Page 17 of An Endless Memory

No, it sure wasn’t long at all. “We’re willing to rush to get you the documents you need.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Her gaze was sharp enough to stake Eliot in place.

The heat of Eliot’s gaze lifted off me. “Like she said, we’re willing to rush.”

Oh god. Was he… Was he playing along? Relief almost knocked my knees out from under me, but I forced it back. The fallout was waiting for Linda to leave. Then I’d have to tell Eliot the whole story. He deserved as much. Would he recount this whole situation to Sutton? They’d have a good laugh. I’d be the butt of a ridiculous joke, but I would likely keep my job and a roof over my family’s head. Who needed pride when I had that?

“Well.” She clapped her hands together, then rose. “That is good news.”

Oh my god. It worked. I caught a giggle before I cleared my throat. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my giddiness from showing. I could figure my life out.

Eliot tilted his head, studying me, his expression tightly neutral.

“Perfect.” Linda clasped her hands together again, like she was unsure of what to do. “I’ll need the marriage certificate next week.”

“That soon?” I ignored the scrape of Eliot’s gaze. He’d started bouncing the more Kellan moved. I’d been so nervous through the conversation I’d left him holding the baby. And he’d done it.

Linda squeezed my elbow as she passed. “I already gave you weeks of extra time. Please understand.”

She’d have to tell the others soon. I wanted my situation solid before my family found out. Would Linda go for one more favor? “Can you wait to tell Mom and Dad until after we’re”—I swallowed hard—“married?”

“Yes,” she said quietly. “I imagine they would have a lot to say.”

After my shit show of a marriage, they would not love hearing that I’m running into another one with a stranger. I needed time to call them first and explain. Before that, Eliot needed answers.

“I also need to let you know that both Weston and I have to sign off on the marriage after a year. My mother wanted to make sure there weren’t shenanigans to get the inheritance.”

“Shenanigans?” My voice went high, and a nervous laugh came out. What had Grandma been thinking?

“Sounds like you don’t have to worry even if the nuptials are rushed.” Linda’s smile was relieved. She crossed to Eliot and stuck her hand out. “Nice to meet you.”

He slowly clasped hers and gave her hand a perfunctory pump.

“Welcome to the family,” she said right before sidling around him and out the door.

She took all the air with her.

“What the hell was that about, Lily?” Eliot asked incredulously.

My emotions welled over and tears poured out. I gave in to the relief, sank to the floor, and cried.

Eliot

Goddammit, I broke Lily. Guilt wound its way across my throat. I didn’t mean to swear, but it wasn’t every day a guy tried to help a woman and then was told he was marrying her.

What the hell had I walked in on? I’d heard my name, and suddenly, I was engaged. Not only that, but the lady who was just here wanted to see a marriage certificate, or she’d kick Lily out of her house.

Didn’t she know Lily had two small kids?

Kellan’s cries were growing more powerful. I squatted by his sobbing mom. She’d covered her face with her hands.

“Hey,” I said softly. Her shoulders shook harder. “Hey.”

She continued to cry.

“Lily, I’m sorry.”

For some reason, that made her cry harder, and Kellan’s volume increased.

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