Chapter 12

Charlotte POV

It was almost two weeks later when Cole’s brother, Elijah, finally arrived. Having been delayed by a late snow storm in the Rocky Mountains, he was happy to finally be no longer riding in the bumpy stage coach. Elijah was a terrible flirt, as was evident when he bent over my hand and kissed it, as if I were royalty. I giggled at his silliness because I could see Cole’s irritation at the gesture.

I’ll be honest with you; I was nervous to meet him. Aside from his Aunt Beatrice, Elijah is Cole’s only family. If his brother didn’t approve, it would make our already rocky relationship that much more tedious. I don’t believe in putting on airs, pretending to be someone that you aren’t. I believe that it is important for people to see who you truly are, however, I also want Cole’s family to accept me.

I shouldn’t have worried. It became more evident, the longer we talked and I came to know Elijah, that no one liked Cole’s former girlfriend. It was so very strange how no one e