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Hazel frowned. “Do I dare ask what you’re talking about?”
Honor bit her lip. “I don’t want to gossip, but you’ll find out soon enough. Bud didn’t sign the ranch over to the town and the preservation society. Joshua and Theo are his heirs. And they’re considering selling the Diamond R to a Texas developer.”
Hazel’s eyes bulged. “No! That can’t be right!”
“Unfortunately it is. I heard it straight from Lee’s mouth and then Joshua confirmed it.” She made a face. “Some outfit from Texas wants to create a posh dude ranch on the property. It seems as if everyone wants a piece of our little fishing village these days.”
“I’m afraid for this town if they sell out. Bud was a smart man. I can’t believe he didn’t make things official in his will,” Hazel lamented.
Honor shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe he changed his mind about it. Perhaps he wanted Joshua and his daughter to be comfortable. He’s raising her all by himself.”
“Joshua has a daughter?” Hazel asked. “Years ago I wouldn’t have trusted that boy with a pet rock, but time changes folks. Everyone deserves a shot at getting things right.”
“I think so, too,” Honor concurred. Getting things right. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Honor’s head. “Maybe Joshua will decide to do the right thing regarding the Diamond R. Perhaps this is his chance to redeem himself,” she said.
Hazel eyed her with skepticism. “I wouldn’t hold my breath. Joshua and Theo are just passing through Love. Neither one of ’em has any reason to hold on to the ranch. Sad to say, but selling it makes a whole lot of sense.” Hazel patted her on the shoulder before walking back toward the kitchen.
Honor shook her head. It wasn’t going to happen. Not on her watch! There was no way she was going to sit around on the sidelines as a developer destroyed Bud’s ranch and created such a monstrosity in Love. She wasn’t certain how she would go about it, but she was determined to make Joshua see how wrong it would be to sell the Diamond R Ranch. Perhaps she could remind him of all the reasons he used to adore his hometown and Bud’s ranch.
If there was even a sliver of the old Joshua that still existed, Honor felt certain he would tell the Texas developers to take a hike and find a new town to plunder.
Chapter Four
Joshua looked around the Moose Café with keen interest. The establishment owned by Cameron Prescott had a rustic charm. Copper lights hung from the ceiling, giving the café a warm glow. Forget-me-nots had been placed in small vases on each individual table. He had to admit, the place had a comfortable, cozy vibe. The smell of coffee and baked goods went straight to his empty stomach. It grumbled loudly in appreciation. He could see why this place was successful. It was the perfect spot to sit and eat and enjoy fellowship with good friends.
Not that he would ever hang out here. Too many Prescotts and O’Rourkes lurking around. He imagined they wouldn’t welcome him with open arms anytime soon if he happened to stroll in on his own. Clearly Hazel had pulled some strings in order to allow them to host the reception here. At first he had balked at the idea, but in reality, there were few places here in town that would host them.
This wasn’t about him or the way the townsfolk felt about him. It was about Bud and giving him a proper send-off. Pastor Jack had given a beautiful eulogy for his grandfather. It had been a nice mix of humor, solemnity and faith. Joshua had been incredibly moved and grateful for the kind words.
The café was packed with townsfolk. Everyone had migrated over after the church service. Folks were milling around and gathering in little groups. He ignored the whispers as best he could. After the scandalous way he?
??d left town, he deserved them. As far as they knew, he was a fire starter.
He swung his gaze around and locked eyes with Boone. The man’s expression was shuttered but his eyes glittered with anger. After all these years, the sheriff of Love still couldn’t stand the sight of him. It radiated from his every pore. It made sense, Joshua supposed. He watched as a dark-haired woman with striking features gently tugged at Boone’s arm, then placed a baby in his arms. His features softened as he looked down at the child and began to nuzzle his nose against hers. Boone appeared to be the epitome of a family man.
So he does have a heart after all, Joshua thought. He wasn’t simply a tyrant with a shiny gold badge.
He stuffed down the spark of jealousy at the sight of the family unit. It was what he’d wanted as long as he could remember. A wife and kids. Years ago he had been convinced he and Honor were destined to live out their days together. Sometimes he still allowed himself to daydream about what might have been if he hadn’t claimed responsibility for starting the fire.
Joshua cradled Violet closer against his chest and shook off thoughts of the past. He was blessed to have his daughter. Her presence in his life strengthened his sense of purpose. God had answered his prayers in the form of the blue-eyed little girl.
It felt as if he had just walked into the lion’s den. Folks were eyeing him warily. Some were glaring at him with outright hostility while others seemed to feel sympathy toward him. Even though Violet was a baby, he prayed she didn’t pick up on any negative vibes swirling around the café.
Hazel appeared at his side holding her arms out. “Why don’t you let me take Violet and put her down for a nap? That way you can mingle with the guests. Cameron has a playpen in his office he uses for Emma. I’m guessing she’ll settle down just fine.”
He looked down at Violet. She was nodding off and heading for sleepy-time. It was way past her nap hour. Joshua handed her over to Hazel, who seemed delighted to be holding a baby in her arms. She began to softly hum as she walked away with Violet. He smiled. At least he had one solid friend here in town. Hazel’s kindness humbled him.
He swung his gaze around the café again. Joshua wasn’t sure he wanted to socialize with any of the townsfolk. More important, he wasn’t certain they had a single word to say to him. The past still stood between him and the town like a rushing river. In their eyes, he was responsible for burning down a beloved church. Although it hurt to be treated like a pariah, Joshua knew it was something most would find hard to forgive.
He looked around the establishment for his brother. Theo was on the other side of the room talking animatedly with some school friends. They were laughing and enjoying themselves. He felt a stab of jealousy. His brother didn’t have the same target on his back as he did. In the town’s eyes, Theo had been the accomplice the night of the fire. He hadn’t been the fire starter. At moments such as this one, Joshua couldn’t help but wish the truth had been told all those years ago. Being blamed for the fire had left him with scars he wasn’t sure could ever be healed. If he had to do it all over again, he knew he wouldn’t take the rap for the fire. It had cost him Honor’s love—a price too high to bear.
“Joshua.” Honor’s honeyed voice flowed over him. He turned toward the sound of her. She was standing next to him looking gorgeous in a royal blue dress that made her blue-gray eyes pop. He hadn’t seen her at the church, but it had overflowed with parishioners. It had pleased him to see so many people turn out to honor Bud.
“It was a lovely service. Bud would be proud.”
“Thank you,” he said. “Pastor Jack is a good man. He really knew my grandfather well.” He let out a low chuckle. “Some of the stories he told were highly amusing. Sounded just like Bud.”
“He’ll be sorely missed. I was proud to call him my friend. He was very supportive of the wildlife center. He backed every single donor drive we held. And every now and again he would surprise me by popping up when I least expected it.” A hint of a smile hovered on Honor’s lips.
