Hearts Rediscovered

Disclaimer: Just taking our friends out to play, will put them back when I'm done

PT.1

Standing on the porch and excited to receive a letter from Lucas and Martin Miller in California, Beth realized Matt was right. Lucas had grown up after their experience in Mexico. He was doing quite well following through with his mother's wishes for them to make a new start. They spoke of oranges. Lucas wrote of making a deal to work for a rancher who in time would back him in starting his own orchard. He extended an invitation to Josh and Beth.

Beth was anxious. She had missed the boys. She was also missing Matt since he had returned home to his ranch. So Beth thought this would be a wonderful idea. Josh and Beth, boarded a train to California.

San Francisco, California

It was early in spring, beautiful time for traveling. San Francisco seemed busy with so much going on. Between businessman in town for conventions and just travelers, it was hectic. Lucas agreed to meet Josh and Beth on their arrival and spend some time in the city, then take them to Redwood city where he and Martin were living.

After meeting and spending time in the city, the four decided to have supper at the Royal Plaza Hotel. This was a special treat for Martin. He was wide-eyed. He had never seen such a fancy place. He just kept spinning around and around looking at all the cut glass lighting hanging high from the ceiling.

"Whoa! Look at that! Lucas..." Suddenly he was falling but two hands grabbed him.

"Hey, hey there, Fella."

"Martin?" Beth yelled out.

"Ma'am. I'm so sorry. Please excuse..."

"No. No, not at all. There's no harm done." She said, smiling back at Beth. "This place can be overwhelming."

Thank you, Ma'am. Martin, you must be careful. Come. Lets get our table." Beth just smiled and nodded at the woman.

Sitting at dinner, Lucas sat quietly, then, "Beth?"

"Josh?"

"I have something I need to ask."

"Lucas, ask anything. Anything at all."

"Ok. It's going to take me about a year or so to raise the money in this deal to save enough to start my own orchard. I'll be working long hard hours."

"Oh, Lucas, we know you can do this."

"Yes, Beth, I can. But Martin..."

"Martin?" She repeated.

"I can't be there for him. Not like he needs. We talked about it and if you'd agree, I'd like to have him go back to Arizona with you just till I can get things going to take care of him proper, like Mom would want."

"Lucas, of course. Martin is welcome to come live with us for as long as you need. Absolutely. Martin, I'm going to love having you with us. I'll love having someone around while Josh is working, especially over the next few months."

Scrunching his nose, "Why?"

Leaning in close, "Martin, Josh and I are going to have a baby."

His eyes widened. "A baby?"

Smiling. "Yeah, a baby."

Josh looked over at Martin. "I'm going to need you, Buddy. What do you say?"

Turning to Lucas. "I'm going to miss you, Lucas. Will you come visit?"

Hugging him tight, "Sure, Kiddo. You try keeping me away. You just promise me something."

"What?"

"Promise me you'll be good for Beth and Josh?"

"I will Lucas, I will."

Two days later the three were on the train headed for Arizona.

TBC