Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Under the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd, Lena felt a knot in her stomach, and her heart pounded against her chest like a drum. How on earth was she supposed to spin this?

With a forced smile, Lena looked at the few around her and ventured, "I just thought, since it's Mr. Rowan's birthday, if the fireworks spelled out my sister's name, some folks might gossip and tarnish her reputation."

That explanation might just pass muster. "I just didn't want anyone speaking ill of my sister. What harm could I possibly wish for?" Lena said. Her voice was laced with a touch of grievance.

If Oliver had chosen to include Josefina's name in the pyrotechnic display, surely he'd considered this very angle. Unperturbed, Oliver retorted, "He's having his birthday, and I'm setting off my fireworks. What's the big deal? We're out here in the boonies - who's going to see?"

Lena felt dwarfed by Oliver's commanding presence. Her discomfort was palpable.

Again, Oliver's voice rang out, "If anyone's got a beef with that, I'm all ears!"

with his dominance, Lena found herself speechless. His assertive stance struck

a gilded cage for Rowan, was isolated, with few neighbors to speak of. It was an unusual place for the

of line for him to charm his future daughter-in-law with a few surprises for Josie, is it?" Oliver's eyes, mocking and sharp, fixed on Lena's timid gaze as his lips curled into

shaken by Oliver's intimidating stance. "It's just me being overly

expression was one of deep distress. Hattie had watched Lena grow up, and couldn't stand to see

"Oliver's got his head on straight; you don't have to fret

child raised by the Harrison family. Even if she was not their real daughter, she had lived as the Harrisons' darling for eighteen years! sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to

sweet and melodic.

sensing an undercurrent of condescension from Josefina. "You're so understanding. You won't misinterpret my words," Lena said with a hopeful

simply smiled, saying nothing, and the conversation moved on as the group returned to the cool of the living room -

Oliver to quickly

moment when Garrett and Hattie were still chatting

left behind, trotted up. "Josie, can I hitch a ride with Oliver? My feet are killing me from