“I was hoping you’d say that. Your opinion means a lot to me, Faith.”
As they continued toward her house, Faith found herself filled with a sense of contentment and anticipation. The future stretched out before them, full of possibilities.
The soft crunch of gravel beneath his boots slowed as they approached her doorstep. The familiar, white-painted porch, illuminated by the warm glow of the lantern Faith had left burning, seemed different tonight. More significant.
Joshua paused at the front door, his gaze meeting hers with such intensity her breath caught.
“Faith,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Tonight has meant a great deal to me.”
“It’s meant a lot to me, too, Josh.”
Joshua took a step closer, his hands resting on her shoulders. “I’ve been thinking about this moment for so long,” he admitted, his gaze never leaving hers. “About us.”
Faith felt the world around them fade away. The chirping of crickets, the distant laughter from the Starlight Saloon, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the night breeze disappeared into the background. All she could focus on was Joshua, the man she’d known since childhood, now standing before her as something more.
“Josh, I—” she began, but words failed her. How could she express the tumult of emotions surging through her? The excitement, the fear, the overwhelming sense of rightness?
Joshua seemed to understand. Slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, he raised his hand to cup her cheek. Histouch was gentle, calloused fingers rough against her skin, yet infinitely tender.
“May I kiss you?” he asked, his voice husky with emotion.
“Yes, please,” she breathed, barely audible.
Joshua leaned in, closing the distance between them. His lips met hers, soft and hesitant at first, then with growing confidence. Faith’s eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into the kiss, her hands coming to rest on his broad shoulders.
It was everything she’d imagined and more. Sweet, tender, and filled with promise. When he lifted his head, both slightly breathless, she found herself gazing into his eyes, seeing a reflection of her own joy and hope.
A smile tilted his lips. “I think this is the beginning of something wonderful.”
“I think you’re right. A new chapter for both of us.”
Standing there, hands intertwined, Faith felt a sense of peace settle over her.
Reaching for the doorknob, a sudden chill ran down her spine. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she froze, her hand hovering inches from the brass handle.
Joshua noticed her hesitation. “What’s wrong?”
She tried to dismiss the feeling. “I’m not sure. It’s probably nothing, but—”
Her words were cut short by the sound of shattering glass from inside her home. Her eyes widened in alarm, meeting Joshua’s now-alert gaze.
“Stay behind me,” he whispered as he gently nudged Faith aside.
Heart pounding, she whispered back, “We should get the sheriff.”
“You go. I don’t want whoever’s inside to get away.”
As he turned the handle, Faith hesitated. Who could be in her home? What did they want? The Mystic Gazette had beenstirring up controversy lately with the formation of the Women’s Alliance. Could this be related?
The door creaked open, and Joshua stepped inside, then turned to Faith. “Get Brodie.”
The look on his face spurred her to action. Hurrying down the steps to the street, she ran toward the house behind the jail.
Joshua let out a relieved sigh as he took another step into the house. The interior was dark, save for a sliver of moonlight streaming through a window. As his eyes adjusted, he saw nothing amiss.
“Show yourself,” he called out.
A rustling sound came from the direction of Faith’s study. He moved toward it, his steps cautious.
