Page 62 of Heart of Mystic Valley
Joshua laughed. “I suppose I have.”
Parting ways, Joshua’s steps were lighter, his resolve stronger. He knew with unwavering certainty Faith was the one he wanted to spend his life with. It was time to take the leap, to embrace the future he’d only dared to dream of until now.
Glancing around, he realized he was a few steps from Jennings Mercantile. He hesitated for only an instant.
The bell above the door of the town’s general store jingled as Joshua stepped inside. Casper Jennings looked up from behind the counter, his balding head gleaming.
“Good morning, Joshua,” Casper greeted, his thin frame straightening. “What can I do for you today?”
His gaze scanned the store, ensuring they were alone. His heart hammered against his ribs as he approached the counter.
“Casper,” Joshua began, his voice low. “I’m looking for something special. An engagement ring.”
Casper’s eyebrows shot up, a knowing smile spreading across his face. “Is that so? Well, it’s about time, young man. I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever get around to it.”
Joshua felt a flush creep up his neck. “You and everyone else, it seems.”
“Only to those of us who’ve watched you and Faith grow up together.” He reached beneath the counter. “Now, let’s see what we’ve got here.”
He produced a small tray, several rings glinting in the dim light. Joshua leaned in, his gaze narrowing as he studied the array of gold bands and sparkling stones.
“I never thought I’d be doing this,” Joshua admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Love has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Now, tell me, what kind of ring do you think Faith would like?”
His brow furrowed. “Something simple. Elegant, but not flashy. Faith’s never been one for extravagance.”
Casper nodded. “How about this one?” He pointed to a delicate gold band with a small, brilliant diamond.
Joshua shook his head. “It’s beautiful, but not quite right.” He was drawn to a simple gold band with a small, deep red stone. “This one,” he said, pointing. “What’s the stone?”
Casper nodded approvingly. “It’s a garnet.”
Joshua picked up the ring, turning it in his fingers. He could almost see it on Faith’s hand, imagined her eyes lighting up as he slipped it onto her finger. “It’s perfect,” he breathed.
As Casper wrapped up the ring, Joshua’s thoughts were a tangle of ideas. How would he propose? When?
Paying for the ring, he took the wrapped gift from Casper. The feel of the small box in his pocket seemed to anchor him to the future he was choosing.
“I wish you all the happiness in the world, Joshua,” Casper said. “You and Faith deserve it.”
“Thank you, Casper. For everything.”
His footsteps rang on the wooden boardwalk as he made his way back to the newspaper office, the weight of the ring box in his pocket a constant reminder of his mission.
Approaching the Gazette office, he paused, taking a deep breath. Through the window, he could see Faith bent over her desk. The sight of her confirmed his decision not to put off his proposal any longer.
With a gentle push, he opened the door, the bell above it chiming softly. Faith looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Joshua? I wasn’t expecting you back so soon. Is everything all right?”
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Everything’s fine, Faith. Better than fine.” His voice was soft, but there was an undercurrent of excitement he couldn’t quite hide.
She stood, her brow furrowing as she studied his face. “What’s going on?”
He moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “I’ve been doing some thinking,” he began, his hand moving to touch the ring box in his pocket. “About us. About the future.”
Her breath caught, a flicker of hope crossing her features. “Oh?” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
