I Do

Chapter 8

Ethan already knew that he was falling for her and the last thing he needed was to rush her. From London, the went back home for a few days before he once again took another business trip to Milan. He loved the idea of traveling with Josie and going on dates while still on the business trips. It gave him an opportunity to let Josie into his world and still experience her tastes. During one of the many times they worked late in the office, Josie had given him her top destinations including Central Park in New York and a ride in a gondola as she took in the Italian sites. Ethan could not help but think of how cute she was when she spoke about her dreams. They were all so genuine, unlike all the other women he usually dated whose dreams were always centered on milking the financial cow that he was. Digging for gold until they could no longer fake their feelings. However, Ethan still had a few reservations as far as dating Josie was concerned.

Even though they had not really officially defined the relationship, it was clear to both Ethan and Josie that the attraction between them was undeniable. That was why Ethan kept on picturing a future with her. Josie was not a woman he could picture a short-term relationship with. However, every time he talked about the future with her, she seemed elusive. Especially when they talked about marriage and children. He could not shake the feeling that perhaps he had read the whole situation wrong. That maybe, just maybe, Josie was just like all the other women he had come across.

“There is nothing new under the sun,” Ethan thought as they traveled back to Los Angeles.

He could not deny that he’d had a great time so far. But six weeks into the ‘relationship’ he still didn’t know where they were headed. It was that simple fact that birthed that little whisper. That little whisper that made him think that perhaps Josie was not a family person. That little whisper that confirmed that ridiculous statement that Ethan had heard so many times.

‘There are two kinds of women. Those who place their careers above families and those who only live for family.’

He had always thought that was a ridiculous statement. After all, even people who claimed not to be naturally nurturing eventually got a pet. Or ten. Everyone in Ethan’s opinion had the ability to nurture. But the way Josie seemed to be so eager to change the topic every time he brought up the subject of children was disturbing at the very least. He could not understand if she was just scared or if there was something he was not seeing.

He was still deep in thought on Sunday evening as he looked at his nephews engrossed in a Nintendo archery game.

“Remember back when archery was a real thing?” Noah asked. “In the outdoors?”

Ethan laughed.

“Yeah, but it is not like we are not going to bring Nate and Zach into the wild and actually have them do some actual archery.”

Noah sighed as he looked at his sons.

“The other day, I tried to get them to learn monopoly. All they could see was a box and the only thing that mattered was that it did not come with a gaming pad or a joystick.”

Ethan shook his head as he took a sip of his coffee. They had just had dinner and were now having coffee with their dessert: a slice of carrot cake.

“Guess there is not much that can be done about this generation’s choices but you really don’t have anything to worry about,” Ethan pointed out and Noah shook his head.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“You always take the boys on camping trips and all the other stuff you force on me to unplug… These two are well-rounded if you ask me,” Ethan explained. “I mean, you even got me to somehow get a whole lot of Silicon Valley kids to get out of the office and into the mountains.”

“Are you trying to say that you didn’t like the experience?” Noah asked. “Because you keep on saying that we need to go back and do some ziplining a little too often.”

Ethan shrugged.

“I did like it and yeah, I have done it again and I am not about to stop now but we digress. My point was that Nate and Zach are great in the outdoors may be more than we ever were. Plus, the fact that we still take that trip to the country helps a whole lot.”

Noah grinned.

“Yeah, I guess. I really hope it sticks. The last thing I want is to raise a couple of gluten-free hypo-allergenic kids.”

Ethan chuckled as he took another sip of his coffee.

“So, you have been globetrotting with that assistant of yours a little too much lately.” Noah took the last bite of his cake. “Is there something I should know? Am I about to get a sister-in-law?”

Ethan shook his head and put his empty cup on the table.

“Honestly, I don’t know… I like Josie. A lot. But it is like she is not ready to make a commitment Or maybe she doesn’t really want to.”

Noah shrugged.

“What are you talking about?” he asked and his brother ran his fingers through his hair.

“I don’t know how to say it… I keep on trying to get to know her more. You know, ask questions about the future. Having kids…” His voice trailed off. “But every time I bring that topic up, she just brushes it off.”

“Having kids?” Noah asked and Ethan nodded.

“Yeah, Nate and Zach have been amazing and even though I am just their uncle, these two have brought so much joy to this family…. And I want that.”

Noah grinned as he looked at him.

“Wow, I never thought that I would ever hear those words from you.”

Ethan shrugged.

“What can I say? You make being a dad look cool.”

Noah leaned forward and looked at his brother.

“Tell me one thing,” he started. “Do you just want children or do you want Josie and the children that will be born of your union?”

Ethan did not need to think about his answer. He knew exactly what he wanted.

“I could have had any child I wanted. Even the so-called designer babies but after meeting Josie… I want her. I want to look at a little girl with the same kind eyes that she has or a little boy with that same cheeky smile she has when she sneaks in potato chips at the office.”

Noah laughed.

“Someone really needs to tell her that eating potato chips in a quiet place is a loud giveaway,” he said and Ethan shook his head.

“No, it’s cute the way she hides the Pringles pack every time someone walks by,” he said and Noah leaned back in his chair.

“I know that you are the older one but from the outside looking in, I can clearly see that you are in love with Josie.”

“I am just beginning to fall…” Ethan started before Noah shook his head and smiled at him.