Page 36 of Fumbling for Perfection

“Do you really think your father would keep you from your trust fund if you didn’t marry?” We’ve had this discussion many times over the past few years. Five years ago, we made one of those stupid pacts twelve-year-olds make. He asked me to marry him if his father was going to hold true to the conditions of the trust, and I said I would if I wasn’t in a relationship.

Once we’re married, he offered to pay the rent on Boston Strong. He actually offered to pay now, but I’m too prideful to accept a handout. Kendall and Rowan have reminded me repeatedly, it’s for the kids. And I’m sacrificing five years of my life for him. Still, I don’t feel right about taking his money until we’re married.

Jackson scoffs. “Absolutely. He’s a shrewd businessman who is fair, but he doesn’t go back on his word. Ever. He wrote that trust when I was born, and not even thirty-five years is going to change his mind. Until the contracts are signed, I’m staying in my Valentino-Gucci-Tom-Ford-Armani-BrunelloCucinelli filled closet.”

“It’s so archaic.”

“Calling me old, sweetheart?”

“Please. You’ve got Botox, facials, massages, and the best tailor in the city at your beck and call. You’re never going to age.”

“And this is why I love you.”

Jackson may have pretty boy looks, but he doesn’t act the spoiled rich trust fund child part. He’s well-liked by his staff and fellow management team, even though he’s all business at the office. Serious with a touch of humor, unlike when he’s with me and the girls. All humor and zero seriousness.

Taylor comes over and taps me on the shoulder. “Mind if I cut in? Griffin wants to talk to you about the Hong Kong meeting on Monday.”

Jackson kisses my temple. “I won’t be long. Don’t steal my girl.”

“You look stunning,” Taylor says as he takes Jackson’s place.

“Thank you. You’re looking mighty fine yourself.”

He holds me closer than he did his date, but not in a way that will make people talk. Most know he and Jackson are best friends. What they don’t know is how much in love they are with each other. I’m the beard, and I’m okay with that. They’re both good men.

While Jackson has the preppy blond Ken look down, Taylor is more serious and stoic. His dark hair has a few streaks of silver on the side, which he does nothing to hide. At forty, he looks amazing, and he catches just as many looks as Jackson. They’re a beautiful couple, inside and out.

“How are you holding up? This has to be a lot on you.” He moves us around the dance floor seamlessly.

Where Jackson likes to cut loose at bars, Taylor was made for ballroom dancing.

“I won’t be in as much debt once I’m Mrs. Jackson Bankes.”

“You’ve never cared about money before.”

“I’ve never been in this much debt before.”

“You don’t have to do this, Riley.”

“Are you trying to talk me out of it?”

“No. But I don’t want you to be a martyr either. I love Jackson, but that doesn’t mean I agree with him all the time.”

Taylor’s made it clear how he feels about this situation. They both have enough money to retire today and live comfortably for the rest of their lives. But they’re also both workaholics and would go crazy without working a sixty-hour week.

“I’m not going back on my word.”

“Anything you need,anything, you ask, and we’ll make it happen.”

“Anything, hm?” I grin up at him. “Kendall keeps talking about taking a trip to New York City. I hear the dance clubs are amazing.”

“I’ll gladly escort you two.”

“That’s not theanythingI was thinking about.”

He breathes in deep and lets out a sigh. “Me making a fool of myself on a dance floor is your idea of fun?”

“After you’ve had a dozen Jell-o shots, you’ll think it fun too.”

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