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Charlie’s mind was working overtime. Had she made a mistake when she’d rejected Josh two years ago? Was it possible his feelings were genuine? Something more than physical attraction? Something more than the thrill of a challenge? No matter the truth of his past affections, two years of separation would h
ave sabotaged any chance they had.
She suppressed a sigh. No use dwelling on what might have been. Instead, she would encourage Olivia in her feelings for Josh. If Josh was in love with Olivia and they were having a child together, the best possible outcome would be for them to commit fully to each other in a loving marriage. And Charlie would do everything possible to help that happen.
“So Olivia,” Charlie tapped her arm to get her attention. “How do you like working with Josh at the hospital?”
Charlie didn’t miss the roll of her eyes. “It’s fine, I guess. The single nurses and doctors are always falling all over him.” She chuckled. “Not that he ever notices. He’s pretty oblivious most of the time.”
“So how long have you been dating?”
Two red spots appeared on Olivia’s cheeks. “We aren’t really dating. I mean... We’ve always been more friends than anything. He was just around because of Brad dating Grace.”
“But evidently Josh has changed a lot in the last two years. I wouldn’t have believed it, but he seems like pretty good husband material, right?”
“Uhmm, maybe,” she replied, tilting her head as she peered at Charlie, wrinkling her nose.
“I mean, you have to admit he’s pretty hot, right?” Charlie pushed her point across. Maybe Olivia had spent too much time with Josh to see how good-looking he was. Perhaps, the glamour had worn off. She needed to help her see him through fresh eyes.
Olivia tried to fend off Charlie’s awkward line of questioning. What was she up to? Had Emily and Spencer told her about Josh’s marriage proposal and the reason for it? Why was she trying to get Olivia to admit Josh was attractive? Unless... What if Charlie was in love with Josh? Maybe she was fishing for information. This could be a perfect solution to her problem. What if she could get Charlie to agree to marry Josh before February? Obviously Josh used to find her attractive, even if he’d lost interest in her recently. Yes, this was a perfect opportunity.
“Yes, he’s good-looking,” Olivia agreed. “And you should see him in a swimsuit. Talk about steaming hot!”
“Muscles in all the right places?”
Was that a hungry look on Charlie’s face? “Oh, yeah.” Olivia stretched her smile from ear to ear. “And you’re completely right about him changing over the last two years. He’s not a player at all anymore. He really doesn’t go out to clubs or date anyone. He’s either working at the hospital, volunteering, or exercising.”
“Wow, I’m really impressed. He’s changed more than I ever realized. So you’re saying he really would make a good husband?”
“Absolutely—he’d be a great husband.”
“And you believe he’d be faithful?”
“I have no doubt he’d be faithful.”
“Well, I think the two of you look really good together.”
“You do?” Wait, this was supposed to be about helping Charlie picture herself married to Josh. “That’s funny, because I actually thought you and Josh looked good together.”
“Me and...” Charlie choked. “Oh, no—that was a long time ago. I think he pretty much hates me now. Didn’t you see how he looked at me at the wedding? But it’s okay. I just wanted you to know I want y’all to be happy.”
Olivia flashed a benevolent smile. Charlie didn’t fool her for an instant. She still had feelings for Josh. And if she could rope Charlie into agreeing to the marriage, the ad litem might not even notice the switch. They were both about the same height, and they both had long brown, curly hair. Charlie’s was a little longer, and she had gold eyes, as opposed to her own brown ones. But it just might work.
“Thanks, Charlie. That means so much to me. I hope we can spend more time together, now you’re back in the city. I feel so much more optimistic, now.”
“Great. I wanted you to know I’m backing you. And I didn’t want you to feel awkward about Josh liking me in the past. He’s obviously in love with you now.”
“What a sweet thing to say, Charlie. And don’t worry, Josh will have plenty of opportunity to show his true feelings.” Yes, indeed. She was starting to see a possible way out of her predicament without feeling responsible for Josh losing the custody battle. She pulled out her cell phone and sent a message to Josh.
“What were you talking to Olivia about?” Emily asked Charlie in a low voice. “Remember, no one’s supposed to know about Josh and the baby.”
“No worries—I was just letting her know I didn’t have feelings for Josh anymore. Everyone at the wedding knew about Josh kissing her, so that’s not a secret. I got her to admit he’s really good-looking and great husband material.”
“I guess that’s pretty good.”
“I won’t say anything about the baby. That’s her story to tell, anyway.”
Charlie studied Olivia again. Was her face glowing? That was supposed to happen when you were pregnant, wasn’t it? Olivia looked up from her phone with a dazzling smile. Yes, she seemed to be radiant. It was no wonder Josh had fallen in love with her. She was beautiful and smart, and they both loved medicine and helping people. Charlie bit back the jealousy threatening right below the surface of her altruism. She refused to be selfish. Josh and Olivia’s marriage would be the best thing for them and for the baby. And she would do everything in her power to make it happen.
