Ben heard the sound of hoofbeats and pulled Felicity further away from the riding path.
She stared at him, waiting for him to speak, but he only looked at her.
"Ben, what is it?" she asked, trying to keep the anxiety from her voice. "Either say something, or—"
He cut her off, pulling her into his arms and kissing her with every ounce of passion he possessed.
God, what was he doing? He knew it was wrong, so wrong, to kiss a child, but he couldn't help it. But then, she wasn't exactly a child. She was thirteen, a beautiful, stunning, spunky thirteen. And he was about to leave her for a war. Two years ago he would have given his life for this opportunity...but that was before he had fallen in love with her.
"I'm sorry, Lissie," he stammered.
Her tears spilled over. "Why? Why Ben?"
"I made a promise to Washington's army. They're waiting in Yorktown."
She was not consoled. "But what about me?"
"I promised myself I would kiss you before I said goodbye. Whatever happens, remember me. Remember that I love you, Lissie."
"And I you."