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Theo snorted. “You always did love this place more than I did. That’s one of the reasons I joined the army at such a young age. I wanted to spread my wings. You’re like Bud. He lived and breathed this place.”
“I would have been completely happy to stay and grow old here,” Joshua said in a voice clogged with emotion. Since he’d been back, Joshua had been opening himself up to the things he had buried inside him a long time ago. His hopes and dreams. His emotions. The love he’d felt for Honor. Even though he hadn’t let her know it, her words had chipped away at him. She had made him feel ashamed of doubting their past relationship. Even though it hadn’t resulted in a happily-ever-after, it had been the real deal.
Theo furrowed his brow. He was staring at Joshua with an intensity Joshua couldn’t ignore. “Grow old? With who? Honor?”
He nodded. “That’s what I wanted more than anything. We all know that didn’t exactly go according to plan,” Joshua said in a curt voice. What was the point in discussing Honor with Theo? He’d never been a big believer in their love story. Bringing it up would only dredge up painful memories Joshua might not be able to handle. As it was, he felt as if he was dealing with a groundswell of memories crashing over him in unrelenting waves.
“There’s no reason we should have to hole up here at the ranch. We haven’t done anything wrong.”
Joshua made a face at his brother, then raised his eyebrows. “That’s debatable.”
“Well, beside the fire, but that was six years ago.”
“I can think of a few things I did back when I was a teenager.”
“Surely there’s a statute of limitations on youthful indiscretions?” Theo asked. “God forgave me a long time ago. No one has the right to judge us. ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’”
Joshua had to chuckle. Theo hadn’t seen the inside of a church in many years, with the exception of Bud’s service. As far as Joshua could tell, his relationship with God was shaky at best. And now he was quoting from the Bible.
“Theo, I know something in the universe has shifted when you’re quoting the Bible.”
“You’re not the only one who can change, Joshua.” For once Theo wasn’t making a joke. A serious expression was carved on his face.
“That’s good to hear,” he said with a nod. “Throughout all of the dark times in my life, I always knew the Lord was with me. That’s my prayer for you as well.”
Joshua reached out and clasped his brother’s hand. He and Theo had always shared a tight relationship, although time and geographical distance had chipped away at it a little bit. Joshua knew he was no doubt harboring some pent-up feelings regarding the fire and taking responsibility for it. Ultimately, he’d made the decision to do so all on his own. Theo hadn’t forced his hand. But he wished Theo had acted like a big brother and shielded him from the fallout.
“What do you say we head into town for Hazel’s birthday celebration? It’s supposed to be a big town event according to a few of my friends.”
Joshua shook his head. “No, thanks. I’m not in the mood to deal with the Prescotts.”
“Come on, Joshua. Hazel invited us. She wants us to be there,” Theo said. He stood up and went over to the side table, then rummaged through some mail. He held up a brightly colored envelope. “Here it is. Hazel’s Ageless Birthday Party. Don’t you remember I mentioned it the other day?”
Joshua chuckled at the ageless theme. Leave it to Hazel to put a novel twist on celebrating a milestone year.
“Sorry. I forgot all about it. Where is it being held?” Joshua asked.
“At the Moose Café,” Theo said.
He let out a groan. “Are you serious?”
“Of course I am. Hazel has been good to us. I for one want to go to the party and wish her a happy birthday. What are you afraid of? Running into the townsfolk?”
Theo’s question prickled his pride. He didn’t want it to seem as if he was running from the residents of Love. He wasn’t a coward by any means.
“I’m not afraid of anything or anyone in this town. They’ve already done the worst they can do to me. And frankly, I’m a little bit over it.” He inhaled deeply. “Why shouldn’t we go? An invite from the birthday girl herself means something.”
“That’s great. I picked up a little present and a birthday card for Hazel just in case we were going to attend.”
Joshua scooped up Violet from the playpen and said a little prayer about attending the celebration. If he ever wanted folks in this town to treat him with an ounce of respect, perhaps he needed to show them who he was rather than hiding away at the ranch like a hermit. Time had changed him for the better. He was a father and a businessman now. Surely they could see he had worked hard to earn redemption.
Maybe, just maybe, they would decide to show him a measure of grace.
Chapter Ten
Honor placed her gift for Hazel on the oval table laden with gaily wrapped presents. Hazel had told everyone not to buy her any gifts, but clearly, no one had listened. Knowing Hazel, Honor wouldn’t be surprised one bit if she donated her gifts to a charitable organization.
“Sorry if this sounds gossipy, but isn’t that your ex-fiancé who just walked in?” Her sister-in-law’s blue eyes were twinkling with interest. As a journalist, Grace was always interested in people, places and things. More times than not, she couldn’t keep her curiosity in check.
