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!"

herself speechless. His assertive stance struck fear in her heart, and she dared not

was isolated, with few neighbors to speak of.

his future daughter-in-law with a few surprises for Josie, is it?" Oliver's eyes, mocking and sharp, fixed on Lena's timid

recoiled, visibly shaken by Oliver's intimidating stance. "It's just me being overly concerned. I

Hattie with puppy-dog eyes. Her expression was one of deep distress. Hattie had watched Lena grow up, and couldn't stand to see

worried, Lena," Hattie soothed, taking Lena's hand. "Oliver's got his head on straight; you don't have to

lay with Josefina, her own flesh and blood. Perhaps she already forgot the 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 access chapters of novels early and in

smile, and her voice was sweet and melodic. "Thank you for your

from Josefina. "You're so understanding. You won't misinterpret my words,"

as the group returned to the cool of the living room -

yawned, prompting Oliver to quickly offer, “Josie, let

nod from Josefina, Oliver seized the moment when Garrett and Hattie were still chatting with Grandpa Brandon

behind, trotted up. "Josie, can I hitch