Brianna's voice shook now. This was not how she wanted to see the man she loved. "Then let me fix it. Say the word. I'll talk to my father, Robby. My family will back you. We can take it back. You can have what's yours."
He reached up, brushing a thumb across her cheek, wiping a tear she didn't know had fallen. His hand lingered on her face like he didn't want to let go.
"I love you," he said.
Her lips parted, breath catching.
"I've loved you since before I knew what love was," he continued. "And that's exactly why I can't do what you're asking. I can't build our future on a war with my grandfather."
She grabbed his hand, eyes pleading. "Then what am I supposed to do? Just watch as you get cast aside? Watch her take everything that should have been yours—ours?"
He didn't answer.
