Unfailing Love (Heart Series #3)

15-What would Jesus do?

Stars glittered like diamonds God himself had hung in the night sky, and peaceful quiet, save the chirping crickets, combined with a gentle breeze made Dani want to linger.

One glance up at Josh and she knew she was kidding herself. He was the reason why she wanted to stay here. Please, God, I know my feelings are wrong. Take them away.

The man haunting her thoughts peered down at her, perceptive as always. "What's wrong?"

Josh could read her like no one else. "I-I guess I wanted everything to be perfect."

"He doesn't need you to be perfect. Did you see the look on his face when he saw you tonight?"

"Yes, my heart nearly burst with love. I know I can't undo the past, but I want to make it right now." Realizing how he might misread that she added quickly, "With Jacob."

"Right. With Jacob. You're nervous." He said it like he couldn't quite understand why.

"A little," she admitted. "I don't want to blow my second chance."

"He loves you." His voice was warm with reassurance and something else she couldn't name. "He'd love you even if you didn't give him anything."

"I know, Josh. You're an amazing father to have raised him to be that kind of person." She was impressed and a little envious. "He loves me because of who he is, but I want to give him a reason."

Something that looked suspiciously like sympathy flashed in his dark gaze. "He's four Dani, and you've made him the happiest kid in town because you're here."

"You're saying that to make me feel better," she said softly, a smile in her voice.

He tilted his head, studying her with a warm gaze. "Nah, I'd never do that. I'm not that nice of a guy."

Without warning Pastor Wyatt's expression as he announced Josh's engagement flashed in her mind and she winced. Seeing his expression, she realized he'd read her thoughts even before he spoke.

"Dani, I didn't mean for you to find out that way." He shifted, threading long fingers through his short hair. "About the engagement," he needlessly added.

"You said that."

"But you don't believe me."

"I do, not that it matters."

"She found the ring. I'd dropped it and I proposed." He sighed. "I really wish we'd have had a chance to talk before that."

Dani's stomach was hollowed with regret and a sound came from deep within her chest.

Josh didn't seem to notice. He appeared lost in thought, and then he spoke again. "The look on Pastor Wyatt's face when he saw you gave me chills."

She thought of what Mrs. Huckabee had told her. Dani wanted desperately to confide in Josh, but he wasn't her best friend anymore and she needed to speak with her mom first. She wouldn't spread what might turn out to be gossip.

"It's like he regretted giving Meredith and me his blessing."

With a heavy heart, her eyes closed.

"You didn't seem surprised by his reaction."

Her eyes flew open and slammed into his. "It happened so quickly. I didn't know what to think."

His gaze glittered. "Why do I feel like you're keeping something from me?"

He always had read her well. "It's been a long time for us. Maybe you don't know me as well as you did back then."

"Maybe."