Page 34 of A Temporary Forever

“How do you know it was him?”

“The super told me it’s a rich man who visited his friend here and became concerned with the safety of our humble dwelling.” She raises her eyebrows like she shared the biggest conspiracy. “That man’s a catch, Celeste. Lucky you.”

Yeah, lucky me.

“I didn’t take you for someone who uses the services of a legal clinic.” I sit across from Caleb in a small but tasteful boardroom.

“Oh, Miss Delacroix, don’t get distracted by my pro-bono work, I charge him handsomely for my services.” A tall well-dressed man saunters in andextends his hand to me. “Dominic Cressard, nice to meet you.”

I like him instantly. There’s a charming air about him that puts me at ease, which is an achievement in any official office. Though I must admit these offices are way fancier than any other legal clinic I’ve seen, even though I’ve only seen them on TV.

“Celeste. The pleasure is mine.” I shake his hand. A Rolex on his wrist further confuses the legal clinic aspect.

Dominic takes a seat at the head of the table and opens a folder. “Let me get right to it.”

“You usually stall to increase your billable hours,” Caleb says dryly.

“I’ll make them up on your next public indecency charge,” Dominic deadpans.

By the way Caleb’s jaw ticks, I wonder if the retort is based on actual events. Interesting.

I stare at him, hoping he’ll look my way and confirm Dominic’s statement. But Caleb has been avoiding my eyes since I entered.

I guess my no-talking policy meets his no-looking policy. What a great start to this union.

“Okay, so the process for a marriage-based green card is pretty straightforward. It takes ten to twenty-three months, but I can guarantee the shorter timeline. Maybe even shorten it further.”

Twenty-three months? Merde. “Can I work while I wait?”

“You can get a work permit upon marrying a US citizen. The problem is, we can only apply for the green card with proof of a relationship.” Dominic’s gaze pauses at me, and then at Caleb.

“What does that mean?” Caleb looks at me for the first time and, if there was any heat or attraction there on Wednesday, it’s completely gone now. His entire countenance is aloof today.

“Joint accounts, photos, utility bills, mutual residence.” Dominic closes the folder in front of him.

Caleb sighs. “Okay, so we can’t apply until we gather all of that? And Celeste can’t work?”

“Well, we can try to cut the red tape if you don’t tell my wife.” He winks in a conspiratorial way. “But I’d suggest you marry quickly and open a joint account, kids.”

Caleb’s gaze meets mine and, for some outlandish reason, tears well in my eyes. I realize this is all fake, but the romantic in me is dying.

“If we get that all organized in the next few days, she can get a green card within a year? At the latest?” Caleb asks, talking about me like I’m not even here.

“That’s the hope.”

“So we can divorce within a year?” Caleb continues, and the words slap me.

A year of my life with this man? This man who’s doing a favor for his sister but looks like he’d give his left kidney to be anywhere else, doing anything else.

“Well, not exactly,” Dominic starts, and we both snap our heads toward him. “She’d get a conditional green card that’s valid for two years.”

I groan and drop my head to the table, tapping my forehead on the smooth surface.

“Three years?” Caleb’s tone could cut diamonds.

“Yeah, and let me be clear.” Dominic leans forward. “If they sniff out that this is just for Celeste to stay in the country, there can be serious legal repercussions. For both of you. Fines, or worse, jail time.”

Silence descends on the room, heavy with ramifications, tension, and the finality of the sentence we’re both considering.

---