“Please don’t cry,” Joshua begged, reaching out and swiping her tears away with his fingers.
“I—I’m just so happy. Hearing you say those words is a healing balm to my soul.”
“God led me back home. He led me straight to you. And Bud... I think he knew that by leaving the ranch to me it would cause me to remember all the things I loved about living here. That’s what he wanted, Honor. I’m certain of it.”
“But you’re selling Bud’s property to a developer,” Dwight Lewis, town treasurer, said in a scandalized voice. “Do you expect Honor to be okay with that? She’ll never turn her back on her hometown.”
Joshua turned toward Dwight. “Actually I’m not selling to the Alloy Corporation, Dwight. I’m keeping the ranch. Those developers are going to have to find another town to target. They’re not getting Ransom land. Not on my watch!”
“Are you serious?” Honor asked, looking up at Joshua with tears pooling in her eyes. “When did this happen? I thought it was a done deal.”
Joshua reached out and cupped Honor’s chin in his hand. “In my heart it was never a done deal. With each and every day I began to fall in love all over again, not just with you, but with this town and the Diamond R. I can’t imagine a better place to raise Violet. She’ll be happy here. And hopefully, so will we.”
Honor threw her arms around Joshua. “I love you, too, Joshua. I always have.”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips. For a moment it seemed as if they weren’t standing in front of a crowd in the middle of Jarvis Street with snow falling all around them. To Joshua, it felt as if it was only the two of them.
“That’s enough smooching,” Jasper barked.
Hazel raised a tissue to her nose and blew loudly. “I haven’t seen anything this romantic since our wedding,” she said, sniffing back tears.
“What about Theo?” Honor asked him. “I know how much he wanted to sell to the Alloy Corporation.”
“Theo knows how much Joshua sacrificed for him in the past.” Theo had made his way toward them. He was standing a few feet away from them with Violet in his arms. “I pretty much owe him everything. Joshua took the blame for the church fire when I was the one responsible. I wish I’d been more courageous at the time.” He turned toward the townsfolk. “I want to briefly explain what happened. I set the fire by accident. It was stupid and irresponsible, but not deliberate. Running away from the scene was cowardly.” He shook his head. “Joshua was with me at the time, but he didn’t have anything to do with starting the fire. Because I was in the army, he wanted to make sure my future was intact, even though his own was compromised because of it. He showed me such grace.”
“Such an incredible act of brotherly love,” Honor said, squeezing Joshua’s hand.
Joshua clapped Theo on the back. “Theo wanted to give me something to show his unconditional love for me. He’s giving me the Diamond R.”
Theo nodded at him. “Unconditional love. That’s what you gave me when you shielded me from responsibility for the fire. It was the most unselfish act I’d ever known. So it’s my turn to be altruistic.”
“You’re giving him controlling interest in the ranch?” Boone asked.
Theo grinned. “Bud’s will didn’t just name myself and Joshua. It mentioned Violet as well. So, to my way of thinking, Bud wanted Violet to have a say in things. Now she can grow up on the ranch and enjoy the sort of childhood we experienced. I know Joshua would have sold if I pressed it, but it wasn’t the right thing to do. Bud just wanted us to sort it out on our own. He had faith in us that we would make the right decision.”
“The bottom line is, the Diamond R Ranch is staying in the Ransom family,” Joshua announced. “No one’s going to be opening a tacky dude ranch on Ransom land.”
“Or anywhere else in Love!” Jasper shouted. He raised his fist in the air in a triumphant gesture.
A thunderous clapping rang out. No one was cheering louder than Honor. Joshua loved the transformation on her face. She was radiating joy like a beacon. Jasper stepped forward, quickly followed by Boone and Hazel. Jasper strode over to Joshua and stuck out his hand.
“You’ve done a good thing, son. I’m proud to shake your hand,” Jasper said, grinning at Joshua as if they were best buddies.
“Thank you, Mayor,” Joshua said, feeling overjoyed at the notion that Jasper was thawing toward him.
“What’s with the mayor nonsense? Call me Jasper.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “After all, it sounds like you might be getting hitched to my precious grandbaby.”
Honor cried out and covered her face.
“Don’t embarrass her!” Hazel scolded, rolling her eyes toward the heavens. “You’re about as subtle as a sledgehammer.”
Boone stepped forward. He looked Joshua up and down. “It seems I may have been wrong about you. Back in the day, you were a real troublemaker.”
Joshua looked Boone straight in the eye. “You’re right. I caused a lot of mayhem in this town.”
“I appreciate a man who can admit his mistakes and change for the better. What you did for Theo was selfless. I probably would have done the same thing myself,” Boone acknowledged.
Relief flooded him. He couldn’t believe how this night was turning out. Boone—who had once been his harshest critic—was offering him an olive branch. And he would happily accept it. It brought him one step closer to being with Honor for the long haul.
“Thanks, Boone. Your goodwill means the world to me.”
Boone reached out and shook Joshua’s hand. Honor stood beside them, awash in tears. Ruby stood next to her wiping at her eyes. Everyone seemed to be giving in to sentimentality.
Hazel blinked away tears. She cleared her throat. “Let’s all head over to the Moose for a celebratory round of espressos and hot chocolates. I’m liable to turn into a pile of mush if I stick around here any longer.”
“That’s the best idea I’ve heard all day,” Cameron said, placing his arm around Hazel’s waist.
Ruby held up her cell phone. “Let me call Liam. He and Aidan can meet us over there since it’s not a school night.”
“I’ll take Violet home so the two of you can celebrate,” Theo said. “By the way, I’m really happy for you.” He winked at Honor. “I told you he was a good man.”
“Thanks, Theo. For everything,” Honor gushed. Her eyes were shining brightly and she couldn’t seem to stop smiling. “I’m not sure any of this would have happened without you.”
“I don’t deserve any credit. Just be happy,” Theo said.
Honor leaned up and pressed a kiss on Theo’s cheek.
As soon as Theo and Violet walked off toward Bud’s truck, Honor turned toward Joshua. She had a sheepish expression on her face. “Sorry about Jasper. He shoots from the hip whenever he opens his mouth.”
“He’s growing on me by leaps and bounds,” Joshua said in a teasing tone.
“Jasper does have that effect on people,” Honor said with a giggle.
Joshua reached out and pulled Honor toward him. His hands were on either side of her waist. He was looking deeply into her eyes. All he could see in their depths was love and contentment. It was amazing how quickly things could turn around. With love, hope and faith anything was possible.
He traced her lips with his fingertip. “I want to put down roots right here in Love. With you, Honor. And Violet. I think that’s what Bud wanted. He was a pretty romantic guy. One who believed in true love conquering all.”
“I have the feeling he’s looking down on us and grinning like crazy. I’m proud of you, Joshua. Selling the ranch would have given you and Theo a big payday.”
“As long as I have your love, I’ll be rich in all the ways that matter most.”
She reached up and placed her arms around his neck. They were gazing into each other’s eyes. “I can’t wait to see what the f
uture holds for us.”
“Nothing but blue skies, from this point forward,” Joshua said, his words ringing out as a promise for the future.
* * *
Honor galloped on Lola across the wide expanse of Ransom land as the wind whipped across her face and hair. March had come in like a lion with a big snowstorm that had wreaked havoc on the small town of Love. After days of being snowbound, the townsfolk were all coming out of hibernation. Honor and Joshua were celebrating their freedom by riding across the Diamond R property.
Joshua was right behind her on Blaze. Honor pulled on Lola’s reins and brought the horse to a stop near a stream. She dismounted Lola and led her over toward the partially thawed water. Soon, Joshua joined her. He patted Blaze, murmuring words of praise as he led her to drink.
“Look at all of this beautiful land,” Honor said, spreading her arms wide as she whirled around with her face upturned to the sky.
“It stretches out for as far as the eye can see,” Joshua said in a voice filled with awe. “Bud created a lasting legacy for his family.”
“He was one in a million. A true pioneer.” Honor smiled at Joshua. “Thank you for coming back home.”
“It’s where I belong. God led me straight back to you. And to this amazing town.”
“You’re a real-life hero. I think the residents are going to put up a statue in your honor since you decided not to sell the Diamond R. You earned everyone’s undying devotion. And respect.” Honor could hear the pride ringing out in her voice. The man she loved was an amazing human being.
Joshua chuckled. “Let’s just say I’m most relieved to find myself in Jasper’s good graces. Being on his bad side wasn’t pleasant.” He scrunched up his face, which made Honor chuckle.
“And my brothers have given us their blessing,” she said, blinking away tears. It had always been important to her to know that Liam, Boone and Cameron approved of the man she intended to spend the rest of her days with. They had all rallied around Joshua in the aftermath of the town council meeting where he’d announced his plans to keep the Diamond R Ranch in the family.
He let out a low whistle. “I almost can’t believe it. They’ve been very gracious to me.”
“As they should be,” Honor teased. “You’re all kinds of wonderful.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Joshua said.
She shook her head. Sometimes she couldn’t believe how beautifully everything had worked out. Right before the town council meeting Honor had been at her lowest point. It had been nearly impossible to hold on to hope.
“Our path has been anything but smooth,” she said.
“True. But the beauty of our situation is that our love never died. Not really. I never stopped loving you, Honor.”
She looked up at him, her heart brimming with joy. “It feels as if I’ve always loved you.”
He ran a hand across her face. “I hope you always will.”
“After everything we’ve been through, I can’t imagine not loving you.” She grinned at him. “Joshua. I have something important to ask you.”
“You can ask me anything.”
Give me courage, Lord, she prayed. I want a future with Joshua and Violet more than anything else in this world. I want to spend the rest of my life loving and being loved by them.
“A little more than six years ago you proposed to me. You said that despite our age and the lack of support from my family, we could withstand anything and everything life threw in our direction. Unfortunately, we couldn’t live up to that promise we made to one another.” She reached for Joshua’s hands and squeezed hard. “I want to ask you, Joshua Ransom, to marry me. We’re six years older and wiser now. And we have the full and unwavering support of our families. I want to be your wife. Through good times and bad. And I want to be Violet’s mother. I’ll be there for her come what may. Through the terrible twos, potty training, the teen years and her first romance. I can’t offer you perfection, but I won’t ever forsake either one of you, Joshua. Not ever.” Tears were streaming down her face and Honor didn’t bother wiping them away. She wasn’t hiding her feelings anymore. This man was who she wanted to grow old with and shelter from the storms of life. It would be her privilege to be his wife.
“Honor, marrying you would be the supreme honor of my life. I wanted you to be my wife six years ago. That hasn’t changed in all this time. I still want you. It would make me the happiest man in all of Alaska to be your husband.”
He dug in his pocket and pulled out a shiny diamond solitaire ring. Honor gasped. She covered her mouth with her hands.
“I guess you recognize it. So many times over the years I was tempted to throw it into the river.” He shook his head. “I couldn’t even think about us because it hurt too badly to go down that road. But something made me hold on to this ring. I couldn’t let go of what it represented. When I bought it, I didn’t have a whole lot of money to spend on it. But when I gave it to you, it was as if I’d given you the sun, moon and the stars. You didn’t care that it wasn’t the biggest or the brightest. Because you loved me.” He held it out to her. “This ring signifies the most wondrous love I’ve ever known. Or ever will know.”
“Oh, Joshua. It’s still the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen,” she exclaimed.
“Honor, will you wear my ring? Again? And this time promise never to take it off. Will you marry me?” Joshua asked.
Honor began laughing through her tears. “Hey! No fair. I asked you first. You never gave me an answer.”
Joshua reached for her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. “This is my answer. Yes, Honor. I’ll marry you. Anytime. Anyplace. Anywhere.”
Honor threw herself against Joshua’s chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. He placed his hands on either side of her waist and whirled her around. Honor let out a squeal of delight and hung on for dear life. Finally, after all these years, they were getting married. And she would be a mother to Violet. All of her dreams were coming to fruition. She was incredibly blessed.
She had never imagined Joshua’s return to Love would result in their falling in love all over again. Their reunion had been given a push in the right direction by the good Lord above. She just knew it!
All things were possible with love, truth and faith. She truly believed it now. She and Joshua had been through the fire and come through the ashes to form something stronger than they had ever imagined. And there was no force on earth that they would ever allow to separate them again.
Like their beloved hometown, their love would endure.
Epilogue
Joshua stood at the front of the church dressed in a dark suit and tie. His wedding day had arrived. Hazel had placed a red carnation in his lapel to match the bridesmaids’ flowers. The way he saw it, he was a simple man who finally was getting his heart’s desire—marrying the woman of his dreams. After all this time, they were making it official. Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Ransom.
He shifted from one foot to the other as nerves began to grab ahold of him. His palms began to moisten.
“Are you okay?” Theo asked, nudging him in the side. “You’re fidgeting quite a bit.”
“I think so. I mean, yes, of course I am. It’s just that I forgot something important.” Joshua fumbled with his words. He turned toward his brother. “I need to go talk to Honor.”
Theo’s eyes bulged. “Now? Are you serious?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be right back,” Joshua said, walking quickly toward the back of the church, past all the guests who were seated in the pews and staring at him with wide eyes. People began whispering and pointing.
As he headed toward the changing room where the bridal party was gathered, Hazel cut him off at the pass.
“Joshua! What are you doing back here?” Hazel asked. “The wedding is about to start.” She frowned at him. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you?�
�
He leaned down and kissed Hazel on the cheek. “Of course I’m not. Marrying Honor is all I’ve ever wanted. I just need to say something to her before we exchange our vows.”
Hazel began fanning herself with her hand. “Praise the Lord. You just scared the life out of me. An image flashed in my head of all the Prescott men running you out of town on a rail.”
Joshua grinned. He could actually laugh at the idea of it, now that things had been smoothed over between him and Honor’s family. They had finally shown him grace and acceptance. Hopefully, they would forge a good relationship in the years to come.
“There won’t be any drama today, Hazel. I’m marrying the woman of my dreams. I just need for Honor to stand on the other side of the door. If you open it a crack I can talk to her from the other side without seeing her.”
Hazel looked at him skeptically. “Okay. I’ll pass it on to her.” A few minutes later Hazel waved him toward the partially opened door. “She’s standing right behind the door. Make it quick, partner. There’s a whole church full of people waiting with bated breath for this wedding to start.” She winked at him. “After all, it’s been six years in the making.” Hazel patted him on the shoulder as she walked past him down the hall.
Joshua walked toward the door and faced away from it. He reached out his arm through the opening and said, “Honor. Are you there? I’d like us to pray before Pastor Jack marries us.”
“I’m here, my love.” He felt Honor’s hand join with his own. She squeezed his hand and he heard her from the other side of the door. “Of course I’ll pray with you, Joshua.”
Joshua smiled. He closed his eyes and began to pray out loud. “Lord. Thank You for giving us this day and for bringing us back together. You have brought us forgiveness, healing and restoration. Without You I don’t think we would have found our way back to each other. Your love humbles us. Please bless our marriage with kindness and faith and devotion. If we make mistakes, give us the grace to forgive one another. And if we ever face any health challenges, may the stronger one hold the other one up. If You see fit, please allow us to grow our family, so that Violet can be a loving big sister and we can cherish more children. And can You please watch over the child we lost until we are all reunited one day. Amen.”
Her Alaskan Cowboy (Alaskan Grooms Book 7) Page 17
