Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Josy
I’ve been so busy today that I haven’t even had time to think about my birthday. The morning started with Violet wrapping me in a big, warm hug. She handed me a beautifully wrapped bag filled with lotions, bath bombs, massage oils, face masks, and lip masks—a whole arsenal of self-care.
“I need you to take a day and pamper yourself,” she said, her voice gentle. “You deserve a day where you don’t think about coffee shops, schedules, or anything else. I’ll take care of everything while you enjoy a full day of rest.”
I was stunned by her thoughtfulness. “Really? You’ll handle it all?”
“Yes, Josy. I can keep things running for one day without the world falling apart.” She smirked, her hands on her hips.
I nodded, rubbing my baby bump absentmindedly. “Okay. I’ll pick a day next week and just... chill. I really need it.”
Her expression softened as she reached out to touch my arm. “I know, honey. Everly’s wearing you out, and you’ve got so much on your plate. You need to take a breath now because once Everly is here, you won’t have a moment to yourself for years.”
“Ugh, don’t say that.” I laughed even as I felt a twinge of dread at the thought. “I’m an independent woman, Vi. I can handle a business and a baby at the same time.”
“You can,” she agreed, her voice laced with conviction. “But even superwomen need rest. If you burn out, you can’t take care of anyone—not the business, not Everly, and definitely not yourself.”
I sighed, knowing she was right. “Okay, okay. I hear you.”
Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. “You know what would make this even better?”
“What?”
“If you let Noah pamper you.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “He could give you a massage, rub your feet, maybe spoil you with some love.”
The mental image made me chuckle. “That does sound like heaven. But it’s been six weeks since we... you know. He’s been so patient, and even though we talk every day and I see him constantly, I just don’t know if I’m ready.”
Violet tilted her head, studying me like she always does when she’s trying to peel back my layers. “Why do you think you’re not ready, Josy?”
I hesitated, feeling the familiar knot of doubt tighten in my chest. “Because there’s this part of me that doesn’t feel like I’m enough. Even though I know logically that Noah’s doing everything to show me I am, I can’t shake it.”
Her eyes softened, and she stepped closer. “Where’s that coming from?”
I exhaled slowly, letting the words tumble out.
“It’s something I’ve been talking to my therapist about for years.
It’s tied to my mom. Growing up, she wasn’t there.
She had her reasons, and I know that now.
But back then? It felt like she didn’t want me.
My grandparents loved me fiercely, but it wasn’t the same. I had a mom, and she wasn’t there.”
Violet stayed quiet, letting me work through it.
“That kind of hurt doesn’t just disappear,” I continued.
“Even now that she’s back in my life and being a great mom, that old feeling lingers.
And then, when I saw Noah with that woman all those years ago, saying I was nothing.
.. it broke something in me. Even though he’s explained a hundred times and I’ve forgiven him, it’s like that voice in my head got louder.
Like it’s always waiting to tell me I’m not enough. ”
Violet’s hand found mine, her grip firm. “Josy, you are enough. You’re more than enough. And anyone who’s lucky enough to love you like Noah, knows that.”
Her words hit me in the softest, most vulnerable part of my heart. I nodded, blinking back the sting in my eyes. “I’m trying, Vi. I really am.”
“I know you are. And I’m proud of you for doing the work. But you’ve got to let yourself believe it. Noah wants you, and you deserve that love.”
I gave her a watery smile. “Thanks, Vi.”
She grinned, squeezing my hand. “Now, come on. We’ve got a million things to do before Adrian’s soccer practice.”
Hours later, after a whirlwind of work and errands, I’m sitting in Violet’s car, rubbing my lower back as Adrian hops into the backseat with his soccer gear.
“Happy birthday, Aunt Josy!” he says with a grin, holding up a messy card he clearly made.
My heart squeezes as I take the card, covered in glitter and stickers, with the words Happy B-day Auntie! Scrawled across the front.
“Thank you, Adrian! This is beautiful,” I say, glancing at Violet with a smile.
She shoots me a sly look. “Wait till you see what else we’ve got planned.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Dinner, right? I’m starving.”
But when we pull into Vi’s driveway, I notice the extra cars lined up outside and the faint glow of balloons through the windows.
“What’s going on?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at Violet.
She grins like the Cheshire Cat. “Oh, just a little something. Come on.”
“You know that I don’t like surprises, Vi.”
“I know. Just act surprise please.” Violet says with pleading eyes.
I sigh. “Okay. Lead the way.” Adrian and Violet walk to the entrance of their house as I follow. I love her for this and even though I am complaining and acting like I don’t want this, I really love it.
The door swings open, and I’m hit with a loud chorus of voices shouting, “Surprise!”
The living room is a kaleidoscope of balloons and decorations, with a giant banner that reads Happy Birthday, Josy! in bold letters. I stand frozen, overwhelmed by the sight of Austin by the door, and Noah standing near the cake with a grin that could light up the whole town.
I press a hand to my chest, trying to process the scene.
After everyone says hi to me and Noah tells me he wanted to celebrate my special day, I smile. He definitely made my day even better.