Page 30 of Vows We Never Made
As soon as both parties know the precise terms, there’s no more confusion, no room for misinterpretation.
The moment we both know what’s expected, the sooner we can fulfill our roles, finish this, and move on.
Hattie chews the inside of her cheek.
“If we’re moving forward, we should sign a contract,” I continue. “I can have my lawyers draft something up. You’re welcome to add suggestions, provided they’re reasonable.”
“Amend away. Don’t let him take advantage of you,” Margot mutters in her ear.
“For fuck’s sake, Margot.” I grit my teeth again. “I’m being perfectly fair. I want this to work for us both. This is a shitty situation, all the way around.”
Hattie turns her clear green eyes on me. “Whatareyour terms?”
Oh hell, she’s askingnow?
Fine.
“We’ll need to make a few public appearances,” I say. “I have a reputation and there’s no hiding this from prying eyes. It’s best if the general public doesn’t know the details of our marriage, only enough to keep them from talking. I’m not asking for anything showy, just for us to look normal.”
“I don’t want a big wedding,” Hattie says immediately.
“It can’t be too small.”
Margot claps her hands. “I’m in! You’re looking at your wedding planner.”
Give me patience.
“Shut up, Margot. This is none of your business.”
“Yes, it is.” She pouts. “Hattie’s my best friend and you’re my idiot brother. I’m going to be the maid of honor. Right, Hattie?”
Hattie blinks warily. “I mean, if you want…”
“Yay!” Margot claps her hands together like the deranged pixie she is and points one sharp nail at me. “You hear that, big brother? I’ll make your big day flawless.”
“Don’t give her free rein,” I whisper to Hattie. “It would be the biggest mistake of your life.”
“Hey, don’t talk to her like she’ll hate it—it’syourmoney I’m going to spend.” Margot shakes her head, offended.
I try not to wince.
“That’s why you’re banned from organizing the ceremony without professional advice. My wedding, my rules.” I aim my scowl at her. Trust Margot to make this whole process so much harder than it needs to be. “In fact, why don’t you head home now?”
“Nope. I’m havingwaytoo much fun.” She leans back lazily, smiling at us both. “It’s fascinating, seeing you treat your personal life like it’s just more work. Let’s talk about the budget, Ethan. I know you’re dying to.”
“Margot,” Hattie says, but the corner of her mouth pulls up before she can get it back under control. “But wedding budget aside, how much do I get paid?”
Damn.
I need to stop looking at her mouth anymore.
“Half a million dollars,” I grind out. “Half now, half on completion. Yours to do with as you wish, entirely unconnected with the marriage. Of course, we’ll be signing a prenup.”
“How romantic.” Hattie trades a heavy look with Margot. “Not that I’d expect anything else.”
No point asking what that means—it’s obvious.
“Good. Then we’re on the same page,” I say.
