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She watched as Joshua reached out and scooped the small fox up into his arms. Honor took off at a fast clip and began walking toward the vehicle. She flung open the back door of the truck, not wanting to waste a moment in getting the animal inside.

After the harsh words they had exchanged, Joshua would have been the last person she would ever want to help her out. At this moment, she wouldn’t want to be with anyone else but him.

Chapter Nine

Honor stood by the truck and watched as Joshua gingerly held the arctic fox in his arms. She couldn’t help but admire Joshua as he strode toward her, his steps full of power and purpose. A sigh slipped past her lips. He was dressed in a nice-fitting pair of blue jeans and a hunter green parka. A cowboy hat sat perched on his head. There was no debating he was much better-looking than all of the single men in this town put together. A true Alaskan hottie! Her cheeks felt heated at the admission.

He placed the arctic fox in the back of the truck on top of one of her blankets, then firmly closed the door. Honor quickly situated herself in the passenger seat. Joshua sat in the driver’s seat and cast a glance behind him at the fox. He reached to turn on the radio, his arm brushing against hers in the process, causing an electric pulse to run through her. Being so close to Joshua was doing a number on her. There was an awareness that always flared between them whenever they were in close proximity. At the same time, Honor felt comfortable in his strong, steady presence. Their shared history bonded them for life.

He revved the engine and began to drive away from Nottingham Woods.

“Thanks for bringing me out here, Joshua. You’ve been a big help,” Honor said, gratitude welling up inside her.

“Hanging out with you twice in one day is pretty suspicious. I’m beginning to think you’re following me,” he said in a teasing voice.

Honor rolled her eyes. She snapped her fingers. “You figured me out. And here I was trying to be subtle.”

“Isn’t that how we started dating? You used to trail after me all the time until I noticed you.”

“You wish, Ransom,” she said, shaking her head.

His low chuckle sounded like it radiated from deep inside him. They both knew the true story. Joshua had been the one to chase Honor. He had worn down her initial defenses with his tenderness and boyish charm. She had been defenseless to resist him.

“So what’s your theory on the fox? Was she abandoned?” Joshua asked.

Honor nodded. “No, I don’t think so. She’s not a baby. I would say she’s about nine months old or so. Arctic foxes are on their own from a fairly young age and are forced to fend for themselves. Judging by her weakened state, she’s malnourished. She really needs some TLC.”

“Sounds like she’s in good hands,” Joshua said.

“The wildlife center is the perfect place for her. I’m feeling very blessed that we were able to find her in the woods.”

Joshua winked at her. “Haven’t you heard? There are no accidents in life. Everything happens for a reason.”

No accidents in life? Honor agreed with the sentiment. Everything had a divine purpose. She had been scratching her head trying to figure out why God had placed Joshua back in Love. Surely it wasn’t so he could sell Bud’s ranch to the Alloy Corporation? There had to be some other reason, she reckoned. Her faith told her so.

“Well, I’m glad there’s a happy ending for Bashful.” The helpless look on the arctic fox’s face tugged at Honor’s heart.

“Bashful?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Like one of the seven dwarfs?”

Honor nodded. “It’s the perfect name for her.” She chuckled at the skeptical expression on Joshua’s face. “I’m serious. She has that shy look on her face and those big ears.”

“Now that you mention it, she does look a little on the bashful side,” Joshua noted.

“See! I told you!” Honor said, her tone laced with triumph.

He turned toward her. “So what will happen to her?”

“First, we’ll get her up to speed nutrition-wise. Then we’ll rehabilitate her. She can’t stand on her legs. She’s been injured in some way. I’ll call the vet out so he can come on over and check on her. Then we’ll go from there.” She found herself smiling. Although she hated the sad circumstances that led animals to the wildlife center, Honor enjoyed being the one who helped bring them to a place of healing. It was truly her calling in life.

“You really love what you do, don’t you?” he asked.

“I really do. I’m so blessed. From the moment I start work in the morning until I clock out, I’m filled with such joy. Being an advocate for these animals is a huge responsibility, but it’s one I completely embrace.”

Joshua quirked his mouth. She could tell he was thinking about something. He was listening to every word she was saying with such rapt attention.

“What about you?” she asked, curious about his business. Bud had told her a little bit about Joshua’s company. His grandfather had been extremely proud of his grandson’s success, although he had always seemed wary to share information with her. Perhaps Bud had believed it would reopen old wounds. He certainly had never breathed a word to her about Violet.

“I like working in home construction and flipping houses, but I can’t say I’m passionate about it. To be honest, I never really thought about it before.” He frowned. “You’re one of the rare ones, Honor. Most people work jobs. You have a vocation. You’re living the dream.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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