He laughed. “I can’t say I’m a huge fan but it’s always been the Bears for me.”
“The Bears?” she asked in a tone full of disbelief. “When was the last time the Bears were any good?”
“They had a winning season just last year. First in their division and went to the wild card playoff.”
“Ooh, the wild card playoff. Every NFL team’s ambition.”
He chuckled. Man he liked her. If only he wasn’t in such a mess.
“I’m waking up early to work out,” she said. “I’d better turn in.”
“Okay. Good to talk to you, and just for the record, as your priest I advise you to kiss Joshua and see how it goes.” Maybe he shouldn’t have gone there. He held his breath awaiting her answer.
“You would say that … men.” She made a disgruntled sound in her throat but he thought her voice sounded open to the idea.
“We have to stick together.”
“I’m sure,” she said drily.
He laughed but then couldn’t think what to say but, “Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Hey, I was going to tell you …”
“Yeah?” he prompted.
“If I didn’t have these two men making me nuts, I’d really like to see your face and get to know you for real. You’re a great person.”
Joshua smiled. “Thanks. I wish we did have that chance, but I think you’ve definitely got enough of a man for now.”
“Hopefully I have him for forever.”
“I hope so too,” he said so softly he wondered if she heard him.
“Good night.” Her door opened and closed, and she was gone.
Joshua stayed out on the deck for a long time, repeating over and over, “I hope so too.” As if that would make it happen. Forever with Jade. He couldn’t imagine anything he wanted more. If only he didn’t have to sweep a million dollars taken from his company under the rug to be with Jade. His shoulders sagged and he studied the water, begging anyone in heaven who would listen,Please let the investigators find who took the money. And please don’t let it be Jade.