Jasper shook a finger at Hazel. “I heard that. A person is only as old as they feel.”
“So you’re one hundred and five,” Hazel cracked, throwing her head back in laughter. Jasper frowned at his wife, but his lips twitched with amusement.
Liam rushed back to the table, his expression tense and full of concern.
“Guys, I’ve got to head over to the clinic.” His gaze swung toward Honor. “It seems Joshua Ransom’s daughter took a bad fall. He’s on his way into town with the child right now.”
Honor jumped up from her seat and walked over toward Liam. Her pulse was skittering. She couldn’t imagine how frantic Joshua would be under these circumstances. Violet was his entire world.
“Is it bad?” she asked.
Liam’s expression was grim. “I’m not sure. I need to head over right now. I want to be at the clinic when he arrives.”
“I’m coming with you, Liam,” she said.
He frowned down at her. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
She bit her lip. “Not really, but if I was in his shoes, I’d want some company. I have no idea if I’ll be welcome, but I think considering what we meant to each other in the past it feels like the right thing to do.”
“Okay,” he nodded. “Let’s go.”
She went back to her seat and grabbed her purse and coat, then quickly trailed after Liam.
“Honor!” Boone called after her. She turned around and eyed him warily. He had caught up to her. His expression radiated concern.
“Boone. I’ve got to go. It’s an emergency.”
“Why don’t you just stay here with us? It’s not wise to get wrapped up in Joshua’s personal life,” he warned. “You don’t need to get pulled back in.”
Why was Boone continuing to treat her like a child? It was beyond irritating. “The last time I checked I’m an adult. I’m gainfully employed and I live on my own. I’m no longer the naive teenager who had stars in her eyes. Please stop questioning my decisions!”
Boone opened his mouth to reply, but she turned on her heel and raced to catch up with Liam, who had left the café. When she walked outside, Honor spotted her brother revving up his car across the street. She raced over, then hustled into the passenger seat.
Please, Lord, she prayed. Let Violet be all right. It will destroy Joshua if his baby girl is seriously injured. We might not be in the best place right now, but I still care about what happens to Joshua. I don’t want him to be in pain.
And therein lay her truths. She still cared. Their love story had ended a long time ago, but it didn’t mean she had ever stopped loving him as a human being. It was different from being in love with him, but it was still powerful. The ties binding them together meant she couldn’t turn her back on him when he was in need. And beautiful, sweet Violet had touched something inside of Honor that had been dormant for a long time. It had frightened her to feel such intense emotions for Joshua’s daughter, but she knew exactly where they stemmed from—the loss of the baby she and Joshua had created.
It wasn’t easy dealing with all the feelings she had stuffed down for so many years, but Honor knew she needed to offer support to Joshua and Violet. She prayed Joshua wouldn’t be upset by her presence at the clinic, because there was no force on earth that could stop her from being there.
* * *
Joshua couldn’t remember a time in his life when he had been so terrified. He had broken every speed record in Love, Alaska, in order to get Violet to Dr. Liam Prescott’s clinic. Violet screamed the entire way. His heart had broken listening to her cries. All he’d wanted to do was hold her in his arms and make her feel better. Joshua had uttered more prayers than he’d ever imagined possible.
Because neither Theo nor Winnie had been at the house this evening when Violet had fallen, he was all alone in a very scary situation.
As he pulled up in front of the clinic, he immediately noticed it was ablaze with lights. He vaulted out of the truck and raced to unbuckle Violet. Her face was blotchy and red. She was whimpering and her eyes were pink from crying. Joshua cradled her as gently as he possibly could in his arms. The last thing he wanted to do was inflict more pain on her.
As soon as he walked up to the front door, it swung open. Liam stood in the entranceway, ushering him inside.
“Come on into the examining room,” Liam said, leading him down the hall.
Honor was standing there with wide eyes, wringing her hands. There was a look of strain on her face. “I thought you might need a friend,” she said.
Although he was still furious with her regarding the injunction, Joshua couldn’t ignore the sense of relief he felt upon seeing her. Even though they were at odds over the Diamond R, Honor knew him on a level most people didn’t. They had history. Somehow it made him feel better to have her here. Now he didn’t feel so alone.
He nodded at her, tacitly giving her permission to come with them into the examining room. Once they were inside the room, Liam began to pepper him with questions.
“Can you tell me what happened, Joshua?” Liam asked.
Joshua had to talk over the sound of Violet’s wails. Every now and again she would stop crying, only to start up again. “She fell down the basement stairs.” He let out an agonized sound. “I ran down there to get something. I left her playing in the living room. I can’t believe she toddled all the way over to the basement door.” He scratched his jaw. “I should have realized she could scoot over there in the blink of an eye.”
“These things happen. You can’t dwell on that part,” Liam said in a gentle voice. “I’m going to lay her down on her back so I can examine her. Just stand right next to me so she stays as calm as possible.”
Joshua laid Violet down on the examining table. She held out her arms so he would pick her up. Joshua was in agony. His daughter was too little to understand what was going on. As Liam examined her, Joshua spoke to her in a calm, soothing voice. He began playing peekaboo with her and trying to distract her. After a few minutes, Liam sat Violet up.
“I’m going to do some X-rays on her left arm. Judging by the way she’s holding it and her reaction to my touching it, it could be broken. And I’d like to check on her leg as well. She could have broken several bones in the fall. We just have to make certain. She’s not showing any signs of a concussion, but we should watch out for them. Loss of balance. Headache. And I also want to rule out any internal injuries.”
Joshua ran a hand over his face. He felt incredibly guilty. “I can’t believe this,” he muttered. “She’s just a baby.”
“It’s going to be all right, Joshua. Violet is in great hands. Liam will figure out what’s going on,” Honor said in a comforting tone.
“Why don’t we just take her down the hall to get the X-rays and then I’ll be able to see what’s going on with her,” Liam explained. “I’ll give you a vest to wear, Joshua, so you can hold Violet and not have to worry about exposure to any radiation.”
Joshua nodded, handing Violet over to Honor. She didn’t fuss or make a peep. Violet’s big blue eyes were focused on Honor. Clearly, she’d won her over with her sweet, honeyed voice and warm smiles. Honor projected a caring, sensitive vibe. It was one of the many reasons Joshua had fallen for her.
Honor swayed back and forth with Violet as Liam took Joshua into the X-ray room and helped him into his vest.
“We’ll be done shortly,” Liam said to Honor, taking Violet from her arms and bringing her into the room with Joshua. Honor gave him an encouraging thumbs-up sign before the door was closed.
Taking the X-rays wasn’t as simple as Joshua had hoped. Violet wriggled around like a fish on a hook. He let out a huge sigh of relief when Liam told him he’d managed to get a great picture of Violet’s extremities.
As soon as they returned to the examination room, he began to pace back and forth. It killed him that his daughter was in
so much pain. Violet had begun to softly cry again. He’d been negligent. He didn’t think he could ever forgive himself for hurting Violet. Honor didn’t overstep. She stood by as a support system without being overbearing.
“This is all my fault!” he said in an agonized voice as he gently held Violet in his arms. He worried about hurting her by moving her body or brushing against her.
He felt a soothing touch on his shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself, Joshua. It was an accident,” Honor said. “The way you feel about Violet speaks volumes. You would never hurt her intentionally.”
“I should have watched her more closely. In the past few days she’s been extra curious about her surroundings. I know how fast she can move when she’s motivated.”
“Blaming yourself is wasting a lot of energy. Why don’t you focus on next steps? What can you do to make Violet feel better? Does she have a favorite treat, like Popsicles or chocolate milk? What about a blanket that makes her feel better or a favorite doll?”
“That’s a great idea, Honor. Thanks.” He shook his head. “I just hope she’s going to be all right.”
Honor sent him an encouraging smile. “I think she will be. She’s not crying as much as when you first arrived. I know she’s in pain, but I think she’s probably scared, too. Taking a tumble is frightening.”
“You’re right about that.” Perhaps her injuries weren’t as terrible as he’d imagined on the drive to the clinic.
Dear Lord. Please grant Violet favor. She’s just a baby. She doesn’t even understand what’s happening. Please give her comfort and healing.
“I appreciate you being here, Honor. A few hours ago I never would have imagined feeling this way, but despite what’s going on with the ranch, when I saw you standing by the exam room door, I was grateful.”
“It must have been terrifying for you.” She made a tutting noise. “And for Violet.”
“It all happened so fast. I’m still wondering how it all happened so quickly.”
Suddenly, Liam reappeared in the room. “I’ve studied the images. The arm is fractured. But the good news is, no other broken bones. Due to her age, she’ll heal quickly. There aren’t signs of a concussion or anything more ominous. Please keep me in the loop if she exhibits any additional symptoms, although I’m confident she’ll be on the mend soon.”
“Praise the Lord,” Honor cried out, clapping her hands together.
Joshua let out a ragged sigh. He pressed a kiss on Violet’s cheek, overcome with relief and joy. He carefully maneuvered so as not to give her any additional pain or aggravate the injury. She nuzzled her face against his chest and stuck her thumb firmly in her mouth. He looked down at her, knowing full well he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. “What a blessing! I’m grateful for your dedication, Liam.”
“That’s what I’m here for, Joshua. To make things better. Now I need to put a cast on her arm.” He made a face. “At her age, it isn’t easy to sit still, especially when you’re in pain.”
Joshua looked down at Violet. She was so small and vulnerable. He couldn’t wait until this night was nothing more than a memory.
“Why don’t you hold her in your lap and I’ll get it done as fast as I possibly can?” Liam suggested in a gentle voice. Joshua was thoroughly impressed with Dr. Liam Prescott. Six years ago he’d intensely disliked Honor’s brother. He was convinced the feeling had been mutual. It was amazing how people could grow and change for the better.
Joshua sat down and held Violet in his lap. He held her free hand as Liam placed the cast on her arm. Considering everything she’d been through this evening, Violet barely fussed. Part of his heart ached at the weary expression imprinted on his daughter’s face. She’d been put through the wringer. Her little body was near exhaustion.
“Why don’t you take this little lady home? My work here is done. Violet looks like she’s ready to crash.” Liam tousled Violet’s blond curls. “I can’t say I blame her. She’s had quite an eventful night.”
“She’s been a trouper,” Honor said, reaching out and brushing Violet’s hair out of her eyes.
Joshua stuck out his hand to Liam, who didn’t hesitate to shake it. “Thank you for responding so quickly to my call. And for everything you did for my daughter. I won’t ever forget it. You can send the bill to the ranch.”
“I’ll do that. You’re very welcome.” Liam nodded. “Goodnight. I’m going to lock up the place.”
Honor held the door open for Liam as he walked outside. Snow was gently falling from the inky sky. Violet turned her face upward and giggled as snowflakes landed on her face. Joshua glanced over at Honor. They met each other’s gaze and smiled. Seeing Violet so full of joy was an amazing blessing.
“She’s something else, isn’t she?” Joshua asked.
“She sure is,” Honor murmured. An emotion he couldn’t pinpoint flickered in her blue-gray eyes.
He busied himself settling Violet into her car seat. Within seconds her eyes were firmly shut and she was fast asleep.
“Poor little thing,” Honor said. “She needs a good night’s rest.”
“I won’t disagree with you on that. ’Night, Honor.”
“Good night, Joshua.” She began to fiddle with her fingers. “I know my being here tonight doesn’t change anything regarding the injunction and the Diamond R Ranch, but I’m really happy it all worked out this evening.”
He felt something inside him toughen up at the mention of the injunction and Bud’s ranch. When Honor had invited him and Violet to the wildlife center, he had viewed it as an olive branch being extended. A beautiful act of grace. But then she had stabbed him in the back by filing an injunction against him and Theo. When she had shown up at the clinic, it had felt so comforting and amazing. But, he had to admit, now that his fear for Violet had diminished, he was beginning to see things more clearly. It wasn’t all roses and moonlight between him and Honor.
Now he had to wonder if she had a hidden agenda. Why was she bringing up the issue right now? Couldn’t she let it go for one evening?
“I appreciate the fact that you came here tonight, but you’re right. It doesn’t change a thing. We’re still on opposite sides of a very tense situation.”
“I wasn’t trying to make you angry,” she said.
“I guess I’m beyond anger.” He shook his head. “I’ve been racking my brain trying to reconcile the woman I used to know with the person who filed legal paperwork against me. It seemed almost spiteful.” He let out a frustrated sigh. All he wanted to do was go back to the ranch and tuck Violet into bed. But he couldn’t leave without getting a few things off his chest.
Honor met his gaze head-on. “It couldn’t be helped. I felt you and Theo left me no choice but to explore other avenues to shut down this sale of the ranch. And I know you’ve had a rough night, but I’m not sorry about what I did.” Sparks were practically flying from her. She seemed defiant.
“You’re just prolonging the inevitable, Honor. We’re Bud’s heirs. Myself, Theo and Violet. I know you thought the property was being willed to the town, but that ship has sailed. Ultimately, my brother and I are going to be in control of the ranch and property. We’ll decide what happens to it. Not you. And not the townsfolk!”
“I don’t agree with you. An injunction is in place. That didn’t happen on a lark. I think we set forth some excellent reasons why the land shouldn’t be sold to a developer. We might win this.”
Joshua let out a strangled sound. “We’re not just going to lie down and let you run all over us. Theo flew to Anchorage the other day to meet with legal counsel.” He furrowed his brow. “That injunction isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. I don’t want to see you crushed, Honor, but you’re not going to win this. You might as well resign yourself to the idea that the ranch is going to be sold.”
A wounded expression passed over her face. “Tonight wasn’t about legal w
rangling or injunctions or Texas developers descending on this town. I actually came here this evening as a friend.” She tilted her chin up. “I’m sorry that I actually thought that might be possible. Good night, Joshua.”
Honor turned around and walked back toward the clinic. He opened his mouth to call out to her and apologize for his harsh words, but he reined the words back in. Joshua shouldn’t feel guilty. He and Honor weren’t friends. Not in the truest sense of the word.
Friends kept in touch. He hadn’t seen Honor in six years. They hadn’t been a part of each other’s world in a very long time. She had been the great love of his life. And he didn’t want or need a friend here in Love because he wasn’t staying. This town had brought him nothing but pain and rejection. As soon as the lawyers were able to have the injunction withdrawn, Joshua intended to move forward with the sale of the ranch.
He was tired of allowing people to stomp all over him simply because he’d made some mistakes in the past. Who among them was perfect? When he had first arrived back in Love, Joshua had hoped the townsfolk would see he’d made something of himself. He had only been fooling himself to think they would even care. With the exception of Hazel, all the residents seemed to care about was whether or not the Ransom brothers were selling the Diamond R.
From this point forward, Joshua wasn’t going to feel an ounce of guilt about selling the ranch to the Alloy Corporation. In the past few days the ranch had gotten under his skin. He had been awash in memories of a childhood and adolescence spent at the ranch. But the ranch didn’t represent his future. And as he had done for the past six years, Joshua would simply stuff down the past.
He would always treasure the memories of life at the Diamond R Ranch with his family, but he had already made his peace with letting go of the property Bud had loved so much. Now if he could only relinquish his feelings for Honor.
As he drove away from the clinic he cast a glance in his rearview mirror at the back seat. He couldn’t see Violet’s face due to the rear-facing car seat, but he suspected she remained fast asleep. His heart swelled with love for her. Every step he took in this lifetime mattered due to his little girl. She was the reason he drew breath each and every morning. Feeling a tug in Honor’s direction after all of these years was merely a distraction. He had come back to Love only for a short period of time, to properly say goodbye to his grandfather and to help Theo settle the estate.
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