His voice hitched. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to take me back. I just had to tell you how I feel.”
Her head swung back and forth. “You came all this way to tell me that?”
“Yes,” he said contritely.
“Why didn’t you just call and save yourself the trip?” she barked.
“Because I had to see you in person.” Tears rose to his eyes. “Magnolia, I can’t eat. I can’t sleep.” His eyes pleaded with hers. “I love you.” His voice cracked. “We’re supposed to get married … the day after tomorrow. Please, give me another chance. I promise, you won’t regret it.”
Had Roman always been so soft around the edges? So privileged? No wonder she’d never been able to let herself truly love him. She needed a man’s man—a man who wasn’t afraid to draw a line in the sand and take a stand. A man who would keep her on her toes. A man who would make her want to be a better person. She was a princess in many ways, and maybe she always would be, but she could be a better princess than she’d been before. She could learn to step out of her comfort zone to help strangers, just as Lucas had done without so much as a blink. She could learn to love her neighbors as herself. She could learn to be a part of a community, especially if that community were Remember.
Magnolia felt curiously detached from Roman’s emotions. However, she was keenly aware of Lucas. She could feel the vibrations of his leg bobbing up and down. It was time to set the record straight, loud and clear. “Roman, I don’t love you. I never did.” She winced at the shock that streaked over Roman’s face. Nevertheless, it felt good to get the words out. To be honest with herself and with Roman. “I needed a fiancé to fulfill the terms of my trust, and you fit the bill. I’m sorry. I did you a disservice. No wonder you felt the need to run into the arms of another woman. It was never going to work with us.”
Roman blinked. “What trust?” He looked at Grandfather. “I—I don’t understand.”
Grandfather held up a hand. His voice was mild, conversational. “No need to rehash everything now. We can talk more about it over dinner, after everyone has had a chance to settle down.”
“No!” Magnolia blurted. “I don’t want Roman to stay for dinner. The two of us are through!”
Grandfather gave her a look so sharp it could have cut through steel. “This is my house, and Roman is my guest. I insist that he stay for dinner. In fact, he can stay as long as he likes.”
“Thank you, sir,” Roman said respectfully.
Grandfather acknowledged the comment with a nod and smile. It was sickening to see the rapport between Grandfather and Roman. Why couldn’t her grandfather see how amazing Lucas was? He was more of a man in all the ways that counted than Roman Abbott would ever be.
“Fine,” Magnolia huffed, “have it your way, but it won’t change a thing. Trust fund or not, I’m marrying Lucas, and that’s final.” This earned her the slightest of smiles from Lucas. A ray of light pierced the heavy haze of gloom around her heart. She and Lucas were doing it—standing together to face down the foes. She didn’t know how any of this was supposed to look in the future, as she couldn’t fathom the thought of actually not getting her inheritance, nor could she stand the thought of not having Lucas in her life. It was like she’d been walking in murky clouds for most of her adult life, and now that she’d come out into the sunlight and realized how great it could be … well, she never wanted to go back to the other. Seeing Roman and Lucas side by side, it was no contest. She wanted Lucas, heart and soul!
“Kathleen will show you to your rooms,” Grandfather cut in. “Dinner will be served promptly at six p.m.” His eyes snapped to Lucas. “Don’t be late!”
The classical Christmas music playing in the background was a stark contrast to the dark emotions churning a storm inside of Lucas. The table of the elaborate dining room was set formally with so much silverware that Lucas had no idea which ones he was supposed to use for what. He’d watched everyone else, faking it until he made it. The dinner was several courses. They were on the main course now.