Liam winced. “That’s tough. I know what it’s like to raise a child by myself. When Ruby was presumed dead, I was both father and mother to Aidan.” He scratched his jaw. “It wasn’t easy.”
“No,” Honor said, squeezing her brother’s arm. “I know you went through some hard times. Despite what went down between myself and Joshua, I don’t want him to suffer the same way you did.”
Liam narrowed his gaze as he looked at her. “Honor, I hope you maintain a safe distance from Joshua.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“You have a heart that’s as wide open as the Alaskan tundra. I don’t want you to get hurt again.” Liam didn’t need to say anything else. It was written all over his handsome face. Her brothers had always been her protectors. Years ago they had tried in vain to get between her and Joshua. Like most young women who were head over heels in love, Honor had been stubborn and intractable. She had felt such resentment toward her brothers for trying to sabotage her youthful romance. There had been no convincing her of the unsuitability of Joshua Ransom.
She had been blind to Joshua’s flaws until everything exploded in her face.
“He’s only come back for the memorial,” she said in a clipped tone. “And, believe it or not, I’ve moved past my relationship with Joshua.” She let out a brittle-sounding laugh. “We were kids back then.”
Liam nodded. “Kids who were crazy in love,” he noted.
Crazy in love. It was an apt description for the way she had felt about Joshua. And the way he had felt about her in return. They had been madly, deeply, happily in love.
All of sudden Hazel appeared at their side, allowing Honor a reprieve from having to come up with a response to Liam’s statement. There was no doubt about it. She and Joshua had been so committed to one another that they had dreamed of getting married and spending their lives together. He had proposed to Honor and put a ring on her finger. Their relationship had been so much more intense than youthful infatuation. Even though she had tried to minimize those feelings over the years in order to make herself feel better about the way things had crashed and burned, it had been the real deal.
Hazel cleared her throat. “Liam. Do you mind if I have a word with Honor?”
“Of course not,” Liam said. He winked at Hazel. “She’s all yours.”
Once they were alone, Hazel began shifting from one foot to the other. A sheepish expression crept over her face.
“Honor, I think I might owe you an apology. Jasper, bless his heart, isn’t always on target, but he pointed out that I was wrong to offer the Moose Café to Joshua without checking with you first.” She bit her lip. “I know how hard it was when things ended between you and Joshua. Never in a million years would I ever want to cause you any pain.”
“Please don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I think it was very generous of you to offer the Moose Café to Joshua and Theo.”
She groaned. “You’re just being nice. I’m sorry if I made a mess of things. Sometimes I try too hard to do what I think is right,” she muttered. “Maybe I should have just left things alone.”
Honor reached out and took her hand. “Hazel. You didn’t do anything wrong. Joshua and I are six years older and wiser. We’ve both moved on with our lives. What kind of woman would I be if I begrudged them the use of the café for Bud’s reception?” No matter what had transpired between her and Joshua in the past, Honor couldn’t allow it to change who she was as a person. She had cared for Joshua’s grandfather. Bud had been her friend.
“That’s very mature of you. Can you do me a favor and ask your brothers to kick their vendetta to the curb?” She made a tutting sound. “They need to just let it go already. Joshua was a boy of eighteen when he started that fire. It was a terrible accident and he paid dearly for it.”
“Yes, he did,” Honor murmured, knowing Hazel was referencing her.
“Call me a softie, but life is too short to harbor bitterness in one’s heart.”
“Old grudges are silly. I don’t want anyone feuding on my account. The way I figure it, if I can be civil to Joshua, no one else has the right to act up.” She chewed on her lip. “And I hate to say it, but there could be a legitimate reason for tensions to heighten in the near future.”
Hazel frowned. “Do I dare ask what you’re talking about?”
Honor bit her lip. “I don’t want to gossip, but you’ll find out soon enough. Bud didn’t sign the ranch over to the town and the preservation society. Joshua and Theo are his heirs. And they’re considering selling the Diamond R to a Texas developer.”
Hazel’s eyes bulged. “No! That can’t be right!”
“Unfortunately it is. I heard it straight from Lee’s mouth and then Joshua confirmed it.” She made a face. “Some outfit from Texas wants to create a posh dude ranch on the property. It seems as if everyone wants a piece of our little fishing village these days.”
“I’m afraid for this town if they sell out. Bud was a smart man. I can’t believe he didn’t make things official in his will,” Hazel lamented.
Honor shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe he changed his mind about it. Perhaps he wanted Joshua and his daughter to be comfortable. He’s raising her all by himself.”
“Joshua has a daughter?” Hazel asked. “Years ago I wouldn’t have trusted that boy with a pet rock, but time changes folks. Everyone deserves a shot at getting things right.”
“I think so, too,” Honor concurred. Getting things right. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Honor’s head. “Maybe Joshua will decide to do the right thing regarding the Diamond R. Perhaps this is his chance to redeem himself,” she said.
Hazel eyed her with skepticism. “I wouldn’t hold my breath. Joshua and Theo are just passing through Love. Neither one of ’em has any reason to hold on to the ranch. Sad to say, but selling it makes a whole lot of sense.” Hazel patted her on the shoulder before walking back toward the kitchen.
Honor shook her head. It wasn’t going to happen. Not on her watch! There was no way she was going to sit around on the sidelines as a developer destroyed Bud’s ranch and created such a monstrosity in Love. She wasn’t certain how she would go about it, but she was determined to make Joshua see how wrong it would be to sell the Diamond R Ranch. Perhaps she could remind him of all the reasons he used to adore his hometown and Bud’s ranch.
If there was even a sliver of the old Joshua that still existed, Honor felt certain he would tell the Texas developers to take a hike and find a new town to plunder.
Chapter Four
Joshua looked around the Moose Café with keen interest. The establishment owned by Cameron Prescott had a rustic charm. Copper lights hung from the ceiling, giving the café a warm glow. Forget-me-nots had been placed in small vases on each individual table. He had to admit, the place had a comfortable, cozy vibe. The smell of coffee and baked goods went straight to his empty stomach. It grumbled loudly in appreciation. He could see why this place was successful. It was the perfect spot to sit and eat and enjoy fellowship with good friends.
Not that he would ever hang out here. Too many Prescotts and O’Rourkes lurking around. He imagined they wouldn’t welcome him with open arms anytime soon if he happened to stroll in on his own. Clearly Hazel had pulled some strings in order to allow them to host the reception here. At first he had balked at the idea, but in reality, there were few places here in town that would host them.
This wasn’t about him or the way the townsfolk felt about him. It was about Bud and giving him a proper send-off. Pastor Jack had given a beautiful eulogy for his grandfather. It had been a nice mix of humor, solemnity and faith. Joshua had been incredibly moved and grateful for the kind words.
The café was packed with townsfolk. Everyone had migrated over after the church service. Folks were milling around and gathering in little groups. He ignored the whispers as best he could. After the scandalous way he�
��d left town, he deserved them. As far as they knew, he was a fire starter.
He swung his gaze around and locked eyes with Boone. The man’s expression was shuttered but his eyes glittered with anger. After all these years, the sheriff of Love still couldn’t stand the sight of him. It radiated from his every pore. It made sense, Joshua supposed. He watched as a dark-haired woman with striking features gently tugged at Boone’s arm, then placed a baby in his arms. His features softened as he looked down at the child and began to nuzzle his nose against hers. Boone appeared to be the epitome of a family man.
So he does have a heart after all, Joshua thought. He wasn’t simply a tyrant with a shiny gold badge.
He stuffed down the spark of jealousy at the sight of the family unit. It was what he’d wanted as long as he could remember. A wife and kids. Years ago he had been convinced he and Honor were destined to live out their days together. Sometimes he still allowed himself to daydream about what might have been if he hadn’t claimed responsibility for starting the fire.
Joshua cradled Violet closer against his chest and shook off thoughts of the past. He was blessed to have his daughter. Her presence in his life strengthened his sense of purpose. God had answered his prayers in the form of the blue-eyed little girl.
It felt as if he had just walked into the lion’s den. Folks were eyeing him warily. Some were glaring at him with outright hostility while others seemed to feel sympathy toward him. Even though Violet was a baby, he prayed she didn’t pick up on any negative vibes swirling around the café.
Hazel appeared at his side holding her arms out. “Why don’t you let me take Violet and put her down for a nap? That way you can mingle with the guests. Cameron has a playpen in his office he uses for Emma. I’m guessing she’ll settle down just fine.”
He looked down at Violet. She was nodding off and heading for sleepy-time. It was way past her nap hour. Joshua handed her over to Hazel, who seemed delighted to be holding a baby in her arms. She began to softly hum as she walked away with Violet. He smiled. At least he had one solid friend here in town. Hazel’s kindness humbled him.
He swung his gaze around the café again. Joshua wasn’t sure he wanted to socialize with any of the townsfolk. More important, he wasn’t certain they had a single word to say to him. The past still stood between him and the town like a rushing river. In their eyes, he was responsible for burning down a beloved church. Although it hurt to be treated like a pariah, Joshua knew it was something most would find hard to forgive.
He looked around the establishment for his brother. Theo was on the other side of the room talking animatedly with some school friends. They were laughing and enjoying themselves. He felt a stab of jealousy. His brother didn’t have the same target on his back as he did. In the town’s eyes, Theo had been the accomplice the night of the fire. He hadn’t been the fire starter. At moments such as this one, Joshua couldn’t help but wish the truth had been told all those years ago. Being blamed for the fire had left him with scars he wasn’t sure could ever be healed. If he had to do it all over again, he knew he wouldn’t take the rap for the fire. It had cost him Honor’s love—a price too high to bear.
“Joshua.” Honor’s honeyed voice flowed over him. He turned toward the sound of her. She was standing next to him looking gorgeous in a royal blue dress that made her blue-gray eyes pop. He hadn’t seen her at the church, but it had overflowed with parishioners. It had pleased him to see so many people turn out to honor Bud.
“It was a lovely service. Bud would be proud.”
“Thank you,” he said. “Pastor Jack is a good man. He really knew my grandfather well.” He let out a low chuckle. “Some of the stories he told were highly amusing. Sounded just like Bud.”
“He’ll be sorely missed. I was proud to call him my friend. He was very supportive of the wildlife center. He backed every single donor drive we held. And every now and again he would surprise me by popping up when I least expected it.” A hint of a smile hovered on Honor’s lips.
“Sounds like Gramps. Do you know he sent me a twenty-dollar bill in the mail every year for my birthday?”
Honor giggled. It sounded like music to his ears. It had been a long time since he’d heard the lovely sound. “That’s really sweet.”
Joshua had the sensation of eyes boring into him. Boone stood across the room, staring at him with an intensity Joshua couldn’t ignore. He began to walk over toward where Joshua stood with Honor, his stride sure and steady. Honor eyed her brother warily.
Joshua met Boone’s gaze head-on. Something told him Honor’s brother hadn’t walked over to offer condolences. Boone didn’t waste any time. “I hear you’ve been talking to the Alloy Corporation about the Diamond R.”
“That’s right,” Joshua said, his stare unwavering. A lot had changed in six years. He wasn’t afraid of Sheriff Boone Prescott anymore. Back when he had been a teenager, Joshua had been intimidated by Boone’s authority and the position he held in law enforcement. Not to mention the fact that he’d been Honor’s big brother. Back then he had always been looking for trouble. Now, it was the last thing he wanted.
“Selling to that outfit will hurt this town,” Boone said in a clipped tone. His voice was filled with censure.
“That remains to be seen,” Joshua said. “It could open up the town to more revenue just like Lovely Boots,” he said, referencing the boot company based on Hazel’s creation of genuine Alaskan boots. From what his grandfather had told him, the company had helped Love put money back in the town coffers after years of downturn in the local economy.
“To be fair,” Honor interjected, “Lovely Boots has provided a lot of jobs for locals. A dude ranch would largely benefit the owner. And it would make Love a tourist trap.” Honor shuddered. “That would irrevocably change this town. It wouldn’t be a quaint fishing village anymore. It would be unrecognizable.”
Joshua bit back an angry retort. He counted to ten in his head before he responded. “A dude ranch would need employees, so it could help the local economy. Surely that’s not a bad thing.”
Honor didn’t respond. Her jaw hardened. She had a mutinous expression stamped on her face.
She didn’t need to say anything further. Of course Honor was siding with her brother. He shouldn’t be surprised. Nothing had changed in this town. He was still on the outside looking in. But it didn’t really matter what the Prescotts or the townsfolk thought. He and Theo had the authority to decide the destiny of the Diamond R Ranch. And there was nothing any of them could do about it. They held all the power. It was a complete reversal of fortune.
He didn’t enjoy feeling this way, but for so long he had been powerless against the judgment and the condemnation of this small town. Even before the fire, Joshua had been viewed as a troublemaker and a rabble-rouser. His tarnished reputation had caused a lot of heartache for his mother, who had shed buckets of tears over the situation.
Suddenly, Cameron came over and stood next to Boone. Declan and Finn followed suit. Joshua let out a labored sigh. It was as if the cavalry had just ridden in. So much for a nice reception after Bud’s memorial.
“So tell us, Ransom, is selling the ranch to the highest bidder a way of getting back at this town?” Cameron asked, his brows furrowed.
Joshua shook his head. He felt incredulous. Hadn’t he established any goodwill in this town? He had lived here for eighteen years. Surely in all that time he’d done at least a few good things.
“For the record, revenge isn’t my style,” he said, keeping his voice calm and measured. Joshua didn’t feel the need to explain that he had developed a relationship with God after leaving Love. He knew the God he served wouldn’t want him to harbor hatred in his heart or fight with anyone. He had evolved over the past six years.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Honor�
�s face radiated discomfort. “Can you boys take it down a few notches?” Honor asked. “This isn’t the time nor the place. Today is about Bud.”
“Bud didn’t want his land to be sold to someone who would desecrate it,” Declan said. “It isn’t what he wanted!”
“I’m getting pretty sick and tired of people telling me what my grandfather wanted!” Joshua gritted his teeth. “Let me just tell all of you at the same time so I won’t have to repeat it. Nothing’s been decided. Theo and I will take everything into consideration and decide what’s best for us.”
Finn shook his head. “That’s no big surprise. Doing what’s best for Love has never really interested you.”
Joshua sucked his teeth. It was a low blow. His faith was being tested. Turn the other cheek. It was a Bible verse he lived by. But now there were people in his face pushing his buttons. There was only so much he could ignore.
Just then Theo walked up, nudging his way into the circle. “What’s going on over here?” he asked. “What did I miss? Are you guys catching up on old times?”
“Something like that,” Joshua drawled, making eye contact with his brother.
“We were inquiring about your intention to sell the Diamond R,” Boone explained. “Word has gotten around town. Folks are curious. And concerned about developers trampling all over Bud’s land.”
“That’s mighty neighborly of you to ask,” Theo said, grinning at Boone. “We’re still weighing our options, but at the moment, selling to the Alloy Corporation is where we’re leaning.”
Boone scowled at Theo. The tension was so thick one could cut it with a knife.
Joshua could see the concern flickering in Honor’s eyes. It was all over her face. She was dead set against the sale of the ranch and still reeling from disappointment about the provisions in Bud’s will.
He felt a twisting sensation in his gut. So many years had passed by since they had been in love with one another, yet he still cared about what she thought of him. A part of him had secretly hoped Honor would be impressed by all the changes he’d undergone in the ensuing years. Clearly none of that mattered now. Her focus was on the Diamond R ranch and whether or not it would be turned into a trendy dude ranch.
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