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Joshua ran a shaky hand across his face. Never in a million years would he have imagined things turning on a dime like this. All he could think about was Honor. How would she react to the news? Joshua leaned in and placed his arms around his brother in a warm hug. His gratitude was overflowing.

“What about you and Honor?” Theo asked. “Will this change things?”

Joshua shrugged. “It doesn’t change anything. We’ve never really managed to bridge the gap between us.”

Theo reached out and forcibly shook his shoulders. “Joshua! Wake up. You’re in love with her. Are you really going to let this opportunity to make things right between the two of you slip through your fingers? Tomorrow isn’t promised. We’ve got to make the most of today. Isn’t that what Bud always told us?”

Bud’s image flashed before his eyes. Their grandfather had done so much for both of them throughout their lives. He knew without a doubt Bud would want him to fight for his happiness.

“You’re right, Theo. I love Honor. I always have. There’s nothing I’d like more than to go to her and tell her how I feel, but I have no idea if she feels the same way.”

“Really? Because I can see it whenever the two of you are within a ten-mile radius. You love each other.”

Joshua felt buoyed up by Theo’s words. He was openly saying what Joshua felt in his own heart. It’s what he had always known deep down. The love between him and Honor had never been extinguished. Joshua did love her, with every fiber of his being. He had adored her for as long as he could remember. And he knew now he always would.

He smiled at his brother. For the first time in a long time he had reason to hope. “There’s love there. I felt it, but I pushed it down because of everything that happened between us in the past. I didn’t put my feelings out there due to false pride or fear of getting hurt again. I can’t let it go unspoken, especially now that we’re keeping the ranch. There’s not a single reason we can’t be together.”

Theo flashed him a grin. “Sounds like you’re going to get that happy ending after all.” He slapped Joshua on the back.

“I need to go to her, Theo. I haven’t told her how I feel. She doesn’t know that I’m still in love with her.”

“I heard that the town council is holding a meeting. I can’t imagine she would miss it.” He glanced at his watch. “It starts in about fifteen minutes.”

Joshua reac

hed for Blaze’s saddle and placed it on his back. He picked up the reins and busied himself placing the bit in the horse’s mouth. Then, with one fluid motion, he mounted Blaze.

“Joshua! You’re not riding all the way into town on Blaze are you?” Theo asked. “Bud’s truck would be a lot faster.”

Joshua grinned at him. “Honor fell in love with an Alaskan cowboy. I want to remind her of the fact that I’m still that hometown boy. I’ve changed in many ways, but I’m still a cowboy, born and bred.”

Theo threw back his head and chuckled. “Go get the woman of your dreams, Joshua. Don’t worry about Violet. Between me and Winnie, she’s in good hands.”

Joshua tipped his cowboy hat at his brother and prodded Blaze to get moving. As he galloped across the property and away from the Diamond R Ranch, Joshua felt as if he was soaring. For so long he had told himself he wasn’t worthy of a happily-ever-after with Honor. Now he was riding toward a dream he hoped and prayed would come true.

* * *

It hadn’t taken long for word to spread around Love about the Ransom brothers’ legal victory. The residents were very upset at Bud and his grandsons. Jasper practically had a conniption fit. Honor was grateful for Hazel, who’d managed to calm him down and remind him of his responsibility as town mayor.

“You’ve got to be calm, cool and collected in the face of adversity,” Hazel had reminded him.

“Who says I’m not?” Jasper had roared.

“Experience,” Hazel had muttered.

Jasper had decided to call a meeting of the town council in order to address the controversial issue with the entire town. Her brother Boone, as well as Hazel, Paige and Jasper, were members of the town council. Honor knew the event would be heavily attended by the townsfolk. Everyone seemed to have an opinion about the possibility of a dude ranch replacing the Diamond R Ranch. Most were vehemently opposed to it, while a few said it might be good for the town.

Honor arrived early for the town council meeting. She was hoping to meet with Jasper beforehand so she could implore him not to rile up the townsfolk. Bad things happened when people became agitated over things they couldn’t control. Honor didn’t want Joshua or Theo to be a target of any negativity. She made her way through the throng of people gathered at the town hall. It was standing room only from the looks of it. Thankfully she had asked Ruby to hold a seat for her. She was blessed to have three sisters-in-law who had her back at all times.

When she entered the meeting room, Ruby was standing up toward the front of the room, wildly waving in her direction. Honor rushed toward her so they could sit together.

“This room is really packed,” Honor said as she and Ruby hugged by way of greeting each other.

Ruby made a face. “It’s insane. Liam stayed home with Aidan tonight. He would hate this crush of people.”

“Thanks for saving me a seat, Ruby,” Honor said, craning her neck to get a glimpse of the crowd in the back of the room. “I’m fortunate to have even made it inside the room.”

“You’re welcome,” Ruby said. “I’m anxious to hear what everyone has to say.”

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