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As Hazel and Jasper kissed, the guests thunderously clapped. Honor wiped away a stray tear. This was what she wanted. Real, enduring love. Life wasn’t an easy road to navigate. Her grandfather and Hazel were a testament to true, abiding love. They were far from perfect, but they were perfectly made for each other. Their love story was unique.

When Jasper came up for air, he shouted out, “Everyone head outside for the fireworks in celebration of my sweetheart’s birthday.”

“I love fireworks,” Honor gushed.

“I’m not sure Violet will enjoy it,” Joshua said. “She doesn’t like loud noises. It might startle her.”

Honor felt a stab of disappointment. It was nice to spend time with Joshua in a relaxed setting where they weren’t fussing about injunctions and the sale of Bud’s ranch. She’d forgotten how good it felt just to talk to him. For once her brothers weren’t glaring at Joshua and creating an uncomfortable vibe. Something told her she had Paige and Grace to thank for reining her brothers in.

“That’s a good point. I always forget how kids and dogs react to fireworks,” Honor said, trying to hide her disappointment.

“Go ahead and join the festivities, Honor. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine staying behind,” Joshua said.

Grace, who was standing beside them, turned in their direction.

“Joshua. Why don’t you let Violet stay with me back here at the café? Eva is way too young for fireworks and I’m watching Emma as well so Paige and Cameron can enjoy the fireworks.”

“Are you sure it wouldn’t be too much for you?” Joshua asked. “Three little ones can be a handful.”

“Of course I’m sure,” Grace said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’ve got eyes in the back of my head.”

“That’s nice of you, Grace,” Joshua said, grinning at her. “I’ll take you up on the offer.”

“Sure thing,” Grace said, reaching out for Violet, who easily went into the crook of her arm. With a girl on each hip, Grace said, “Go on and enjoy the fireworks. I’ll set the kids up in the back room. Cameron keeps a playpen and toys and blankets in there. It’ll be a party for the baby and toddler set.”

After grabbing their coats, Joshua and Honor walked outside to Jarvis Street and followed the other guests as they walked over to the town green. Honor and Joshua walked side by side down the street. A few of the townsfolk openly stared at them. Honor was past the point of caring. She wanted to be on civil terms with Joshua. It felt good to know that they’d managed to push past the drama and the conflict, if only for this moment in time.

The sound of fireworks exploding in the sky above them rent the air. Honor let out a gasp as a myriad of colors lit up the onyx sky. Greens and reds. Purples and whites. Threads of silver and gold. She gazed up at the sky, marveling at the fiery beauty of the explosion of colors.

“It’s spectacular, isn’t it?” Honor asked, turning toward Joshua. He wasn’t looking up at the fireworks. He was staring at her, his eyes full of an intensity that made her shiver.

“I can’t argue with you on that,” he drawled. “You are spectacular, Honor Prescott. You always have been.”

Honor let the compliment wash over her. It felt nice to hear it from Joshua’s lips. Back in the day he had used his silver tongue to court her, and she’d quickly fallen for his smooth delivery and boyish charm. She felt butterflies tumbling around in her belly. She should be guarding her heart against the threat Joshua represented, but all she wanted to do in this moment was revel in his company and bask in his sweet compliment. No other man had the ability to make her feel the way Joshua did.

As fireworks continued to burst in the sky up above, they stood side by side with their arms touching, watching the brilliant pyrotechnic display. As it died down, folks began to meander away from the town green.

“Let’s take the long way back,” Joshua suggested. “It’ll give me an opportunity to take a walk down memory lane and check out the new additions to this area. I really haven’t had an opportunity to explore.”

“Okay,” Honor agreed, stuffing her mittened hands in her jacket pockets as they headed toward Jarvis Street. The temperature had dipped down, making it much colder than it had been this afternoon. “There are a few changes here in town you might not have seen yet.”

“Looking forward to it,” Joshua said. “Bud used to talk my ear off about Hazel’s boot company and the cannery that never opened. He really loved this town.”

“And we loved him back. I used to enjoy it when he would come sit with me for a cup of coffee at the Moose Café. He would just saunter over and sit with me at my table.” She let out a ragged sigh. “I miss his sly sense of humor and his knock-knock jokes. They were terrible, but I pretended to love each and every one of them.”

“That was awfully sweet of you. Theo and I used to tell him not to give up his day job because he was never going to make it as a comedian.”

They both laughed as the memories of Bud Ransom washed over them like a cool spring rain.

“That was a pretty great speech Jasper made about Hazel. I have to admit, I didn’t think he had it in him. He always struck me as the curmudgeon type.”

Honor smirked. “Jasper is full of surprises. And marriage to Hazel has truly enriched his life. It’s really been gratifying to watch their love story unfold.”

“It reminds me of my grandparents. Bud lost a huge chunk of himself when my grandmother died. They were soul mates.”

“Speaking of marriage, you never wanted to remarry and give Violet a mother?” she asked. She must be a glutton for punishment for even inquiring. It hurt to imagine Joshua with a wife and family.

“Not really. Of course I’ve thought about it, but I want something that’s built to last,” he answered with a shrug. “Lauren and I didn’t make it very long. Our marriage was a train wreck. I would love for Violet to have a mother, but I certainly don’t want a second marriage to fail.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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