Best Laid Plans (The Best Girls 4)

“That’s right,” said Charlie. “We love each other, and we’re getting married.”

“Are you sure you’re in love with him? This isn’t because the girls manipulated you and—”

“Spencer,” Emily cut him off. “That’s enough...”

“What? I think she has a right to know.”

“A right to know what?” Charlie’s heart was racing.

“It’s nothing, Charlie. He’s making a big deal out of nothing.”

“If it’s nothing, then tell her,” said Spencer.

“Yes, tell me.”

Emily sighed. “We all knew—”

“Not all,” Spencer corrected. “Leave me out of this.”

“As I was saying,” Emily continued. “We knew you and Josh were in love but neither of you would admit it. So, all we did was help y’all figure it out.”

“How?” Dread settled on her chest like a heavy weight.

“We didn’t do much, really. I mean, Olivia had already decided she wasn’t going to marry Josh, but we finally got him to accept the idea. Honestly, I think when you risked your life to save Jace, and he knew he could have lost you, that’s when he realized he was still in love with you.”

Charlie knew it wasn’t true. She’d hoped he might still have some feelings for her, but Emily had just confirmed what she already suspected. Josh felt obligated to her because she’d saved Jace’s life. And she knew he was grateful she was going to help him adopt Chloe and Jace. But could feelings of obligation and gratitude ever grow into love? Probably not.

JOSH HAD A BIG PROBLEM. How could he assure Charlie he would always love her—that no scars or weaknesses would change anything—without telling her he was already in love with her. He’d been trying to demonstrate his feelings for her. He’d stayed with her at the hospital as much as possible. He’d helped her to eat and brush her teeth. He’d told her repeatedly how much he appreciated her risking her life for Jace. He’d explained how he could never repay her. He’d explained how her scars would be small and would only remind him of her amazing sacrifice. But nothing he’d said or done had seemed to lift her spirits.

Brad and Olivia were keeping a close watch on their stoic patient during the three-hour flight to New York. So far, Josh hadn’t found an opportunity to speak to her alone. She practiced her breathing exercises without complaint, but he could tell she wasn’t happy. What if she was having second thoughts about the marriage?

He had no choice but to confess the truth. That he loved her. That he’d never stopped loving her. That he would always love her. She might be angry with him for asking Olivia to marry him while he was still in love with Charlie. She might despise him for attempting to use her friend. But her security and happiness was the most important thing. He would tell her the truth... the moment the right opportunity presented itself.

THE DRONING JET ENGINES mirrored the groans in her soul. Charlie was depressed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to pull herself out of it. She should be happy. She was out of the CCU and on her way home. She was marrying the man she loved. She loved Chloe and Jace, and couldn’t wait to be their mother. Josh treated her with incredible care and respect. He’d promised to try to love her.

But she realized he might never have any feelings for her beyond esteem and admiration. She tried to imagine her marriage, longing for love from the man who’d always be a constant reminder of what she couldn’t have. Could her love and relationship with Chloe and Jace make up for the lack of love from Josh

?

Only four days had passed since the accident, but her recovery seemed incredibly slow. She tried to use as little pain medication as possible and despised herself for still needing it. And every time Josh was nice to her, it only made her heart ache more. He obviously felt so much guilt over her supposed sacrifice he might even pretend to love her. And how would she ever know whether it was real or not.

Additionally, she knew everyone had misinterpreted the accident on the ski slope. She’d tried over and over again, but couldn’t remember anything akin to what had been reported to her. She was not only upset Josh felt obligated to her, but also positive his adulation was undeserved.

Olivia seemed to find too much pleasure in her role as Charlie’s nurse on the plane. “So how do you feel?” She checked her blood pressure for the umpteenth time.

“I feel absurd. My blood pressure is fine. Everyone is making too big of a deal out of things. I’m fine, and my blood pressure isn’t going to suddenly shoot up.”

“Well, if you start bleeding internally, it might suddenly drop off. But I’m asking about your pain level. What is it on a scale of one to ten?”

“A two, I guess.”

Olivia raised her brows. “Two being a high level of pain or not much pain?”

“Not much pain.”

“And why do I think you’re lying to me?” Olivia asked.

“I don’t need any more pain medicine.”