“Better,” Josie said.
At Ash’s skeptical look, she flushed. “Okay. Not wonderful, but I am better. I can sit up now without feeling like my chest caught on fire. And I can breathe normally again. They took the oxygen off this morning.”
“That’s wonderful, Josie!” Bethany exclaimed. “We’ve been so worried about you.”
“How are you guys?” Josie asked in a low voice. But her question was mainly directed at Mia. Ash had told her about Mia’s history with Charles Willis.
“We’re okay,” Mia said, but her eyes were haunted. “I still feel like it’s my fault. I mean I’m the one who pissed him off.”
Josie shook her head and winced at the pain it caused. “He’s an asshole, Mia. You aren’t to blame for his actions.”
“Got that right,” Ash growled.
“I hate that I share a last name with him,” Bethany said, pulling a face. “I don’t want anyone thinking we’re related!”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Like Willis isn’t a common last name?”
“You won’t have to worry about that much longer, baby,” Jace said, satisfaction written on his face. “Your last name will soon be Crestwell.”
Bethany’s face flushed with happiness and she automatically stared down at the ring on her left hand. And it was a gorgeous ring. Huge diamond but it didn’t look gawdy at all. It was tastefully expensive and it suited her perfectly.
“Speaking of, have you set a date yet?” Josie asked.
Jace looked unhappy and Bethany laughed. “We’re working on it. I wasn’t planning anything until you’re completely recovered and can stand for me at my wedding.”
Josie’s heart warmed and she smiled big, allowing her pleasure to show.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” she said. “Even if I’m still in a cast. Don’t wait on me! I don’t want to delay your big day.”
“It wouldn’t be the same without you,” Bethany said, putting her hand on Josie’s. “I want you all there. Brittany too! All the girls will be there. Caro has promised that she’ll come even if it means flying in from Vegas.”
Kai cleared his throat. “That won’t be a problem. If Brittany and I are in Vegas by then we’ll fly in on my jet and bring Brandon and Caro with us.”
Josie’s eyes widened and her gaze went to Brittany. “You’re going to Vegas with him?”
“Yes,” Kai cut in before Brittany could answer.
Ash’s eyes narrowed but he kept silent. Josie had no doubt he’d be talking to his sister later. And Kai as well.
“Thank you,” Bethany said to Kai, ducking her face in shyness. “It means a lot that you’ll make sure they get to come.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Kai said, a smile on his ruggedly handsome face. “Maybe seeing you get married will entice Brittany to take the plunge again. Her last husband was a fool to let her go, but I won’t make that same mistake.”
Whoa. This guy was moving fast! Josie risked another look at Brittany to see her face drawn in consternation. It seemed as though Kai wanted to move fast and that Brittany wasn’t quite on board yet. Her money was on Kai, though. He struck her as being a very determined man when he wanted something. Just like every other man in this room.
“I don’t suppose you all brought food with you?” Josie asked hopefully. “I’m starving and all they’ll give me is clear liquids, which means lots of jello and chicken broth.”
Ash sent her a look of reprimand. “No real food yet, baby. Not until tomorrow, and even then you’ll start out slow.”
She sighed. “It was worth a try. Maybe the girls will smuggle me in something when you’re not looking.”
As she said it, she sent a pleading look in the women’s direction that had everyone laughing.
“We’re on it,” Mia said firmly, shooting Ash a glare.
Ash shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Just remember you have to get by me.”