Meanwhile, Annabeth Cates remained cool and polite, knowing what her husband was thinking.

Right then, she felt touched but also very uneasy.

She had reminded her mother not to tell anyone about them coming home, but apparently, she hadn't listened and ended up putting Josh Batton in an awkward situation.

Seeing this, Peggy Howards awkwardly smiled at the two of them. “I didn’t think this would happen.”

There were too many people around then, so neither Annabeth nor Josh said much and continued to smile politely.

The girls surrounded him and began talking to both of them.

It became even more awkward, but they remained gracious, following the rest to the couch to sit next to Bobby Cates and Peggy.

Flocking around them, the girls began taking pictures and talking excitedly—

“Josh, I’ve liked you for a long time. Honestly, I feel like I can’t breathe anymore.”

“Me too. Josh, I’ve been a fan since day one. I’ve always voted for you in polls and competitions.”

“Who hasn’t? I only