Page 99 of Reckless Chance
“Yes, sir. But we didn’t realize that they wererealwedding photos. We thought everyone was dressing up for fake wedding photos.”
“Then why is there a copy of your signed marriage license in the record? Do you deny signing it?”
“No, sir. We didn’t read what we signed.”
“Ms. Upton. Aren’t you an attorney?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And Mr. Cartwright, you’re an extremely successful businessman. Don’t you typically read what you sign?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then please explain how you didn’t know you were getting married.”
“We were drunk, your honor,” I say.
“I see. But I’m confused by one of the other requests in your filing. It says you do not wish the annulment to take place today. Instead, you want it to be effective seventy days fromnow. Why? Most couples who seek to end a marriage want out immediately.”
“You see, due to an unusual clause in a trust agreement, Mr. Cartwright will lose the Athena unless we stay married another seventy days.”
“Are you okay with that? Is he compensating you for delaying the annulment?”
“I’m fine with it. And, of course, he’s not paying me, your honor. He’s a wonderful person. I don’t want him to lose his legacy from his father because we drank copious amounts of alcohol one night and took a reckless chance. That wouldn’t be fair.”
“Mr. Cartwright, you are one lucky man. I don’t know that I would have let you off the hook this easily.”
“I know, your honor.”
“Have you exchanged anything of value during your marriage? Any personal property?”
“Only our wedding rings,” I say.
“Sean paid for both of them.”
“Do you have them with you?
I pull mine from my pocket, and Lowri removes hers from the chain she wears around her neck.
“Please place them on the desk. We’ll have them placed in trust until the annulment becomes effective. At that time, they will be returned to Mr. Cartwright.”
I watch Lowri gently run her thumb over the diamond one last time before setting it on the edge of the desk next to mine.
“Do you wish to say anything to each other before we proceed? Ms. Upton, ladies first.”
“Sean, I never intended to marry anyone, but the last weeks with you will be wonderfully ingrained in my memory forever. Thank you.”
“Mr. Cartwright. Would you like to say anything?”
“Lowri, I don’t know where to start. When Evan told me you were on your way to help me plan a party for Cassie, all I could think about was how fantastic it would be to see you again. Then when I set eyes on you in the bar, you were better than any memory. This strange journey is one neither of us planned. You know that relationships have always been a hard no for me. But these last few weeks have had me questioning that. I’ve wondered if a special relationship might be worth the risk. The idea of you leaving made me wish marriage was meant for me because the thought of you going back to San Diego is upsetting.”
Lowri reaches for my hands, her eyes moist with unshed tears. “Oh, Sean. That’s so sweet. I’ve had some of those same thoughts, so I understand. I’m going to miss you too.”
Squeezing her hands, I continue, “When I saw you tied up in that tree, I wanted to make sure no one ever has the chance to hurt you again. I knew then that losing you would be painful.”
I reach for Lowri’s ring on the desk and kneel. “That’s when I could no longer deny my feelings for you. I want to work with you, protect you, and cherish you every day for the rest of our lives. I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me for real today?”
Her hands fly to cover her mouth as tears stream down her cheeks. “Are you serious?”
