As Joshua roared away from the wildlife center, Honor found herself wondering how things had ever gotten so complicated between them. It seemed that they were destined to be at odds over every little thing in this world.
* * *
It had been several days since Joshua had assisted Honor with locating the wounded arctic fox at Nottingham Woods. He and Theo were making great progress on tidying up Bud’s estate, with the glaring exception of the ranch. According to their lawyers, they had immediately filed all the necessary paperwork to dispute the injunction. They appeared to be very optimistic about the injunction being lifted based on similar, precedent-setting cases. The judge could render a decision any day now.
Violet seemed to be as happy as a clam despite her broken arm. Joshua was blown away by her resilience. He loved taking her out to the paddock every day so she could greet the horses with her natural brand of enthusiasm. He had even taken her to church for Sunday service. His elementary school teacher, Mrs. Henrie, had made a beeline to him after the service. It had been a nice interaction, with Joshua introducing her to Violet and Mrs. Henrie telling him how proud she was about his turning his life around. It had left Joshua feeling a tad emotional. There were still some folks in this town who thought he was worth something after all.
“I’m going a little stir-crazy,” Theo announced with a loud moan as he walked into the great room and flopped onto the love seat. Violet, who was playing in her playpen while Joshua worked on the computer, stood up and held on to the sides with her hands. She gurgled at Theo. He covered his face with hands and said, “Peekaboo,” causing Violet to cackle with glee. It amazed Joshua how easy it was to entertain kids. All they needed were simple things to keep them laughing and joyful.
“What does that mean? Do you want to fly the coop?” Joshua asked. He should have known Theo was bored. It had always been difficult to keep him focused.
“Yes. Don’t you? This place has gotten old really quickly.”
Joshua shrugged. “Not really. I like being here at the ranch. It’s peaceful. And I get to ride whenever I want. Despite her broken arm, Violet seems really content. To be honest, I can’t wait to teach Violet to ride when she gets old enough.”
Theo snorted. “You always did love this place more than I did. That’s one of the reasons I joined the army at such a young age. I wanted to spread my wings. You’re like Bud. He lived and breathed this place.”
“I would have been completely happy to stay and grow old here,” Joshua said in a voice clogged with emotion. Since he’d been back, Joshua had been opening himself up to the things he had buried inside him a long time ago. His hopes and dreams. His emotions. The love he’d felt for Honor. Even though he hadn’t let her know it, her words had chipped away at him. She had made him feel ashamed of doubting their past relationship. Even though it hadn’t resulted in a happily-ever-after, it had been the real deal.
Theo furrowed his brow. He was staring at Joshua with an intensity Joshua couldn’t ignore. “Grow old? With who? Honor?”
He nodded. “That’s what I wanted more than anything. We all know that didn’t exactly go according to plan,” Joshua said in a curt voice. What was the point in discussing Honor with Theo? He’d never been a big believer in their love story. Bringing it up would only dredge up painful memories Joshua might not be able to handle. As it was, he felt as if he was dealing with a groundswell of memories crashing over him in unrelenting waves.
“There’s no reason we should have to hole up here at the ranch. We haven’t done anything wrong.”
Joshua made a face at his brother, then raised his eyebrows. “That’s debatable.”
“Well, beside the fire, but that was six years ago.”
“I can think of a few things I did back when I was a teenager.”
“Surely there’s a statute of limitations on youthful indiscretions?” Theo asked. “God forgave me a long time ago. No one has the right to judge us. ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’”
Joshua had to chuckle. Theo hadn’t seen the inside of a church in many years, with the exception of Bud’s service. As far as Joshua could tell, his relationship with God was shaky at best. And now he was quoting from the Bible.
“Theo, I know something in the universe has shifted when you’re quoting the Bible.”
“You’re not the only one who can change, Joshua.” For once Theo wasn’t making a joke. A serious expression was carved on his face.
“That’s good to hear,” he said with a nod. “Throughout all of the dark times in my life, I always knew the Lord was with me. That’s my prayer for you as well.”
Joshua reached out and clasped his brother’s hand. He and Theo had always shared a tight relationship, although time and geographical distance had chipped away at it a little bit. Joshua knew he was no doubt harboring some pent-up feelings regarding the fire and taking responsibility for it. Ultimately, he’d made the decision to do so all on his own. Theo hadn’t forced his hand. But he wished Theo had acted like a big brother and shielded him from the fallout.
“What do you say we head into town for Hazel’s birthday celebration? It’s supposed to be a big town event according to a few of my friends.”
Joshua shook his head. “No, thanks. I’m not in the mood to deal with the Prescotts.”
“Come on, Joshua. Hazel invited us. She wants us to be there,” Theo said. He stood up and went over to the side table, then rummaged through some mail. He held up a brightly colored envelope. “Here it is. Hazel’s Ageless Birthday Party. Don’t you remember I mentioned it the other day?”
Joshua chuckled at the ageless theme. Leave it to Hazel to put a novel twist on celebrating a milestone year.
“Sorry. I forgot all about it. Where is it being held?” Joshua asked.
“At the Moose Café,” Theo said.
He let out a groan. “Are you serious?”
“Of course I am. Hazel has been good to us. I for one want to go to the party and wish her a happy birthday. What are you afraid of? Running into the townsfolk?”
Theo’s question prickled his pride. He didn’t want it to seem as if he was running from the residents of Love. He wasn’t a coward by any means.
“I’m not afraid of anything or anyone in this town. They’ve already done the worst they can do to me. And frankly, I’m a little bit over it.” He inhaled deeply. “Why shouldn’t we go? An invite from the birthday girl herself means something.”
“That’s great. I picked up a little present and a birthday card for Hazel just in case we were going to attend.”
Joshua scooped up Violet from the playpen and said a little prayer about attending the celebration. If he ever wanted folks in this town to treat him with an ounce of respect, perhaps he needed to show them who he was rather than hiding away at the ranch like a hermit. Time had changed him for the better. He was a father and a businessman now. Surely they could see he had worked hard to earn redemption.
Maybe, just maybe, they would decide to show him a measure of grace.
Chapter Ten
Honor placed her gift for Hazel on the oval table laden with gaily wrapped presents. Hazel had told everyone not to buy her any gifts, but clearly, no one had listened. Knowing Hazel, Honor wouldn’t be surprised one bit if she donated her gifts to a charitable organization.
“Sorry if this sounds gossipy, but isn’t that your ex-fiancé who just walked in?” Her sister-in-law’s blue eyes were twinkling with interest. As a journalist, Grace was always interested in people, places and things. More times than not, she couldn’t keep her curiosity in check.
Honor turned her head toward the entrance. Joshua had just walked in with Theo. He was holding Violet in a baby carrier. She dragged her gaze away from the sight of him.
“That’s him,” she said in a cool voice to Grace.
“I saw him at the memorial for Bud. Quite a me
morable face,” Grace said, her lips tilted upward into a smile.
“He was always handsome,” Ruby added. “It used to get him out of a lot of scrapes when he was younger.”
“Not enough though,” Honor said, remembering all of Joshua’s brushes with the law.
“He has a kind vibe,” Grace noted. “And that baby is adorable.”
“I’m surprised they showed up here, although Hazel has made it quite clear she’s crazy about those Ransom brothers,” Ruby added.
“Let’s not stare at him,” Honor said, feeling a bit flushed. “He’ll think we’re talking about him.”
“But we are,” Ruby teased, her brown eyes full of mischief.
Honor watched with interest as the Ransom brothers navigated their way around the party. Honor would have guessed that Joshua would rather eat glass than show up at a birthday celebration at her brother’s establishment. Perhaps Hazel herself had been the inducement. There wasn’t a single soul in town who didn’t adore Hazel. And she had helped Theo and Joshua host Bud’s reception. Clearly, she was a fan.
She caught his eye from across the café. He waved in her direction. She nodded back. In his dark shirt and a nice-fitting pair of faded jeans, he made an eye-catching figure. Her palms began to moisten. Honor reminded herself to breathe deeply in and out. Inhale. Exhale. Why did the sight of Joshua rattle her so badly?
“I—I should go check on the cake,” she muttered before turning on her heel and heading toward the kitchen. She let out a deep breath as soon as she was away from the main area of the café.
It was fairly pathetic that she was hiding out in the kitchen rather than socializing with everyone. Leave it to Hazel to have invited the Ransom brothers to her birthday party. Her kindness was legendary, and she’d always harbored a soft spot for Joshua. Back in the day it had been sort of sweet. Now it was an annoyance.
“Everything okay in here?” Hazel barked as she entered the kitchen.
Honor turned her back to Hazel as she pretended to wash her hands. Without turning around, she answered, “I’m fine. Just washing up.”
“I was worried about you. You disappeared as soon as Joshua arrived. I can’t help but think you’re running away from something. Old feelings, perhaps?”
Honor turned around and faced Hazel. “It’s just a coincidence, Hazel. You’re being a bit fanciful, don’t you think?”
“Believe it or not, I know a little something about love,” Hazel said. “After all, I pined after Jasper for years when he barely knew I was alive.”
“That’s your story, not mine. I’m not pining for Joshua,” she protested. “He’s an ex. We’re trying to be civil with one another considering we’re at odds regarding the Diamond R. There’s nothing more going on between us.”
“Maybe not, but ever since Joshua’s come back, there’s been something different about you. It’s as if you’re lit up from the inside. You radiate a certain type of energy now that wasn’t there before.” She squinted at Honor. “Reminds me of how you looked when you first fell in love with Joshua. Your cheeks were always pink and you had stars in your eyes.” Hazel leaned in and peered into her eyes. She nodded and let out a sound of satisfaction.
“Yep. I knew it,” she said, clapping her hands together.
Honor shook her head, words of denial dancing on her tongue. What was Hazel talking about? She was being absolutely ridiculous.
“Hazel!” she said in a sharp voice. “Just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean you can just spout such nonsense.”
Hazel looked at her knowingly. “You don’t need to say another word. Some things are as plain as the nose on your face.”
There was no point in arguing with Hazel. She always liked to get the last word on any given subject. And her middle name was matchmaker. According to Hazel, she had paired up more people in town than Operation Love.
“I’m going back to the party,” Honor said. “You should, too. After all, it isn’t every day you turn...thirty-five.”
Hazel burst out laughing. “Bless you, Honor. A girl after my own heart. I’ll catch up to you later on.”
As soon as Honor walked back in the room, she spotted Joshua standing with Grace and Paige, who were each holding her nieces in their arms. It seemed as if they were introducing Violet to their girls. Even from this distance, Honor could see it was achingly sweet. She felt a little hitch in her heart. If her own child had lived, he or she might be standing alongside his or her cousins. Her chest tightened as she watched from a distance.
She stood there for a moment, unsure of whether to join the group or walk off to another area. Hazel’s comments were still ringing in her ear. Paige saved her from having to make that decision for herself.
“Honor! Come see. Isn’t this the cutest thing?” Paige called out, waving her over.
Honor walked over and watched as Emma and Violet gave each other kisses and tightly held hands. They had made fast friends. It was a bittersweet moment for Honor. Although it made her feel happy to see Violet making friends with Emma, thoughts of her own child raced through her head. She couldn’t help but think of what might have been.
“They’re adorable together,” Honor said, her eyes straying toward Joshua. Standing so close to him was a bit of an assault on her senses. The spicy smell of his aftershave rose to her nostrils. He was looking at her with an intensity that made her want to look away from his gaze. The energy between them was palpable.
“I think it’s time we changed some diapers,” Grace said, tugging Paige by the arm and quickly leading her away. After Grace and Paige made a fast exit, she and Joshua were standing there together, just the two of them.
“This is some birthday party,” Joshua said, letting out a low whistle.
Jasper had transformed the eatery into a replica of a tropical island. There were palm trees, flower necklaces, grass skirts, tiki torches and pineapple centerpieces. Honor really had the feeling she had been transported to another world.
“Jasper really outdid himself,” Honor said. She was proud of her grandfather for stepping up to do something spectacular for Hazel. Ever since Honor could remember, Hazel had been there as a steady, guiding presence for the Prescott family. She deserved to be the center of attention tonight.
“It’s more like a Fourth of July celebration. Someone said there are actually fireworks later on.” Joshua’s eyes went wide.
Honor giggled. “Hazel is the grand dame of Love. Everything revolves around her,” Honor said with a shake of her head. “She deserves it though. I’ve never met a more gentle, supportive person in my life.”
“She’s gone out of her way for Theo and me ever since we came back to town. I’m still in awe over the fact that she allowed us to host the reception here. I know she must have called in a lot of favors for that one.”
“She always did favor you. It used to drive me crazy in Bible class. She let you get away with everything and anything!” Joshua had been a really cute little kid. He had managed to wrap Hazel completely around his finger.
Joshua threw back his head and laughed. “Spoken by the princess of Love. Everyone in this town always adored you. They all thought butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth.”
She scoffed at the notion. “There was always too much tomboy in me to be a princess.”
“That’s what made me fall in love with you,” he said in a low voice. “You knew how to ride Lola bareback in the morning and go for a manicure in the afternoon.”
Violet reached out and grabbed Honor’s necklace. Joshua gently admonished Violet and extricated her chubby little fingers from the gold chain.
“Sorry about that,” he apologized. “She loves shiny, sparkly things.”
“Joshua. Can I hold her?” she asked, wanting desperately to hold the precious little bundle in her arms.
A huge grin broke out on his face. “Of course you ca
n.” He transferred Violet into Honor’s arms. “You look like you know what you’re doing, that’s for sure.”
“I have two nieces and a nephew, with another one on the way. I’ve got skills,” she said, gently swaying from side to side. Violet was studying Honor’s face, her big blue eyes taking it all in. She raised her hands and place them on either side of Honor’s face. She leaned in and placed a kiss on Honor’s cheek.
Joshua chuckled. “She really likes you. She’s fairly stingy with her kisses.”
Honor thought her heart might crack into a million little pieces.
Violet was Joshua’s child. In many ways, it was the closest thing to the child she had lost. A baby she had never been able to hold, or rock to sleep, or soothe at bedtime. Tears pricked her eyes. She blinked them away. It was embarrassing for Joshua to witness her being so emotional about his daughter.
“Are you all right?” Joshua asked. His voice sounded tender, which made her want to sob.
“I’m fine,” she said, sniffing away tears. There was no way she could tell him the truth about their child. There was too much water under the bridge for her to resurrect it. “I just feel honored to be holding your daughter.” Surprise flashed in Joshua’s eyes.
All of a sudden a loud clinking noise rang out in the café. Jasper stood up on a bench and looked out over the crowd.
“Attention, everyone. Attention. I have a few words to say about the birthday girl.” The guests gathered around Jasper. Hazel made her way through the crowd until she was standing near her husband.
“I want to wish my lovely wife, Hazel, a happy and blessed birthday. Before Hazel came into my life, I was getting by just fine. I was content. But then something wonderful happened. I looked at her one day and realized that she held my heart in the palm of her hand. I wanted to be her guy. Forever. And thankfully, she let me put a ring on her finger.”
Everyone began to cheer loudly.
“Wishing you many more birthdays, Hazel,” Jasper said, dipping his head down to place a kiss on his wife’s lips.
Her Alaskan Cowboy (Alaskan Grooms Book 7) Page 12