“Oh, Summer,” a reverent utter escaped his lips. “I’ve loved you for so long.”
So have I, her mind screamed, but she couldn't speak the words her heart was singing—her wandering lips over his prickly jaw wouldn’t rest long enough. Kissing him was just too enjoyable.
“I know you love me,” he muttered. “Please, say it.”
“Yes, Jesse, I love you.” The emotion in the words came from her heart. “But—”
“There are no buts.” His kisses trailed over her face and to her neck. “Not when we love each other.”
“You don’t understand.” Her mind argued with the sensations pulsing through her body. She couldn’t give in to this wonderful feeling. “I’m promised to another.”
“Break it off. He’s not the man for you.”
As wonderful as she felt, tears gathered in her eyes, and she shook her head. “Adam is a good man. He’ll take care of me... of Ma after Pa dies. Adam will take care of the livery.”
Jesse’s body stiffened, and he lifted his head, staring into her eyes. “I don’t know why I didn’t see this.”
“See what?”
“You’re only marryin’ him for his money.” He dropped his hands from around her and stepped back, shaking his head. “You only want him for his money. Summer, I... I never thought you were that kind of woman.”
The tears she’d been holding finally sprang forth and ran down her face. “I’m thinking of my family, Jesse. I cannot just marry for love, not when my family will lose the livery after Pa dies. I can't let that happen.”
Jesse released a deep breath and his shoulders wilted. “I’m not good enough for you.” Sadness filled his expression. “I never was.”
She pressed her fisted hands against her mouth, trying not to sob uncontrollably as she watched Jesse walk into the house and close the door. With tears blurring her vision, she quickly mounted Buck and rode off toward home.
She would never recover from this.
* * * *
JESSE LAY ON HIS BEDand stared up at the ceiling. Was it possible to actually feel his heart shattering into millions of pieces? Yet, he could feel it.
The etiquette school Summer had attended the last five years turned her into snob. So, why, then did he still love her?
He sighed. That woman was one in a million. She could make him laugh and make him enjoy arguing with her. No other woman held that title. She also cared about her family, which was the main reason she was marrying Adam in...
Jesse took out his pocketwatch, and held it to the morning light pouring through the window. The wedding was in one hour. One hour when Summer would stand in front of the minister and repeat her vows... Words Summer would be lying if she said that she wouldlove and cherishher soon-to-be husband. Jesse knew she lovedhim, not Mr. Fancy-pants.
Perhaps she wasn’t a snob if she was marrying that man to help take care of her family. If only Jesse had the money to take care of Summer’s family once Marvin died, perhaps she would marry him instead.
The closing of the cabin’s door brought Jesse out of his depressing thoughts. His brother must be home.
“Jesse?” Cal’s voice rose anxiously.
Jesse climbed off the bed and walked out of his room just as Cal came toward him. His brother stopped, and his gaze swept over Jesse.
“Finish gettin’ dressed. You’re comin’ with me.”
“What for?”
“I’ve captured two men responsible for kidnappin’ the young women in Denver, and I need your help to interrogate them at the jail.”
Jesse arched an eyebrow. “There are two men responsible?”
“Actually, my hunch is that there are more involved and one man in charge. By midday, I hope to have confessions from all of them and be on the way to arrestin’ their boss.” Cal motioned his hand toward Jesse’s shirt. “And make sure you dress appropriately as the Deputy Sheriff because you’re goin’ to be the hero intwocities instead of one.”
“No,weare going to be heroes.” Jesse winked before scrambling to find his boots and vest. As he ran outside to where Cal waited with their horses, Jesse looked up to the cloudless sky. So far, it looked as though Summer would have a lovely day for her wedding. He hoped to get confessions from these men as well before Summer walked down the aisle.
