Page 165 of Mountain Grump
I swallow.
Because he wants me to watch over you.
Because he asked me to keep an eye on you.
Because he sent me a letter telling me to help you.
But I don’t say any of that.
I should.
I should tell her everything. Lay it out, so she knows.
But I can’t forget her reaction from before. When I casually mentioned I was hired for the job.
And I don’t want to see that look on her face.
Not again.
And the rest of it—it doesn’t matter. The web that Jack wove, it doesn’t fucking matter. Not to me.
So I’ll tell her later. When we’ve built more trust between us. When I’m certain she’ll listen to everything I say.
I pull back the blankets. “Get in bed, Matilda.”
She does. “Can I wake you up when I have to use the outhouse?”
“If you don’t, I’ll be upset.” I turn off the lantern and climb in on my side.
We shuffle closer, facing each other in the mostly dark until our knees bump together.
I reach under the blankets, lift Tilda’s top leg, and slide my knee between hers.
I will not be kneed in the balls tomorrow morning.
She lets out a humorous huff but doesn’t resist the new position.
My forearms brush against hers. “When’s your birthday?”
“Tuesday.”
I close my eyes, putting that date into my memory.
“The will…” Tilda lets out a defeated sigh. “It said that the two million would be given to me over four years, on my birthday. I don’t know if there are specifics. Like if I have to be married to the same person the whole time. Or justmarriedin general.”
My stomach sinks, and I open my eyes.
Tilda’s outline is barely visible, but I stare at her.
The woman who has made me smile more than anyone else ever has.
The woman who’s made me laugh.
Who’s given me her body. And her control.
“You aren’t marrying anyone else.” My tone is low.
“I just mean, like, if you… If you want to be done. Before the four years are up. I know it’s a long time.”
