Page 59 of Out of Bounds
Again, he looks satisfied. “You’re right I would have. Well, that does make me feel more at ease since she’s someone you’ve known all your life. But there are still some things I’d like to discuss with you.”
God what now?
“Sure.”
“I’m satisfied with the marriage and happy for you. The picture you sent me says it all and I am so happy, but I just want to take some precautions.”
Because he’s not a fool.
“Of course, that’s understandable.” I don’t really mean that. Everything is making me antsy and I feel like I would say anything at this point because I don’t have a plan.
“I’m glad you understand. This is important to me, as important as it will be when you pass on the business to your children. So, the only thing I’m going to stipulate is that you and Bree stay married for a minimum of six months before I make the final transfer.”
“Six months.” I stifle a groan. As if I have everything else figured out. Right now my lawyer is preparing the annulment document to end the said marriage and I just keep on digging that hole for myself.
“Six months. You’re married so that ticks the box, but I just want to be certain it’s a lasting marriage. Forgive me for saying so, but I do want to be sure. I gave you the nudge to get married but I don’t want you to have gotten married just to get the business.”
“No of course not.” I sound like a damn hypocrite.
“I’d say a year but that’s a bit much. I don’t want to be a control freak. That’s not what this is about. Can you see things from my side?”
“I can.”
“Great so in six months you get everything.”
Everything is what sounds great to me, but why am I even contemplating it?
When he finds out that I’m lying, and that marriage was over before it even began, I don’t know what he’s going to think of me.
“I’ll start preparing the new documents today,” he adds. “The other thing is I’ve had to bring forward my trip to Italy. I’m needed out there and not being there is making me antsy. I leave in two days’ time. It would be nice if you and Bree wanted to come visit as a honeymoon of sorts. Bet she’d love the cottage on the vineyard.”
“She would.” I can say that because I know it’s one of the things she’s dreamed about.
“Then consider coming.”
“Sure, I will.”
We talk but I’m stuck on autopilot. When I leave I head down to the beach for a walk to think.
I need to sort this out. When I do though I lose everything.
So, what I do?
I need my wife to stay with me and she wants my house for her business.
We both want something. So, the question is do we stay married and get what we want, or end this?
Staying married means I get to explore this curiosity of mine with her. There’s no way I’d do this if I have the chance to and keep my hands off her.
The thought entices me even more, so I reach for the coin in my pocket Logan gave me and look at it.
Heads: I do this, I put the offer to Bree and sweeten the deal.
Tails: I tell the truth and end everything when the annulment comes through.
I flip the coin.
It lands on heads, and I smile.
