Page 100 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“But?” Eric prompted.

“I never really loved Roman. I know that now.” A smile tugged at her lips. “It’s a funny thing when you find the right one—everything suddenly becomes clear. Now that I’m with Lucas, I realize that what I felt for Roman wasn’t love. I was desperate to fulfill the terms of the trust, so I tried to make my relationship with Roman work, even though we’re not right for each other. One day, when Roman finds the right one, he’ll see that I was right.” A sense of urgency filled her breast. She offered a quick silent prayer, asking for help to say the right words. “If I didn’t love Lucas, would I be willing to give up my inheritance for him?”

Eric stroked his chin. “You certainly make a good case for Lucas.”

Her heart leapt with anticipation as she leaned forward. “Would you please talk to Grandfather?” She held her breath, waiting for him to answer. Her inheritance was hanging by a thread. She would give it up, if necessary, to be with Lucas. But it would be a tremendous blessing if she could have both Lucas and her inheritance. Did she dare hope that she could have it all?

The analytical side of her brain took over. She could see how this must look to Grandfather and Eric. It boggled her mind how quickly everything had developed between her and Lucas. Was she being rash? Warmth flowed into her, almost as if it had come from someplace else. No, she wasn’t being rash or reckless. It was right for her to be with Lucas. In some way she couldn’t fully understand or explain, she knew to the depth of her soul that she was supposed to be with Lucas.

He nodded. “I will.”

Her heart shouted in triumph. “That’s fantastic,” she beamed.

“I’m not sure that I’ll be able to convince Benjamin to change his mind,” Eric cautioned.

“Anything you can do to help would be great.” Elation flowed through her. She was halfway to her goal. Now that she had Eric on her side, she at least had a chance of changing Grandfather’s mind.

When the conversation was over, they both stood. “Thank you for taking the time to listen to me,” Magnolia said sincerely. Emotion rose in her throat as she swallowed. “I really appreciate the opportunity to speak my mind.” She could tell that Eric had really listened to her. It felt good to know that her life was on the right track.

A brief smile touched Eric’s lips. “Thanks for scheduling the meeting. It’s nice to hear your perspective. Lucas is a lucky man.”

“Thank you.” She practically skipped out of the room. She couldn’t wait to tell Lucas the good news! She’d just stepped into the hall when she barreled into Roman.

“Good morning,” he said with a chuckle as he caught hold of her arms to steady her.

She took a step back, extricating herself from his grasp. “Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?” It was interesting how she no longer felt any connection with Roman.

Confusion washed over his face. “Of course not.”

Her spine went ramrod straight. “Why were you standing outside the door?”

“I just spoke to your father. He told me the news about Lucas. He said you were in the study. I wanted to make sure that you were okay.”

Magnolia’s knees went weak. “What news?”

Concern touched Roman’s features. “I thought you knew.” He shook his head, his expression solemn. “I’m sorry.”

“Knew what?” she pressed.

Roman’s face paled. “Lucas left last night.”

Magnolia gasped, her breath leaving her lungs. Her knees buckled as Roman reached to catch her. An acrid hurt surged through Magnolia settling to a cold pit in her core. Her mind grappled with the words. “H—how could he do this to me?” Hot tears stung her eyes. She was vaguely aware that Eric had come out of the study. Her heart pounded out a frenzied beat, sounding like a jackhammer was in her ears.

“What’s going on?” he demanded.

“Magnolia has just learned that Lucas left the estate last night,” Roman responded.

“Left?” Eric boomed. His lips turned down. “Why?”

“I’m not sure,” Roman answered. “All I know is that he’s gone.”

Magnolia’s head burned like it was on fire. How could Lucas do this to her? They’d been planning their lives together. Had he gotten scared of the commitment? Had Grandfather threatened him? A wave of dizziness rolled over her, making her sick to her stomach. “T—there must be some mistake. I—I have to call him.”

“Take it easy,” Roman urged, “let’s get you somewhere where you can sit down.”

She jerked her arm away from his grasp. “No!” she seethed, venting all her rage on Roman. “I need to talk to Lucas now!” She couldn’t think straight. Everything was coming at her too fast.

Roman held up his hands, a wounded look on his face. “Okay. I won’t stand in your way.”

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