right?”

Melody groaned. “Don’t remind me. This is my only day off, remember? It’s coming along great, though. TJ wrote amazing lyrics, as usual. I really ought to pay him.” She winked. “I think marrying him is sufficient, don’t you?”

“More than.” Joy pinched her nose between her thumb and index finger. “I’ve smelled his laundry.”

Laughter filled the car, and the tightness in Joy’s chest began to ease. It was good to be surrounded with care. With love.

“That’s why when Lucy asked if I would be bothered by her getting married first, I said no way,” Melody continued as they climbed from the vehicle. “I have enough on my plate right now as it is.”

They walked side by side in the blustery wind. A giant red bow adorned the outside of the mall, and Joy couldn’t wait to feast her eyes on the inside.

“You haven’t said much about your counseling, hun.” Lucy linked her arm through Joy’s. “I’m dying to know, what do you think of Isaac? Isn’t he just the best?”

Joy took her time answering. She’d never had a best friend. And in two short sessions in his office, Isaac Miller felt like best friend material. Which was weird and, um, pathetic. What loser wanted to be BFFs with hercounselor?

“I’m really glad he’s my counselor,” she said, meaning it. And if she wasn’t mistaken, he was glad she was his client, too. Missed lunch breaks and all.

When they stepped foot in the mall, Joy’s spirits immediately lifted. Christmas had come to Silver Lake City Shopping Center! Mariah Carey’s voice blasted over the speakers as Joy’s eyes gobbled up the sight of garlands and swooping strands of lights and wreaths and the town’s biggest Christmas tree, and…oh my. This was her happy place. A big smile lit her face as she made a beeline toward her favorite store, her camera already rolling to capture the event.

Exercise, retail therapy, and Christmas, all in one place. She wished she could tell Mr. Miller just to make him laugh that amazing, wonderful laugh.

It might be time to amend her list of natural antidepressants. Exercise, shopping, Christmas…and Isaac Miller.

Chapter Six

The first snowfall of the season came the day before Thanksgiving. Joy layered in warm winter gear and took a walk in the drifting flakes while she livestreamed. By the time she got home, she was coated in a slushy layer. She dusted herself off on the sidewalk in front of the mailbox, tugged a glove off, and unlocked her box. Her mouth fell open, her heart jolting.

Another card from Zak. He’d written back again. She hadn’t expected it, and the surprise filled her with a warm glow, like a Christmas candle had been lit on the inside.

Her fingers nearly burned with the need to rip the flap of the envelope, but she took herself inside her apartment, changed, made hot chocolate, and settled onto her loveseat to, at last, read this letter.

Dear JJ,

Your card made my day. Do you find this letter exchange oddly thrilling? Obviously I do, or you wouldn’t be reading this. I’d love to know more about you. What is your favorite season? Color? Song? What do you do for work?

Paisley has Down syndrome. She had some rough times when she was quite young, including open heart surgery. But I thank God every day she is a healthy, happy girl. Pretty much your typical ten-year-old, with some speech difficulties and delayed development. Being a single dad is hard, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sounds like you and Paisley would get along fabulously.

Paisley got some lip gloss, sparkly cheek stuff (can you tell I’m a clueless man?), and nail art. She is eagerly awaiting its delivery. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity.

Orange juice, is it? Healthy choice. If starting the day with a glass of orange juice is what fuels your heart, then why not? I’m all about finding the things that bring you joy. Mental health is huge for me, so good job embracing what works for you. Coffee is overrated, but I’m afraid no one would want to be around me if I didn’t start my day that way. Isn’t it fascinating how different and unique we all are?

If sending me the gift cards was out of character for you, then replying (times two) is even more uncharacteristic for me. I couldn’t seem to stop myself. And I don’t know how to explain why. I just know I want to keep writing to you and hearing back from you. I hope you feel the same.

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