“I’ve had an inkling for a while now that what you felt for Eliza was more than just friendship. But I wasn’t certain until she left for this new job. You haven’t been yourself.” Dad pursed his lips and took a long, slow breath. “And now I see it written all over your face. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything to you until now, I really had no idea that your feelings for her ran so deep. How long have you been in love with her?”
Devin couldn’t move for several moments. Then he slumped forward with a sigh. There was no reason to keep it all inside any longer. It’s not like his dad was the town gossip and would spread it around. Swiping a hand through his hair, he met his father’s gaze. “It was a childhood crush—or so I thought—for many years.” Memories scrolled through his mind in vivid pictures. “But love? Probably since I was about sixteen. There’s never been anyone else that even remotely caught my attention. It’s always been her. Naturally, it didn’t help matters that we spent so much time together. I could never say no to her adventures. Or the chance to be with her a bit longer.”
Dad chuckled. “You two have always been inseparable.”
“But a few weeks ago, I couldn’t sleep one night, and with all the tossing and turning, I finally got up and pledged to myself that I would let her go. It isn’t good for me to be lovingher with no chance of that love being returned. I’ve been dreading the day she comes to tell me that she’s courting or worse—betrothed.”
“Dev—”
“No. Dad. Please.” He held up a hand. “I haven’t ever said anything because I didn’t want the lectures. I didn’t want the sympathy every time you looked at me. Do you realize that each time she came to the university to see me—Every. Single. Time.—I had to brace myself? Thinking, it’s going to be today. She’s going to want me to share in her excitement that she’s in love. My heart has been broken hundreds of times because I can’t bear the thought.”
The rush of words halted. He couldn’t say anything else without choking up. All these years, he’d kept it all locked inside. Because it was the right thing to do. And now, he wished he could make it disappear.
“I wouldn’t ever lecture you, son. Never. Not on matters of the heart.”
He lifted his gaze to Dad’s. There were tears in his eyes.
“Read the letter, son. Read the one she wrote to me as well. You should know that after all these years, she’s already like a daughter to me. I love that girl. Love her passion for science. Even more, I love her passion for the Creator, and how she’s grappled with many in the scientific world who try to deny His existence. You know I adore her. And you know I want you to be happy. I’d never stand in the way of that.”
“Her grandparents would. Dad, I promised Mr. Mills I would never pursue her.” At his father’s frown, he shifted gears. “Besides, she’s never once shown an inkling of interest in me other than friendship.”
“Are you sure?” Dad tipped his head to the side. “Sometimes us Schmitt men can be pretty dense.” He shrugged. “I didn’t see that my own son was in love for all these years. And your mother definitely had to help me see that she cared for me. Ihad a hard time believing I was worthy.” He stood and picked the skillet up. “At least go read the letter. As to the promise to Mr. Mills, we can talk more about it over dinner.”
Devin pushed himself to his feet and stared at the envelope and paper underneath. With a nod, he snatched it up and marched to his room.
He sat in the straight-back chair at the small desk under the window. With stiff shoulders and a clenched jaw, he pulled the letter out, bracing himself for the words from Eliza. He refused to let them in. He couldn’t. Wouldn’t let them affect him. He was letting her go. He could do it.
Dear Devin,
How are things going at the University? Are you bored out of your mind yet from all the meetings and the old gents who blather on about how things used to be done?
He leaned back in his chair and laughed. She knew him better than anyone else, that was for certain. Relaxing a bit, he settled in to read.
I imagine you will have your work cut out for you to whip the old geezers into shape and help them to see the importance of molding the next generation. Or at least, teaching them about correct grammar usage. Which is of utmost importance too.
It would be tolerable to take English again if it was in your class. You’ve always been able to make all that interesting to me. Even literature, of all things! Which we both know wasn’t my forte. But give me a book on geology or chemistry, and I’m all ears.
First, I have to admit that you were correct. It has been very difficult for me to not be near a city. The closest town doesn’t boast much at all. It’s a good thing I broughttrunks of clothes, hats, and shoes—otherwise, I probably would have to send word to Grandmama to ship more to me.
But thanks to the new monument here (although there isn’t an actual monument yet, just the quarry), people are coming by the stagefull, which is, thankfully, bringing in more business. Right now, it’s saloons and places to stay. But it is a start to civilizing this little corner of the West. The Carnegie Quarry out here is magnificent. While some might only think of it as a hole in the ground, it is the grandest sight I’ve ever seen. So many bones! I feel giddy every time I see it.
Devin smiled. He could hear her voice as he read, and it lifted his spirits. Life without her was dull. Without color.
When I first met Earl Douglass, I thought I might faint with joy. Ever since hisApatosauruswas shipped to the museum and assembled next to Dippy, I’ve wanted to meet him. I must report that he is very amiable. And not at all full of himself for his findings. In fact, he is very focused on his work and nonchalant.
While I haven’t done any of the excavating with Mr. Douglass yet—which would be a dream come true—I’ve had my hands full keeping the sightseers informed and answering all their plethora of questions. It is definitely the greatest job I’ve ever done.
I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Douglass a couple times. I must say that I completely agree with his vision for the monument. Instead of digging all the bones out, wouldn’t it be grand to leave an exhibit in the rock so that people can see them? Preserved where they are, it would be an incredible education for the future generations.
But Mr. Carnegie wants to fill his Hall of Dinosaurs, and I don’t blame him.
Perhaps over time, Mr. Douglass will convince the powers that be to see the great advantages to his vision.
If anyone could help convince people, it was Eliza. Perhaps he should suggest that to her in his return letter.
There have been so many visitors that it has been a learning experience to adapt my knowledge in talks for them. They have a great deal of questions! Each day, I feel I learn just as much as they do and go back to my room and make copious notes for the following day.
Speaking of rooms, I have the cutest little space at a nearby farm. The family is sweet and precious. Mr. Carnegie said that he wanted to get more housing built out here for the workers at his quarry—as many of them make do with tents—but there’s only so much manpower to go around.
