Joshua and Faith emerged from the sheriff’s office after learning what Rounder had confessed. Both were relieved Brodie had learned the location of the outlaw gang and would be sending a telegram to Sheriff Foster in Bozeman.
“You did the right thing, dropping the charges against him,” Joshua said as they walked along the boardwalk.
“The information about the bank robbers was more important than a broken teapot.” She chuckled. “It’ll be interesting to see who Brodie finds to hire Rounder.”
Joshua nodded, his brow furrowed. “Seems Cody met his share of odd characters while gone from the ranch,” he mused. “Makes me want to hear more of his stories. He’s a different man now than he was before leaving the ranch.”
“People change, Joshua. Grief can do that to a person.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I sure do miss the old Cody.”
“Give him time. He hasn’t been back very long.”
A clatter of hooves drew their attention as Annalee Beckett came riding up, her light brown hair windswept from the ride. She dismounted with practiced ease, tying her horse to the hitching post.
“Do you know what happened? Is Cody all right?”
Joshua exchanged a quick glance with Faith before responding. “Rounder told Cody and Brodie where the bank robbers are hanging out in Bozeman. He’s going to contact Sheriff Foster.”
Annalee looked over her should at the jail. “That’s good news. Is Brodie still in the office?”
“He is,” Joshua said, recognizing the look of longing on his sister’s face. “Why don’t you stop in to let him know you’re in town?”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to bother him.”
“I doubt you could ever bother him,” Faith said, empathy in her voice. She looked at Joshua. “It’s time I returned to the newspaper office.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Joshua said. “Are you heading back to the ranch, Annie?”
“Knowing Cody is all right, there’s no reason to stay in town.”
Faith rested a hand on Annalee’s arm, lowering her voice. “You need to tell him how you feel.”
“Who?”
“Who, indeed. Brodie, of course.”
Annalee pursed her lips, taking one more glance toward the jail. “I can’t.”
Returning to her horse, she mounted up. “I’ll see you at the ranch, Joshua.”
“Be careful, Annie. Lots of strange things have been going on around here,” he said.
She flashed him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about me, big brother. I can handle myself.” With that, she spurred her horse and galloped off toward Wild Spirit Ranch.
Joshua watched her go, a mix of pride and worry churning in his gut. He felt Faith’s hand on his arm, a comforting presence.
“She’ll be fine,” Faith said softly. “Annalee’s tougher than you think.”
He nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. “I know. With so much happening, I can’t help feeling we’re standing on the edge of something big.” He looked at her, a smile playing on his lips.
The wood slats of the boardwalk creaked beneath Joshua’s boots as he escorted Faith toward the Mystic Gazette office. Joshua’s thoughts tumbled over one another as he contemplated what he wanted to do next.
They reached the newspaper office, and he held the door open for her to step inside. She moved with her usual grace to her desk, her fingers brushing over the typewriter keys.
“I should get started on the article about the bank robbers,” she said, settling into her chair. “I won’t run it until we learn if Sheriff Foster and his men were able to arrest the outlaws.” She looked at the paper for a few seconds before her fingers moved over the keys.
Joshua lingered nearby, not quite ready to leave. “You know, your father would be proud of how you’ve carried on his legacy with the Gazette.”
Her fingers stilled on the keys, and she looked up at him, a soft smile gracing her features. “Thank you, Joshua. That means a lot coming from you.”
His heart skipped a beat at her words, and he found himself taking a step closer to her desk. “I mean it, Faith. You’ve got a real gift for words, and the courage to use them. It’s one of the things I love about you.”
She shook her head, but her smile widened. “You know flattery won’t get you a discount on the Gazette, right?”
“It never occurred to me,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Though I might be persuaded to offer a few exclusive ranch stories in exchange for some favorable press.”
Her laughter filled the office, and he felt his heart swell with affection. This was what he loved about their friendship. The easy banter, shared history, and the mutual respect.
“I should let you get to work,” Joshua said, taking a step back. “I’ll see you soon.” He hesitated, not ready to leave.
“Joshua? Are you all right?”
Instead of answering, he found himself moving around her desk. Reaching out, he took her hands in his, and gently pulled her to stand beside him.
Her brows rose in surprise, but she didn’t resist. She stood, her slender form close to his, the moment charged with unspoken emotion. “Joshua?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Before he could rethink his intentions, he wrapped his arms around her, lowering his head to capture her mouth with his.
The world around them faded into a soft blur.
The tender kiss continued, a culmination of years of friendship and unspoken feelings finding expression.
Her hands trembled as they came to rest on Joshua’s chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palms.
As they parted, both slightly breathless, his eyes locked onto Faith’s. A thousand unspoken words passed between them.
Joshua’s hand lingered on hers for a moment longer before he turned and left the office, the door closing behind him. She stood there, her fingertips brushing her lips, still feeling the warmth of his kiss.
Joshua strode along the boardwalk with no thought to a destination. The familiar sights and sounds of Mystic faded into the background, his mind filled with thoughts of Faith and the future he now dared to imagine.
He paused, leaning against a post, his gaze scanning the street without really seeing it.
“Joshua!” a familiar voice called out. He turned to see Tripp Lassiter approaching, a friendly smile on his face. “You look like a man with a lot on his mind.”
Joshua chuckled softly. “I suppose you’re right, Tripp.”
The Becketts and Lassiters had been friends for two generations, sharing property lines for several miles along Moon River. Tripp’s keen eyes studied him for a moment. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain newspaper editor, would it?”
Joshua’s surprise must have shown on his face, for Tripp laughed. “Josh, no one in Mystic would be surprised if you and Faith ended up together.”
He shook his head. “Am I that transparent?”
“Only to those who know you,” Tripp replied, his tone softening. “It’s about time, if you ask me. You two have been dancing around each other for years.”
“I love her, Tripp. I think I always have. I didn’t want to risk losing her friendship if she didn’t feel the same.”
Tripp clasped him on the shoulder. “And now?”
“I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
“Well, I’ll be. Joshua Beckett, you’ve finally come to your senses.”
Joshua laughed. “I suppose I have.”
Parting ways, Joshua’s steps were lighter, his resolve stronger. He knew with unwavering certainty Faith was the one he wanted to spend his life with. It was time to take the leap, to embrace the future he’d only dared to dream of until now.
Glancing around, he realized he was a few steps from Jennings Mercantile. He hesitated for only an instant.
The bell above the door of the town’s general store jingled as Joshua stepped inside. Casper Jennings looked up from behind the counter, his balding head gleaming.
“Good morning, Joshua,” Casper greeted, his thin frame straightening. “What can I do for you today?”
His gaze scanned the store, ensuring they were alone. His heart hammered against his ribs as he approached the counter.
“Casper,” Joshua began, his voice low. “I’m looking for something special. An engagement ring.”
Casper’s eyebrows shot up, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “Is that so? Well, it’s about time, young man. I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever get around to it.”
Joshua felt a flush creep up his neck. “You and everyone else, it seems.”
“Only to those of us who’ve watched you and Faith grow up together.” He reached beneath the counter. “Now, let’s see what we’ve got here.”
He produced a small tray, several rings glinting in the dim light. Joshua leaned in, his gaze narrowing as he studied the array of gold bands and sparkling stones.
“I never thought I’d be doing this,” Joshua admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Love has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Now, tell me, what kind of ring do you think Faith would like?”
His brow furrowed. “Something simple. Elegant, but not flashy. Faith’s never been one for extravagance.”
Casper nodded. “How about this one?” He pointed to a delicate gold band with a small, brilliant diamond.
Joshua shook his head. “It’s beautiful, but not quite right.” He was drawn to a simple gold band with a small, deep red stone. “This one,” he said, pointing. “What’s the stone?”
Casper nodded approvingly. “It’s a garnet.”
Joshua picked up the ring, turning it in his fingers. He could almost see it on Faith’s hand, imagined her eyes lighting up as he slipped it onto her finger. “It’s perfect,” he breathed.
As Casper wrapped up the ring, Joshua’s thoughts were a tangle of ideas. How would he propose? When?
Paying for the ring, he took the wrapped gift from Casper. The feel of the small box in his pocket seemed to anchor him to the future he was choosing.
“I wish you all the happiness in the world, Joshua,” Casper said. “You and Faith deserve it.”
“Thank you, Casper. For everything.”
His footsteps rang on the wooden boardwalk as he made his way back to the newspaper office, the weight of the ring box in his pocket a constant reminder of his mission.
Approaching the Gazette office, he paused, taking a deep breath. Through the window, he could see Faith bent over her desk. The sight of her confirmed his decision not to put off his proposal any longer.
With a gentle push, he opened the door, the bell above it chiming softly. Faith looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Joshua? I wasn’t expecting you back so soon. Is everything all right?”
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Everything’s fine, Faith. Better than fine.” His voice was soft, but there was an undercurrent of excitement he couldn’t quite hide.
She stood, her brow furrowing as she studied his face. “What’s going on?”
He moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “I’ve been doing some thinking,” he began, his hand moving to touch the ring box in his pocket. “About us. About the future.”
Her breath caught, a flicker of hope crossing her features. “Oh?” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I realized something today. Life’s too short to wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, you have to make the moment perfect yourself.”
He took another step forward, close enough now he could see the faint freckles dusting Faith’s nose, the flecks of gold in her green eyes. He reached her desk in three long strides, gently taking her hands in his.
“Faith, I’ve known you since we were children, and in all that time, I’ve never met anyone who matches your spirit, your kindness, or your strength.”
Her breath caught in her throat, her fingers tightening around his.
“You’ve been my friend, my confidante, and the one person who understands me. I can’t imagine spending another day without you by my side. Faith Goodell, will you marry me?”
Joshua reached into his jacket pocket, handing her the small box. Removing the top, he held out the simple gold band with its deep red garnet stone. She gasped, her eyes filling with tears as she looked from the ring to his face.
“Oh, Joshua,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s so beautiful.”
Joshua’s heart skipped a beat. “So, what do you say?”
Faith laughed, a joyous sound that filled the small office. “Yes! Yes, of course it’s a yes!”
Without hesitation, he slipped the ring onto her finger, then pulled her close, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. As they parted, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling.
“I love you, Joshua Beckett. I’ve loved you for years, even when I thought you’d never see me as more than a friend.”
“I may have been a bit slow on figuring this out. But I promise to make up for lost time.”