Though she'd bared her heart to him, neither one had made any promises.
He hadn't asked her to go back with him in days.
She wouldn't say yes if he did.
Would she?
Seb,
I am terribly sorry.When I departed Bear Creek, I left you with the impression that there could be something between us. I am not in love with you and I never will be. I am quite content with my life here and never intend to return to Bear Creek. Please don't write me again. There is nothing left to say.
Emma
Seb crumpled the letter.He balled it in his fist and let it fly across the bunkhouse. Didn't matter that he'd missed the stove. He was the only one left to sleep in here, with his brothers all married off.
And now Breanna had a beau. Maybe she'd even go off to Philadelphia. Seb was the only one alone.
And Emma had no intention of that changing.
Pain stabbed through his head, and his eyes were hot. With a jolt, he realized he was... crying? He swiped at his cheeks with the back of his wrist.
I am not in love with you and I never will be.
How could he have been so wrong? He'd seen the emotions in her eyes when she looked up at him. He'd felt it in her touch. She had cared about him. He'd have bet his life on it.
Had something happened since she'd left? Maybe she'd met someone. Someone smart, like Daniel.
Someone better suited to her.
His breath sawed in and out of his chest. He'd already started building the foundation for a little cabin in his and Emma's grove. No way could he finish it now. He could never live there—alone or with someone else.
He wasn't even sure he could stay on the homestead, with memories of Emma at every turn. They'd only had a short time together, but she'd been a part of the family for three years. Gone berry picking with Breanna and come back with stained fingers and skirt. Learned to fish. Swam and splashed in the creek after harvest with the rest of them.
She was everywhere.
So maybe he couldn't be here anymore.
13
It was still dark outside the livery as Breanna readied her horse for the last leg of the race.
This was it.
Her chance to win five hundred dollars. How many adventures could she go on with that much capital? Or maybe she’d purchase the horse of her dreams.
Or buy a train ticket to Philadelphia.
The other riders, eleven left, were quiet as they too readied their horses. Adam was in the stall next to hers.
And then he appeared in the doorway, knocked once softly on the frame. His hat was off, his hair mussed. His eyes were tired.
He looked as rough as she felt. She couldn't wait to sleep in a real bed again.
Adam stepped close.
Breanna glanced around, but none of the other cowboys were paying them any attention.
"I thought I'd better collect my good luck kiss now," he said.
