thoughtfully. “Yes, I can tell that you are fond of him.”
Hope sprouted in her chest as her words rushed out. “Lucas is the best thing that has ever happened to me!” Her eyes misted. “I have never been as happy,” she said hoarsely.
He studied her carefully, his lips pinched together. “You have to admit that it looks a bit suspicious that you would break up with your longtime boyfriend shortly before the deadline and then suddenly, you’re in love with some other guy.” He held her with a look. “A guy who knows about your inheritance. A guy who has everything to gain.”
“Lucas isn’t like that,” she stammered. “He loves me as I love him.” She eyed Eric with defiance. “In fact, Lucas doesn’t care about the money. He’s been trying to talk me into giving it all up.” She felt a swell of victory when she caught the flash of surprise in Eric’s eyes.
“Really,” he mused. “That’s interesting.”
She held out a hand. “Here’s the bottom line. I’m marrying Lucas tomorrow, with or without Grandfather’s and your approval.” Her throat felt dryer than a pack of cotton balls as she swallowed. “I hope that you and Grandfather will see fit to approve of Lucas, so that I can get my inheritance, but if not … well, I guess it is what it is.”
“You really do love Lucas,” he said quietly like it was a new revelation.
“Yes,” she exclaimed, laughter catching in the back of her throat. “I do.”
His brows furrowed. “But your relationship with him developed so fast.”
“Yeah, it did.” She crossed her legs and wrapped her hands around her knee. “It came as much of a surprise to me as anyone.” She pursed her lips. “Then again, when you consider that Lucas and I have a long history, it makes more sense.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “A history?”
She rubbed her lips together. “I’ve been interested in Lucas since childhood.” She told Eric the story about how she and Lucas dated after high school. “When we reconnected, things were rocky at first, but then came that magical moment where everything just clicked.” She sighed. “Look, I realize that on paper, Lucas doesn’t seem like he’d be a good fit for me, but in reality, he’s perfect—the only one I want.” A smile waffled over her lips. “It’s funny how things happen.” When her words ran dry, she looked at Eric, hoping against hope that she had managed to persuade him to her side.
“What about Roman? He seems like he loves you very much. It took a great deal of courage and humility for Roman to come here and beg your forgiveness.”
Her insides tightened. “If he hadn’t cheated on me to start with, then there wouldn’t have been any need for him to make amends.”
“If he did cheat.”
Irritation splashed over her. “I know what I saw.” She sucked in a quick breath. She didn’t want to argue with Eric. It wasn’t his fault that Roman was a cheat. Also, this wasn’t about Roman. Even if he hadn’t cheated on her, Magnolia knew now that he wasn’t the one for her. “I suppose it did take humility for Roman to come here,” she acquiesced. “It’s good of him to try and make amends …” Her voice trailed off as she shook her head.
“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