Page 6 of An Engagement Pact

“A hundred thousand dollars?” Savannah’s eyebrows are sky-high. “That must be a pretty sizable chunk of his trust. I don’t know all the details, but his grandparents weren’t superwealthy by Green Valley standards.”

“He said it was a tenth.”

“That’s generous of him. That clause was pretty popular for Green Valley folks of their generation. Lance’s grandmother did the same thing to him.”

“He had to get married?”

She nods.

I’d never—not once—imagined that possibility. She and Lance are so obviously in love. “So... I mean... Did you...? Did he...?”

“He paid me to marry him. His requirement was worse than Dan’s because we had to be married for an entire year. We fell in love before the end of it.”

Half laughing and half gasping, I attempt to wrap my mind around that. “I can’t believe it! You two are perfect for each other.”

“Yeah, uh, we didn’t realize that at first. In fact, I didn’t like him at all. But I needed the money, so I decided it was a workable plan. Dan’s offer isn’t for as much money as Lance offered me, but it’s also for a much shorter period of time. Everything I’ve ever heard about Dan has been good. I think he’s a genuinely good guy.”

I gulp. My mind is spinning. I can’t believe this is actually happening. “That’s what everyone says.”

“You should do exactly what you want to do, whether other people agree with it or not. But it sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Couldn’t you go to grad school right away if you had that much?”

“Yes. I could.”

Savannah looks at me, clearly waiting. So are Esther and Jim.

I swallow again. “I don’t know. It’s just so weird. Wasn’t it awkward with Lance?”

“Of course it was. I actually had to live with him for an entire year, which you won’t have to do. It was awkward and frustrating and sometimes embarrassing, and I often wanted to kick his ass for being so obnoxious. But most jobs have annoyances and frustrations, and most of them don’t offer so much money. Even if I hadn’t fallen in love with Lance, it would have been worth it to me.”

“Dan said it would only be like three months since we could end it shortly after we actually get married.”

“Three months. A hundred thousand dollars.” Jim gives a low whistle. “Not too shabby.”

“But don’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with,” Esther puts in. “After all, you don’t really know him. Maybe he’s not as decent as everyone says.”

“I think he is,” Savannah says. “People would have talked if he wasn’t.”

The whirling chaos of my thoughts suddenly settles into a clear decision.

I know it for sure. It’s the right thing to do.

“I’m going to do it,” I say, pulling out my phone from the pocket of my jeans. “It’s more money than I could ever have hoped to get at this point in my life, and I think he’ll treat me fine. It’s only three months. How much trouble could it be?”

Jim turns back to his paper while Esther nods and pats me on the back. Savannah gives me a faint, almost knowing smile.

I ignore it and find Dan’s number in my contacts, which I added earlier today just in case I lost his card.

I send him a text message.

Hey, it’s Vicky Emerson. If your offer is still available, I might be interested. Can we talk it over some time?

His response comes through in about ten seconds.It’s definitely still available. Are you free this evening?

A little laugh escapes my lips as I read his reply.

I honestly can’t believe this is happening.

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