The president of the University held his glass of wine up. “If I might have everyone’s attention, please.” His voice boomed in the room with built-in resonance.
The large hall quieted.
“Thank you.” He cleared his throat. “I have some wonderful news to share with you that should get our celebratory evening off to an incredible start.”
All eyes were on the president.
“The Mills family has donated one million dollars for a new scholarship fund to be established.”
Before he could say anything else, applause burst through the room, making Devin’s ears pound.
The president said something else, but Devin’s eyes were glued to Eliza.
The Mills family had vast wealth. He’d always known that. But a million dollars?
One. Million. Dollars. An amount that he couldn’t even fathom.
Just given away.
As he watched Eliza receive the compliments of guests and laugh along with several other donors, the punch in his stomach soured.
The woman he loved with all his heart was so far out of his reach, she might as well be on the moon.
Turning to the window, he could feel a great crack splitting his heart in two. He clenched his jaw tight. He had no right to a broken heart. He’d promised her grandfather, after all.
But over the years, the dream he’d kept buried would spark to life and escape its prison. Obviously, his heart was a very poor warden.
“Devin?”
Lost in his own thoughts, he didn’t register who had spoken his name until he felt warmth envelop the crook of his elbow. He looked down and spotted Eliza’s hand resting on his jacket sleeve as though it belonged there.
“Devin? Are you all right?”
She was a vision in a navy blue dress, all sparkles and light. Her red curls had been tamed into some sort of swirl on the top of her head, making her look regal and elegant. How could he ever have thought he was worthy of her? He blinked at her several times, trying to get his bearings. “Yes. Of course.”
“Why are you standing over here in the corner?” She laughed and shook her head. “Aren’t you excited about the new scholarship fund?” She leaned in a bit and whispered. “And you don’t have to endure the boring party by yourself...”
He forced himself to laugh along with her.
The string quartet began to play.
“Come on.” She grabbed his hand. “I’d prefer not to dance with any of the old, stodgy professors. I think you should be my partner, and that way we can keep each other company and from boredom.” Her matter-of-fact tone gave him little option.
Not that he would have ever denied her.
As soon as she was in his arms, he realized his serious error.
Somehow he had to rip the love he held for Eliza Mills out of his heart.
TUESDAY, JUNE13, 1916•DINOSAURNATIONALMONUMENT, CARNEGIEQUARRY, UTAH
Another delegation of wealthy tourists followed Eliza to an overlook of the bone quarry. The ring of hammers against rock echoed through the air. Puffs of dust and dirt dotted the area as men moved large piles of rocks from the south quadrant of the dig. Eliza’s fingers itched to hold a chisel and hammer again. To unbury bones and stories of the earth.
But for now, she would be content sharing her knowledge with those eager to hear.
The group yesterday had stayed for five hours, asking question after question. She’d loved every minute of it. Getting to talk about the work wasalmostas good as doing it.
This group seemed just as eager.
