Theo threw his hands up in the air. “Joshua is a great man and an even better brother. He stepped up and claimed Violet as his daughter even though they don’t share a single strand of DNA. He’s grown into the type of man people look up to and admire. You fought us over the future of the Diamond R. Why are you so willing to roll over and play dead when it comes to fighting for my brother?”
Honor’s jaw dropped. Theo was being mighty presumptuous to assume she held romantic feelings for Joshua. Her heart was beating fast. Her palms were sweaty.
She yearned to give him a piece of her mind, but she was done fighting. Honor was all worn-out. At this point in her life she wanted to move forward. She wanted tranquility. Being with Joshua wouldn’t give her that. They would always be fighting over Bud’s property or the actions of the developers. She would always wonder about the child they’d lost. Some wounds couldn’t heal. It was too messy.
“I think it’s time I left,” Theo said. “Just some food for thought.”
Theo nodded at her and strode toward the door. He hesitated a moment at the threshold, then turned to face her. “Pride is a powerful thing, but so is love.”
Before she knew it, Theo had made his way toward his vehicle. She sucked in a deep breath. His parting words left her reeling. Was she being prideful? In her opinion it was a matter of being realistic. A person could only surmount so many obstacles. She could only withstand so much pain.
Honor now knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was in love with Joshua. Always had been. Always would be. Finding out the truth about the fire had driven home the point she had always known. Joshua was a good man.
Despite the way he had always been regarded here in town, Joshua had evolved into a wonderful man. He had raised Violet as his own and protected Theo by taking responsibility for the terrible mistake his brother had made. And she would have to love him from a distance, because Joshua would soon be nothing more than a memory.
All she knew at this moment was the ache of her heart shattering into tiny little pieces.
* * *
Joshua’s thoughts were full of Honor. Every time he’d looked at Violet this afternoon he couldn’t help but think of the child Honor had lost. Their child. She had been forced to deal with the heartbreaking situation on her own, with no one to turn to for comfort. The very thought of it made him sick to his stomach. He should have been there to help the woman he loved through the loss of their baby. His mind kept whirling with thoughts of what might have been. What if he hadn’t taken the fall for Theo? Would they have stayed together? Or would it all have fallen apart anyway?
It was all so crushing. He should have been there to help Honor shoulder her grief. Joshua should have held her in his arms and mourned alongside her. His faith told him God was in control, but for some reason, that knowledge didn’t soothe him. It didn’t make it any less agonizing.
He had come out to the stables to spend some time with the horses and to clear his head. He’d almost considered riding Blaze, but his heart wasn’t in it at the moment. As he stood in Blaze’s stall brushing her coat, Joshua prayed for closure. How could he go back to his life in Seattle with so many issues pressing on his heart?
Lord, I’m really hurting right now. And so is Honor. I never imagined coming back to Love would be such an emotional experience. I thought I could come back to Love, handle my grandfather’s affairs and go back to Seattle without skipping a beat. But there are so many things weighing on me right now. If I’m doing the right thing by selling the Diamond R, why do I feel so bad about it?
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” He hadn’t even heard Theo’s footsteps, but here his brother stood a few feet away from him. Theo’s brow was furrowed with concern as he gazed at Joshua. “You look like you’re in agony.”
Joshua looked at Theo through a haze of pain. He didn’t even bother to deny it. “That’s a good word for it.” He let out a tremendous shudder. His shoulders heaved with the effort. “When we arrived here in town everything seemed so crystal clear. But, in a matter of weeks, it’s clouded over. I don’t know what’s right anymore. And I’m afraid if we sell the Diamond R, I won’t know who I am any longer.”
“You don’t want to sell the ranch, do you?” Theo asked. “You didn’t give me a straight answer earlier.”
Joshua had spent a lifetime trying not to disappoint his older brother. He had always been the classic younger brother looking for Theo’s approval. After all these years, he was still yearning for it. He bowed his head. “I don’t, Theo. Honestly, I’ve struggled with the notion ever since the offer was made to us. I can honestly say I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. It’s not in keeping with our grandfather’s ideals.”
Theo didn’t say anything for a few moments. Joshua looked up and met his brother’s gaze. As usual, they could easily communicate without a word being spoken. Theo let out a sigh. “All right then, we won’t sell. I can’t see myself living back here in Love and running the ranch, but from the looks of it, this lifestyle fits you like a glove.”
Joshua couldn’t believe his ears. “Theo! Are you serious? You were so determined to sell the ranch. What’s changed?”
“Seeing you so torn up about everything has forced me to take a good look at myself. The Diamond R is Bud’s legacy. It wouldn’t work for me to stay here and run it, but I could easily picture you doing it. After all the sacrifices you’ve made for me, Joshua, it’s the least I could do for you and Violet. Money isn’t everything.”
Joshua ran a shaky hand across his face. Never in a million years would he have imagined things turning on a dime like this. All he could think about was Honor. How would she react to the news? Joshua leaned in and placed his arms around his brother in a warm hug. His gratitude was overflowing.
“What about you and Honor?” Theo asked. “Will this change things?”
Joshua shrugged. “It doesn’t change anything. We’ve never really managed to bridge the gap between us.”
Theo reached out and forcibly shook his shoulders. “Joshua! Wake up. You’re in love with her. Are you really going to let this opportunity to make things right between the two of you slip through your fingers? Tomorrow isn’t promised. We’ve got to make the most of today. Isn’t that what Bud always told us?”
Bud’s image flashed before his eyes. Their grandfather had done so much for both of them throughout their lives. He knew without a doubt Bud would want him to fight for his happiness.
“You’re right, Theo. I love Honor. I always have. There’s nothing I’d like more than to go to her and tell her how I feel, but I have no idea if she feels the same way.”
“Really? Because I can see it whenever the two of you are within a ten-mile radius. You love each other.”
Joshua felt buoyed up by Theo’s words. He was openly saying what Joshua felt in his own heart. It’s what he had always known deep down. The love between him and Honor had never been extinguished. Joshua did love her, with every fiber of his being. He had adored her for as long as he could remember. And he knew now he always would.
He smiled at his brother. For the first time in a long time he had reason to hope. “There’s love there. I felt it, but I pushed it down because of everything that happened between us in the past. I didn’t put my feelings out there due to false pride or fear of getting hurt again. I can’t let it go unspoken, especially now that we’re keeping the ranch. There’s not a single reason we can’t be together.”
Theo flashed him a grin. “Sounds like you’re going to get that happy ending after all.” He slapped Joshua on the back.
“I need to go to her, Theo. I haven’t told her how I feel. She doesn’t know that I’m still in love with her.”
“I heard that the town council is holding a meeting. I can’t imagine she would miss it.” He glanced at his watch. “It starts in about fifteen minutes.”
Joshua reac
hed for Blaze’s saddle and placed it on his back. He picked up the reins and busied himself placing the bit in the horse’s mouth. Then, with one fluid motion, he mounted Blaze.
“Joshua! You’re not riding all the way into town on Blaze are you?” Theo asked. “Bud’s truck would be a lot faster.”
Joshua grinned at him. “Honor fell in love with an Alaskan cowboy. I want to remind her of the fact that I’m still that hometown boy. I’ve changed in many ways, but I’m still a cowboy, born and bred.”
Theo threw back his head and chuckled. “Go get the woman of your dreams, Joshua. Don’t worry about Violet. Between me and Winnie, she’s in good hands.”
Joshua tipped his cowboy hat at his brother and prodded Blaze to get moving. As he galloped across the property and away from the Diamond R Ranch, Joshua felt as if he was soaring. For so long he had told himself he wasn’t worthy of a happily-ever-after with Honor. Now he was riding toward a dream he hoped and prayed would come true.
* * *
It hadn’t taken long for word to spread around Love about the Ransom brothers’ legal victory. The residents were very upset at Bud and his grandsons. Jasper practically had a conniption fit. Honor was grateful for Hazel, who’d managed to calm him down and remind him of his responsibility as town mayor.
“You’ve got to be calm, cool and collected in the face of adversity,” Hazel had reminded him.
“Who says I’m not?” Jasper had roared.
“Experience,” Hazel had muttered.
Jasper had decided to call a meeting of the town council in order to address the controversial issue with the entire town. Her brother Boone, as well as Hazel, Paige and Jasper, were members of the town council. Honor knew the event would be heavily attended by the townsfolk. Everyone seemed to have an opinion about the possibility of a dude ranch replacing the Diamond R Ranch. Most were vehemently opposed to it, while a few said it might be good for the town.
Honor arrived early for the town council meeting. She was hoping to meet with Jasper beforehand so she could implore him not to rile up the townsfolk. Bad things happened when people became agitated over things they couldn’t control. Honor didn’t want Joshua or Theo to be a target of any negativity. She made her way through the throng of people gathered at the town hall. It was standing room only from the looks of it. Thankfully she had asked Ruby to hold a seat for her. She was blessed to have three sisters-in-law who had her back at all times.
When she entered the meeting room, Ruby was standing up toward the front of the room, wildly waving in her direction. Honor rushed toward her so they could sit together.
“This room is really packed,” Honor said as she and Ruby hugged by way of greeting each other.
Ruby made a face. “It’s insane. Liam stayed home with Aidan tonight. He would hate this crush of people.”
“Thanks for saving me a seat, Ruby,” Honor said, craning her neck to get a glimpse of the crowd in the back of the room. “I’m fortunate to have even made it inside the room.”
“You’re welcome,” Ruby said. “I’m anxious to hear what everyone has to say.”
“Me too,” Honor murmured, placing her hand over her belly in order to quiet down the nervous rumbles.
At 5:30 p.m. sharp, Jasper pounded a gavel and called the meeting to order.
“Good evening, friends. We’re here tonight to discuss the legal decision rendered regarding the Diamond R Ranch. I’m sure by now you’ve all heard the news. But for those of you who’ve been living under a rock, a so-called judge decided that Bud’s kin can do what they like with his beloved ranch.” Jasper ran a hand over his face. Honor couldn’t help but think he looked extremely weary. This issue had taken a toll on him, which was alarming.
“It’s an outrage as far as I’m concerned. Poor Bud is probably rolling around in his grave at this development. That man loved this town and he adored his ranch. It meant the world to him. Rumor has it that the ranch will be sold to an outfit of vipers who want to suck the life out of this town.” He let out a ragged breath. “All I know is that I’ve been in constant prayer about it. And I’m not done praying yet. Maybe Theo and Joshua will have a change of heart. I pray they do.”
As Jasper sat down, Boone leaned toward him and clapped him on the back. Honor watched as her brother whispered something in her grandfather’s ear that made him grin. It lightened Honor’s mood to see it. Jasper wasn’t as tough as he seemed to be from the outside looking in. He’d been through a lot in his life.
Pastor Jack stepped up to the microphone. “Jasper asked me to be here tonight so I could share some thoughts with you. Bud—bless his heart—didn’t leave the town his property. Perhaps there’s some meaning there,” Pastor Jack said.
“What kind of meaning could there be?” Jasper asked in a raised voice. “The last thing this town needs is a stinkin’ dude ranch.”
Pastor Jack smiled serenely. “Grace can be found in all types of situations, Jasper. We, as a town, just need to tap into it. This town has been through the best of times and the worst of times. Some of our ancestors searched for gold in the Yukon in the hopes of making it rich and providing for their families. Instead of finding riches, they met with tragedy. Somehow, their families endured. Not too long ago this town was rocked by a financial downturn. Friends became enemies, lovers became estranged. At our worst moment, this town banded together to save ourselves. We endured.”
The crowd began to clap thunderously.
Pastor Jack grinned. “If the worst happens and Bud’s ranch is transformed into the worst dude ranch in creation, this town won’t crumble. We’ll endure. As we’ve always done.”
Pastor Jack was right, Honor realized. It wasn’t the end of the world. Dealing with this situation with grace and conviction would go a long way in healing the wounds. She needed to play a role in soothing ruffled feathers rather than riling them up against the legal decision. Love had always endured. It would continue to do so. After all, a town was the sum total of its residents. And the townsfolk here in Love were the best people she had ever known.
As the meeting came to a close and everyone filed outside, Honor felt a feeling of calm wash over her. Snow was gently falling all around them. The air was crisp and biting. The wind was whipping her hair all about her face.
“Honor! Honor Prescott!”
Honor turned toward the sound of the voice calling out her name. She gasped. Was she seeing things?
Joshua was riding Blaze at a full gallop down Jarvis Street and he was heading straight toward her.
Chapter Fourteen
Joshua pulled gently on the reins as he spotted Honor standing next to Ruby outside town hall. There was no mistaking the heart-shaped face and the waves of chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders. She had a pretty pink hat perched on her head.
“Whoa, Blaze.” A ripple went through the crowd as they spotted him. People began to whisper Joshua’s name and point in his direction. He let out a sigh. Once again, he was the talk of the town. Everyone was gawking at him. Even Hazel was giving him a strange look.
He dismounted from Blaze, then turned toward Honor, who was gazing at him with a shocked expression on her face.
“Joshua! What are you doing here?” Honor asked.
A sudden case of nerves struck him. Did he have the strength to follow through with this? What if she just laughed in his face? What if he was wrong about her returning his tender feelings?
Go big or go home. He had come too far to turn back now. It was time to lay it all on the line.
All of a sudden, Jasper appeared at Honor’s side. “What’s with all the dramatics, Ransom?” Jasper barked. “Did you show up here to rub our noses in your victory? We get it. You won. You’re about to turn Bud’s legacy into a dude ranch. Congratulations.”
Joshua swung his gaze toward Honor. “I’m only here for one reason, Mayor Prescott. I need t
o say something to your granddaughter and it’s important. If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to speak my piece without being interrupted.”
“Oh, brother,” Jasper muttered. “Here we go again.”
“Hopefully it won’t take long,” Joshua said with a plucky grin. He turned back around to face Honor. She had been watching and listening intently.
“I came back to Love in order to honor my grandfather. But along the way, something remarkable happened. I fell back in love with you, Honor. Matter of fact, I’m not sure I ever stopped loving you.”
Jasper stomped his foot in the snow. “Do we have to listen to this nonsense?”
“Pipe down, Jasper,” Boone said in a voice that meant business.
Jasper, muttering under his breath, took a few steps back. He glared at Boone.
“Keep talking, Joshua,” Hazel implored him. “Just ignore Jasper’s claptrap. We’re all ears.”
Joshua sent her a smile of gratitude. “Six years ago, I knew without a shadow of a doubt I wanted you to be my wife. There was no question in my mind we were meant to be. I would have joyfully walked down the aisle with you. I was ready to pledge forever to you. But life intruded on our plans.”
“Is that a genteel way of saying you set fire to the church?” Jasper barked.
“If you don’t hush I’m going to stick you in a snowbank,” Hazel said, jabbing Jasper in the side. He let out a howl.
“I’ve spent the past six years spinning my wheels and trying to rebuild my life. I’ve never managed to find anyone who makes me feel even a fraction of what you do. What I should have told you a long time ago is that we got it right the first time around. We knew we were destined to be together. Even at that tender age we knew our hearts.” He moved closer to Honor and pulled her toward him.
“In case you didn’t hear me earlier, I love you, Honor. I’m head over heels, crazily, helplessly in love with you.”
“Oh, Joshua,” Honor said, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Her Alaskan Cowboy (Alaskan Grooms Book 7) Page 16