Joshua had made his way toward Faith, finding a seat right behind her.
Grayson noted the two of them with a sense of unease.
He liked Faith. She was smart, principled, and had a clear vision for the future of the town.
Her newly created Women’s Alliance added a layer of complication he didn’t need right now.
Faith stood, looked around at the people she’d known her entire life, and smiled before turning back toward the council members.
“First, I believe everyone here knows I have always supported the school and the education of our children,” she said.
“I will continue to support any measure that will keep them viable.”
A murmur ran through the room, half approval, half apprehension.
“That said,” she continued, “I believe in practical solutions. Councilman Beckett’s proposal is indeed charitable. More importantly, it’s realistic. Many of us remember how our mothers and fathers got by during the lean years. We helped each other. We didn’t add to each other’s burdens.”
Grayson felt a pang of relief. If Faith and her Alliance threw their weight behind him, it could make all the difference.
“I believe you should know there are a great number of women and men who agree with the councilman’s idea. We are the same people who would be willing to donate money and time to see it gets carried out as Grayson envisions.”
Several men whistled while others cheered, and others began talking between each other. It took several minutes before Mayor Jurgen regained control.
“Thank you, Miss Goodell. We appreciate your opinion.”
“And it’s the opinion of the newly formed Mystic Women’s Alliance. It will also appear in today’s Gazette. I thought it only right everyone knew what the newspaper editor believes is the right approach. Thank you for hearing me out.”
Faith sat down, and the room took a collective breath. She’d presented herself well while placing the onus on the council and indicating the Alliance’s support.
Mayor Jurgen stroked his chin. “Your input is always valued, Miss Goodell.” He looked as if he might say more, then shrugged. “Any other comments?”
Several hands went up, but the crowd’s fervor had cooled. Grayson suspected many felt their concerns had already been voiced and answered, at least in part, by Faith. He eyed the time on his pocket watch. The meeting had stretched to an hour already.
One by one, the remaining hands trickled down, their owners unwilling to prolong the session with repetitive points. Grayson let out a slow breath, hoping Faith’s words would sway the other councilmen.
“Very well,” Jurgen said. “We appreciate everyone’s—”
“Wait,” came a voice from the center of the room. Grayson’s heart sank as he recognized it. Strong and unyielding, it belonged to his mother, Naomi Beckett.
She stood, and the room tilted toward her like plants seeking sunlight.
“Naomi, you’re more than welcome to add your thoughts,” Jurgen said. “Just remember, no decision will be made today.”
Naomi’s eyes locked on Grayson, then moved to Joshua, then back to Grayson. “I just want to make sure we’re all clear on what’s at stake,” she said. “And to add my support to Councilman Beckett’s proposal.”
Grayson relaxed at his mother’s words.
“The school is more than a building,” Naomi said.
“It’s the future of this town. Every child we educate is an investment in the future.
We’ve always found ways to manage, and I believe we can again.
The Becketts will volunteer time to help erect the addition to the schoolhouse, and I’m certain many of you at the table will be more than happy to supply donations of material.
” She pinned each one of the men with her hard glare.
“Won’t you, gentlemen?” Naomi sat back down, back straight and hands resting in her lap.
Mayor Jurgen set down his gavel, the wood clicking softly against the table. “The council will take all viewpoints into consideration,” he said, his voice assuming a judicious tone. “We know these are difficult times, and no one takes this decision lightly.”
Grayson suspected Jurgen had felt the shift in the room. What had seemed a foregone conclusion at the start of the meeting was now moving in the opposite direction. The locals had made their preference known.
“Thank you all for coming,” Jurgen finished. “We’ll reconvene next week to make a final decision. Meeting adjourned.”
He tapped his gavel, and the room exploded into conversation. Grayson stayed seated, watching as the crowd filtered toward the door. He saw Joshua linger by Faith, saying something low and earnest. Whatever it was, she gave a slow nod, her face set in a dispassionate mask.
Grayson stood and stretched, his body stiff from the prolonged tension. He walked toward the door, where Joshua now stood alone, his eyes following Faith as she left.
“How’d she take it?” Grayson asked.
Joshua shrugged. “She knows it’s out of her hands for now. She did what she came for, as did the women in the Alliance. Carl holding off the vote is concerning.”
“I don’t believe Carl is stalling. He’s playing it safe by allowing time for the other council members to think through what they heard today. Carl’s not going to stand against Faith.”
“Or Naomi Beckett.” Joshua smiled.
Grayson placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Come on. Let’s talk to Ma.”
They took their time, letting the last of the crowd disperse. Outside, a chill bit through the air.
Naomi Beckett stood by the horses. “Well?” she asked as they approached.
“They listened,” Grayson answered. “The crowd supported you and Faith. You made a significant impact.”
Naomi nodded, her stern features softening a little. “You made a good case. Your father would be proud.”
The knot in Grayson’s stomach loosened at her words. He’d been waiting for her verdict, knowing her approval could be a bellwether for the community.
“Thanks, Ma.”
She turned her sharp eyes on Joshua. “And you? Where do you stand in all this?”
Joshua met her gaze evenly. “I stand with my brother.”
“Good,” Naomi said. “The Becketts need to speak with one voice. I’ll ride back with you, Grayson.” She swung up into the saddle.
Grayson looked at Joshua. “Are you riding back now?” He mounted up, the leather creaking under his weight.
“I’m meeting Faith at the Golden Griddle. I’ll see you at the ranch.”
Joshua Beckett stepped into the Golden Griddle, the aroma of sizzling steaks and fresh coffee thick in the air. He scanned the crowded restaurant with the practiced ease of a rancher surveying a herd. Spotting Faith seated near the front window, he walked toward her. She looked up and waved.
“Hello, Josh.” Her eyes shone with welcome.
“Faith.”
“Have a seat. Maisy will be over to take our orders.” She gestured to the chair next to her.
“Don’t mind if I do. How’d you think the meeting went?”
She settled back into her chair. “Better than expected. Your brother did an excellent job presenting his idea.”
“Grayson’s had practice. The ranch is a handful, and now the council.”
“He seems capable of dealing with both. Do you think his proposal will pass?”
Joshua rested his arms on the table. “Hard to say. The council is split, but Grayson can be persuasive.”
Maisy appeared at their table. “What can I get you two?”
Placing their orders, Faith’s gaze met Joshua’s. “I’m learning it’s a fine line between informing the public and stirring up trouble.”
He looked at her for a long moment. “You walk it well.”
“Thank you, Josh. Have you met the new deputy yet?”
“Not yet.”
Faith looked past Joshua. “Well, there he is now.”
Joshua turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with a thick auburn mustache entering the restaurant. He wore a tan duster and weathered Stetson. A tin star gleamed on his chest.
Faith lifted a hand and waved. The deputy’s gaze landed on Faith. Removing his hat, he made his way over.
“Miss Goodell,” Nash said. “I believe you’re one of the Beckett boys. Brodie pointed you out to me at the council meeting.”
“Joshua,” Joshua said, rising to shake the man’s hand.
“Your family’s well-regarded around these parts.”
Joshua sat back down, his eyes flicking to Faith. “You two know each other?” he asked.
Faith smiled. “We’ve crossed paths. Brodie introduced us.”
“It’s always good to get to know the editor of the local paper,” Nash said.
Joshua noted the familiarity with which Faith and Nash interacted. It was a small town where everyone knew everyone else. Still, it gnawed at him.
“Care to join us?” Faith asked, gesturing to an empty chair. “We were just talking about the town council meeting.”
“It’d be nice to have company.” Nash pulled out the chair and took a seat.
Maisy brought out two plates filled with the day’s special and set them down. “What can I get you, Deputy?”
“The same as they’re having.”
“I’ll be right back,” Maisy said, heading back to the kitchen.
Joshua took a deep breath, fighting the urge to take control of the conversation.
“Your brother seems to know his stuff,” Nash said. “It’s good to see some leadership in this town.”
Faith leaned in, her posture open and engaged. “We’re growing quickly, with all the problems of a larger town.”
“Problems mean progress,” Nash said, shrugging. “You can’t have one without the other. It sure is an interesting time.”
Joshua watched as Faith and Nash fell into an easy rhythm. It was supposed to be his time with her. He thought of all the words he’d planned to say and silently fumed.
They continued talking. Nash spoke of his experiences in Laramie, of the changes he’d seen, and of the balance between order and freedom. Joshua chimed in when he could, but it was clear Faith’s curiosity was centered on Nash and his views.
Joshua’s frustration simmered below the surface as the two seemed lost in their own private conversation.
Interesting times , he thought, mimicking Nash’s words.
That’s all it was to the new deputy, an observer playing his part.
For Joshua, this was life. It was their ranch, their town, their future.
A future he’d thought would include Faith.
The three fell silent when Nash’s supper arrived. When finished, he pushed his plate away, reached into a pocket, setting coins on the table before rising.
“I need to get back to the jail. Thanks for the conversation and the company.”
Faith looked at Joshua, then back to Nash. “Of course. Enjoy your evening.”
Joshua felt a brief, guilty relief. Maybe now he would have the chance he needed.
“Josh,” Faith said, touching his arm. “Is something wrong?”
He turned to her, his eyes searching her face. How could he tell her what was really on his mind? Every moment he spent with her was torture and joy.
“I’m just tired,” he lied. “It’s been a long day.”
Faith studied him, her journalist’s eye not missing a single detail. He wondered if she could see the truth written on his face.
“All right,” she said. “Are you ready to leave?”
More than ready , he thought. “Yes, I am.”
They stepped outside, the cool evening air a stark contrast to the warm interior of the Golden Griddle. Nash was already some distance down the boardwalk, his silhouette tall and unyielding.
The walk to Faith’s house was short. They didn’t speak, the silence hanging heavy between them. He glanced at her several times, memorizing every detail.
When they arrived at her doorstep, Faith turned to Joshua. “Thank you for walking me. I could’ve managed, but it’s nice to have the company.”
Joshua stuffed his hands into the pockets of his coat. “It’s no trouble. I enjoy our time together.”
Faith hesitated, her hand on the doorknob. “Josh, if something is bothering you, you can tell me. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
Friends . The word struck him like a hammer blow.
“We are,” he said, his voice softer than he intended. “I’ve got a lot on my mind. The ranch, the future.”
She tilted her head, her long braid cascading to one side. “The future, huh? Sounds ominous.”
“Faith,” he started, then stopped. How could he phrase this so it didn’t sound like a plea or a desperate grasp? “Do you ever think about leaving Mystic?”
She laughed. “Every day. But that’s all it is. Thinking. Mystic is my home.”
“Sure. But if you had the opportunity?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
Because I need to know where you see yourself. Because I want you to be a part of my future. Because I love you.
“The town is changing,” he said instead. “Growing. Sometimes, it feels like we’re being pulled along, whether we want it or not.”
“Change is inevitable, Joshua. We can’t stop it. Whether we want to or not, we’ll have to adapt.”
“I know. There are days I wonder if we’re prepared for what’s coming.”
She released the doorknob and crossed her arms. “You’re stalling. What is this really about?”
He looked away, down the street where Nash had disappeared. Maybe the deputy wasn’t the real threat. Maybe it was the change Faith so readily embraced.
“It’s about us,” he said, bringing his gaze back to her.
She uncrossed her arms, her posture becoming less defensive, more open. “What about us?”
This was it. His heart thudded in his chest, each beat a ticking clock counting down to an uncertain future.
“Faith,” he said. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Her eyes widened, and for a split second, he thought she might step into his arms. “Lose me? Josh, you’re not going to—”
He took a deep breath, the cold air searing his lungs, and reached for her hand.