Jaxon squeezes my knee under the table, and the conversation ends there.

We continue eating in silence. Jaxon’s father hasn’t said two words to me since we were introduced at the funeral home. I hate that my presence is causing such a strain on the family, especially during such a sensitive time. But if Jaxon was able to trust me, then I have to hope that his family will too.

After the awkward dinner, I help Mrs. Waters clear away the dishes. She’s been so kind and understanding. At least she’s on my side.

I excuse myself to the bathroom. When I emerge, Josh is standing in the hallway looking at the pictures hanging on the wall. His eyes are glassy and he’s swaying like he’s on a boat.

“Jax and I used to be best buds,” he says. “Now he hates me.”

“Sleeping with your brother’s ex will do that to you.” I shouldn’t have said that, but I couldn’t help myself.

“He gets everything. The golden child.”

“He earns everything by being a good person.”

Josh laughs. “He’s in love with you, you know. Do you love him?”

I roll my eyes. He’s slurring his words and trying to stir up trouble. “Excuse me.” I try to push past him, but he grips my bicep.

“I saw the way you look at him. You love him.”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Josh digs into his pocket and pulls out a blue velvet box.

A ring box.

My eyes widen and it feels as if all the air has been sucked out of the hallway.

“I’m going to put this in your purse,” Josh says. “If you love Jaxon, you’ll put it back in his apartment and you won’t say a word about it.”

I yank my arm away. “Why the hell would I do that?”

“This family is already hurting over the loss of my grandfather. Do you really want to make things worse and tell Jaxon that I was the one who stole it from him?”

“You have got to be kidding me.” Both our heads jerk to the left. Mr. Waters is standing at the end of the hallway.

“Dad, I … it wasn’t me,” Josh sputters, backing away from me.

“I just heard everything you said.” He seizes the ring box and flips it open, looking down at the sparkly ring inside. His jaw works under his skin. “Get away from Raegan, and get in your room. I can’t even look at you right now.”

Josh hangs his head and disappears down the hall.

I press my hand against my chest and let out the breath I’d been holding. “I’m so glad you heard what he said.”

“I’m sorry he put you through that.” Mr. Waters steps toward me and slips the ring box into my purse.