Revolutionary Hearts (15 page)

“Father, the list of suitors . . .” She mustered up enough courage to step forward. Her father’s large oak desk seemed imposing, but infinitely more intimidating was her father’s expectant expression. “I think we need to talk about who I want to marry.”

“Well, of course, go ahead.” He gestured his hand outward.

She paused. “I have been giving some consideration to my marriage and I—”

Before she could finish, Mr. Lancaster held his palm up to Evelyn to quiet her for a moment. His gaze shifted to a point behind her. “Come right in, Greenwood.”

She stood perfectly still as heavy footsteps approached her father’s desk. She had to remind herself to breathe as she sneaked a look out of the corner of her eye at the tall man standing next to her.

Jesse Greenwood’s expression was firm, the hard lines of his face even more stern than she’d ever seen them. He smelled of fresh morning air, dust from the trails, and a familiar musky scent that was uniquely his. Her body longed to turn her head toward him and bury her face in his shirt and wrap her arms around him—

No, that was in the past now.

He nodded to her father. “Just wanted to say goodbye, sir, before I hit the road.”

Her father smiled at Jesse. Or rather, she knew, he smiled at the lack of interaction he saw between Jesse and Evelyn. “I wish you the best of luck in California, boy. Whenever you want to return to Texas, my ranch is always willing to hire a hand with your skills.”

Her eyes widened, but she didn’t dare look at Jesse. Surely there was some mistake. He couldn’t really leave. Her stomach plummeted.

He just couldn’t.

“Loretta’s staying, though. She’s happy here. I’ll send money to her soon as I get settled out West.” He placed his hat on his head and adjusted the rucksack over his shoulder. “Much thanks for the horse you provided me, sir.”

“It’s the least I can do for your years of service, Greenwood. Best of luck on your journey.”

She scowled. More like the least he could do to show his appreciation that Jesse was leaving his ranch.

Jesse nodded again, and then turned to leave. He didn’t even glance in her direction. It was as if she was invisible to him now.

She heard his footsteps leave the room, felt the air shift as his familiar scent faded, and wanted nothing more than to run after him as fast as she could.

Instead, she stayed still.

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Praise for
One Last Letter
:

“...friendship, broken love, regrets, family, sacrifice, renewed love, and choices ... I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romance.”—5 stars, 
History from a Woman's Perspective

“There's romance, and then there's heart-pounding, breathless, fabulous, fantastic 
romance
. Pema Donyo's 
One Last Letter
 falls in that category ... I can't wait to read it over again.”—4 stars, 
The Canon

“...young love becoming true love ... a lighthearted love story with passion. I am looking forward to the next book Pema writes.”—5 stars, 
Let's Get Romantical

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