Page 63 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“I realized something today. Life’s too short to wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes, you have to make the moment perfect yourself.”
He took another step forward, close enough now he could see the faint freckles dusting Faith’s nose, the flecks of gold inher green eyes. He reached her desk in three long strides, gently taking her hands in his.
“Faith, I’ve known you since we were children, and in all that time, I’ve never met anyone who matches your spirit, your kindness, or your strength.”
Her breath caught in her throat, her fingers tightening around his.
“You’ve been my friend, my confidante, and the one person who understands me. I can’t imagine spending another day without you by my side. Faith Goodell, will you marry me?”
Joshua reached into his jacket pocket, handing her the small box. Removing the top, he held out the simple gold band with its deep red garnet stone. She gasped, her eyes filling with tears as she looked from the ring to his face.
“Oh, Joshua,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s so beautiful.”
Joshua’s heart skipped a beat. “So, what do you say?”
Faith laughed, a joyous sound that filled the small office. “Yes! Yes, of course it’s a yes!”
Without hesitation, he slipped the ring onto her finger, then pulled her close, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. As they parted, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling.
“I love you, Joshua Beckett. I’ve loved you for years, even when I thought you’d never see me as more than a friend.”
“I may have been a bit slow on figuring this out. But I promise to make up for lost time.”
Epilogue
Three weeks later…
The church erupted in joyous applause as Joshua and Faith turned to face the congregation, their faces aglow. Joshua’s face shone with a rare display of deep emotion while Faith radiated pure happiness.
“Ready, Mrs. Beckett?” Joshua whispered, his soft-spoken tone carrying a hint of playful excitement.
“Lead the way, Mr. Beckett.”
As they began their journey down the aisle, Joshua was full of gratitude. He’d known Faith since childhood, but seeing her now as his wife filled him with a sense of wonder. How had he been so fortunate?
The couple moved slowly, acknowledging well-wishers with gracious nods and firm handshakes. Joshua’s quiet demeanor contrasted with Faith’s more outgoing nature, yet they complemented each other perfectly.
Joshua noticed his mother, Naomi, and sister, Annalee, waiting near the church entrance. Their arms held heavy coats for him and Faith, a reminder of the brisk Montana air awaiting them outside.
As they approached the church doors, Naomi stepped forward, her petite frame belying her strength of character. Her light blue eyes, so similar to Joshua’s, brimmed with unshed tears of joy.
Naomi’s voice wavered as she helped Faith into her coat. “You both look so happy. It does my heart good to see it.”
Joshua bent to kiss his mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Ma. For everything.”
Annalee, her own eyes dancing with excitement, couldn’t contain herself any longer. She threw her arms around Faith.
“Finally!” Annalee exclaimed. “I’ve been waiting forever for you to officially become my sister!”
Faith laughed, returning the embrace. “And I couldn’t ask for a better one, Annie.”
Joshua watched the interaction with amusement, thinking how fortunate he was to have these strong, vibrant women in his life. As Annalee helped him into his own coat, he caught a glimpse of Brodie Gaines, the town sheriff, watching them from a distance. There was something in Brodie’s gaze as he looked at Annalee that gave Joshua pause.
As they prepared to step out into the crisp air, Faith turned to Joshua, her expression serious. “Joshua, I want you to know, I’ve never felt more certain about anything in my life than I do about us.”
He cupped her face, his calloused hands a stark contrast to her smooth skin. “Faith, you’ve made me the happiest man in Montana. No, in the whole country. I promise to spend every day making sure you never regret your decision.”
Naomi cleared her throat, her eyes twinkling. “As touching as this is, we’ve got a celebration waiting. Shall we?”
