Page 37 of Heart of Mystic Valley
Faith lifted a hand and waved. The deputy’s gaze landed on Faith. Removing his hat, he made his way over.
“Miss Goodell,” Nash said. “I believe you’re one of the Beckett boys. Brodie pointed you out to me at the council meeting.”
“Joshua,” Joshua said, rising to shake the man’s hand.
“Your family’s well-regarded around these parts.”
Joshua sat back down, his eyes flicking to Faith. “You two know each other?” he asked.
Faith smiled. “We’ve crossed paths. Brodie introduced us.”
“It’s always good to get to know the editor of the local paper,” Nash said.
Joshua noted the familiarity with which Faith and Nash interacted. It was a small town where everyone knew everyone else. Still, it gnawed at him.
“Care to join us?” Faith asked, gesturing to an empty chair. “We were just talking about the town council meeting.”
“It’d be nice to have company.” Nash pulled out the chair and took a seat.
Maisy brought out two plates filled with the day’s special and set them down. “What can I get you, Deputy?”
“The same as they’re having.”
“I’ll be right back,” Maisy said, heading back to the kitchen.
Joshua took a deep breath, fighting the urge to take control of the conversation.
“Your brother seems to know his stuff,” Nash said. “It’s good to see some leadership in this town.”
Faith leaned in, her posture open and engaged. “We’re growing quickly, with all the problems of a larger town.”
“Problems mean progress,” Nash said, shrugging. “You can’t have one without the other. It sure is an interesting time.”
Joshua watched as Faith and Nash fell into an easy rhythm. It was supposed to be his time with her. He thought of all the words he’d planned to say and silently fumed.
They continued talking. Nash spoke of his experiences in Laramie, of the changes he’d seen, and of the balance between order and freedom. Joshua chimed in when he could, but it was clear Faith’s curiosity was centered on Nash and his views.
Joshua’s frustration simmered below the surface as the two seemed lost in their own private conversation.Interesting times, he thought, mimicking Nash’s words. That’s all it was to the new deputy, an observer playing his part. For Joshua, this was life. It was their ranch, their town, their future.
A future he’d thought would include Faith.
The three fell silent when Nash’s supper arrived. When finished, he pushed his plate away, reached into a pocket, setting coins on the table before rising.
“I need to get back to the jail. Thanks for the conversation and the company.”
Faith looked at Joshua, then back to Nash. “Of course. Enjoy your evening.”
Joshua felt a brief, guilty relief. Maybe now he would have the chance he needed.
“Josh,” Faith said, touching his arm. “Is something wrong?”
He turned to her, his eyes searching her face. How could he tell her what was really on his mind? Every moment he spent with her was torture and joy.
“I’m just tired,” he lied. “It’s been a long day.”
Faith studied him, her journalist’s eye not missing a single detail. He wondered if she could see the truth written on his face.
“All right,” she said. “Are you ready to leave?”
