“I’d like to offer you the job of curator at my Hall of Dinosaurs.” The grin that covered his face stretched his white mustache and beard wider than she’d ever seen them.
“Curator? Truly?” She put a hand to her chest.Lord, You are so good!“Curator?”
“Yes, Miss Mills. Does your reaction mean that you accept?”
The wordyessat on her lips, but she paused and lookedat Devin, lifting her eyebrows. Without a doubt, he would support whatever decision she made. But she was done with leaving him out of this or any decision. They were facing a new futuretogether. This wasn’t about just her hopes and dreams anymore... nor his. It was abouttheirhopes and dreams.
He squeezed her hand, giving her a grin. “Well, my love? It’s a dream come true, wouldn’t you say?”
Eliza tightened her grip on his fingers and let out a laugh. “Mr. Carnegie, I would be delighted!”
EPILOGUE
“I am more and more convinced that we have a prize.”
~Earl Douglass
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER9, 1916•MILLSMANOR
Devin helped Eliza out of the motor car and then carried her up the steps to her home. Eliza bit her lip. She would not cry. But she longed to be able to race up the steps and throw herself into Grandmama’s arms.
However, the doctors had told her it would take a great deal of time before she could walk again.
The bullet had damaged not only her muscle and tissue, but it had fractured the bone as well. It would be months before she could stroll in a park on Devin’s arm. Or even walk through the house with Grandmama.
But she wouldn’t complain. After all, Devin insisted on carrying her anywhere he could. What on earth was there to complain about in that?
She studied his profile, a small smile lifting her lips. He’d been so patient with her. Waiting for her to realize how much she loved him. His care of her this last week had been a balmin the midst of her frustration and pain. And he wasn’t afraid to call her out on her grumpy attitude.
Instead, he pointed her to God. Together they sought the Lord to heal Eliza in His time. To give her the strength to face the coming months. To help them grow in love for one another.
So she would just take advantage of this time to rest and be with her grandmother. And with Devin.
She smiled again and nestled closer to his chest. What would it be like to be properly courted by her best friend? She didn’t know, but she couldn’t wait to find out—
Heat filled her cheeks. Oh! Shehadbecome bold.
And frankly, she didn’t care.
Devin set her down at the top step, where one of the staff waited with a wheeled chair for her. Devin helped her to get situated with her leg propped up and then knelt down in front of her.
“Eliza.”
“Yes?” She wiggled in the seat. Something was poking her in the rear end.
“I’ve already spoken to your grandmother about what I’m going to say. Just so you know.”
“Okay.” She winced and tried to maneuver away from whatever jabbed her. But it only made it worse. She scrunched up her nose and lurched in the seat, making her leg ache. “Ow!”
Devin laughed and shook his head. “Are you even paying attention?”
“Yes, I’m paying attention.” She wiggled one more time. “But something in this chair—” She huffed and her massive hat tumbled down over her face. The weight of it made her feel like she’d been punched in the nose. “Ouch!” Maybe they were monstrosities after all. Her maid rushed forward and took the hat.
Done with ladylike behavior, she grunted and pushed andheaved until she moved the cushion to cover the horrid piece of wood that had tried to impale her. “There. Whew. That’s better. What were you saying?”
Devin rubbed his fingers along his jaw, his lips twitching. “I was attempting to ask you a question.”
“Well then, all right. I’m ready whenever you are.” She folded her hands in her lap and looked up.
