Yesterday's Promise by Cheryl St.John

Author:Cheryl St.John
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aspen Gold Books

Some Days Are Diamonds

Spring 1965

Spencer, Colorado

The remaining sides of an old, partially collapsed barn shaded Willa Taylor from the bright sunlight washing over the high mountain valley. She’d recreated this scene with oils or pastels, yet every time she waited here for Jakob, she discovered a new angle or intriguing shadow on the surrounding mountains. She dreaded the moment when the barn would be torn down to make way for the secluded cabins planned as part of the new Aspen Gold Lodge.

Jakob Spencer’s dream was larger than the man himself and he’d been determined to create a place where privacy and security were as important to guests as the views of the glorious Rocky Mountains. Four years ago, it had been her dream as well.

The realities of doing business on such a grand scale had set in but did little to dampen Jakob’s determination. He’d sought investors willing to underwrite the construction of an exclusive hotel on his family’s land. It hadn’t taken long for a Denver businessman to see promise in Jakob and profitability in the lodge.

Soon, with the Burnham heiress at his side, Jakob had attracted serious investors. Although there was no love between them, her father had a contract drawn up, and the couple married. In exchange for financing and profitable connections, Jakob and Marguerite would produce a male heir to inherit Burnham Enterprises.

Willa wrapped her arms around her calves and rested her forehead against her knees. She’d put Jakob’s needs before her own and encouraged him to sign that contract. How naïve they’d been to believe his marriage to another woman would have no effect on their love.

Unfortunately, after the birth of a daughter, Marguerite’s outward pleasant persona had given way to a deeply angry and vindictive bitch, who used everything and everyone around her to her own advantage. Jakob loved his daughter, but now Marguerite used the toddler to punish and control her husband.

Willa had attempted to end her relationship with Jakob then but hadn’t been strong enough to give him up. Now, because of her, Jakob bore the brunt of his wife’s anger and hatred, hiding the truth of his misery behind the façade of success. Convinced Jakob didn’t tell her everything, Willa was certain her relationship with Jakob was the source of many confrontations.

Marguerite didn’t want Jakob. But no one else could have him either.

Although the decision Willa had struggled with the past week weighed heavily on her shoulders, she was making the right choice. At least the resulting pressure surrounding her heart kept it from breaking.

The soft thud of hoofbeats made her raise her head. She couldn’t help her grin as Jakob rode into view, slipped from the saddle, and looped the reigns over a low tree branch. Admiring the fit of his jeans and his easy movements she banished her concerns and eased to her feet.

Determined to make the most of these last moments, she raced into Jakob’s open arms. She welcomed his kisses, the glide of his hand over her bare arm, and fought to separate need and lust from desperation.

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