Page 61 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“She’ll be fine,” Faith said softly. “Annalee’s tougher than you think.”
He nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. “I know. With so much happening, I can’t help feeling we’re standing on theedge of something big.” He looked at her, a smile playing on his lips.
The wood slats of the boardwalk creaked beneath Joshua’s boots as he escorted Faith toward the Mystic Gazette office. Joshua’s thoughts tumbled over one another as he contemplated what he wanted to do next.
They reached the newspaper office, and he held the door open for her to step inside. She moved with her usual grace to her desk, her fingers brushing over the typewriter keys.
“I should get started on the article about the bank robbers,” she said, settling into her chair. “I won’t run it until we learn if Sheriff Foster and his men were able to arrest the outlaws.” She looked at the paper for a few seconds before her fingers moved over the keys.
Joshua lingered nearby, not quite ready to leave. “You know, your father would be proud of how you’ve carried on his legacy with the Gazette.”
Her fingers stilled on the keys, and she looked up at him, a soft smile gracing her features. “Thank you, Joshua. That means a lot coming from you.”
His heart skipped a beat at her words, and he found himself taking a step closer to her desk. “I mean it, Faith. You’ve got a real gift for words, and the courage to use them. It’s one of the things I love about you.”
She shook her head, but her smile widened. “You know flattery won’t get you a discount on the Gazette, right?”
“It never occurred to me,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Though I might be persuaded to offer a few exclusive ranch stories in exchange for some favorable press.”
Her laughter filled the office, and he felt his heart swell with affection. This was what he loved about their friendship. The easy banter, shared history, and the mutual respect.
“I should let you get to work,” Joshua said, taking a step back. “I’ll see you soon.” He hesitated, not ready to leave.
“Joshua? Are you all right?”
Instead of answering, he found himself moving around her desk. Reaching out, he took her hands in his, and gently pulled her to stand beside him.
Her brows rose in surprise, but she didn’t resist. She stood, her slender form close to his, the moment charged with unspoken emotion. “Joshua?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Before he could rethink his intentions, he wrapped his arms around her, lowering his head to capture her mouth with his. The world around them faded into a soft blur. The tender kiss continued, a culmination of years of friendship and unspoken feelings finding expression. Her hands trembled as they came to rest on Joshua’s chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palms.
As they parted, both slightly breathless, his eyes locked onto Faith’s. A thousand unspoken words passed between them.
Joshua’s hand lingered on hers for a moment longer before he turned and left the office, the door closing behind him. She stood there, her fingertips brushing her lips, still feeling the warmth of his kiss.
Joshua strode along the boardwalk with no thought to a destination. The familiar sights and sounds of Mystic faded into the background, his mind filled with thoughts of Faith and the future he now dared to imagine.
He paused, leaning against a post, his gaze scanning the street without really seeing it.
“Joshua!” a familiar voice called out. He turned to see Tripp Lassiter approaching, a friendly smile on his face. “You look like a man with a lot on his mind.”
Joshua chuckled softly. “I suppose you’re right, Tripp.”
The Becketts and Lassiters had been friends for two generations, sharing property lines for several miles along Moon River. Tripp’s keen eyes studied him for a moment. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain newspaper editor, would it?”
Joshua’s surprise must have shown on his face, for Tripp laughed. “Josh, no one in Mystic would be surprised if you and Faith ended up together.”
He shook his head. “Am I that transparent?”
“Only to those who know you,” Tripp replied, his tone softening. “It’s about time, if you ask me. You two have been dancing around each other for years.”
“I love her, Tripp. I think I always have. I didn’t want to risk losing her friendship if she didn’t feel the same.”
Tripp clasped him on the shoulder. “And now?”
“I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
“Well, I’ll be. Joshua Beckett, you’ve finally come to your senses.”
