Page 3 of Keeping My Wife
“That’s it?”
I closed my eyes at my mother’s shrill voice.
Robert, well used to her, simply kept going. “Maxine, you’re the executrix and custodian for the house until you choose to sell or fulfill the requirements of the will. She left you the RangeRover, her first edition novels in the library, as well as the Monet in her bedroom. The rest of the furniture and art will be split between you both.”
I took a deep breath. “How long do we have for the...provision? Are there parameters?”
“Yes. You must be married for at least one year to inherit.”
“She’s insane. Can we fight this? She had to have dementia or something.”
“Mother!” The first vestiges of anger dented the numbness and shock.
“Who would put this in a will?!”
“She loved this house and you should know that.” I swallowed down the lump in my throat.
“She was of sound mind. The will would be difficult to fight in court.” Robert folded his hands over the papers. “If neither one of you is married within six months you forfeit the money?—”
“Where does that money go?”
“She set up an endowment for the Bridger school in Connecticut in the event you didn’t fulfill the stipulations for the will.”
“What the hell is that?” My mother was flicking ash everywhere as she waved her hand.
“Grandfather’s military school,” I said quietly.
“Absolutely not!” She whirled around to look at her man. “Will you marry me for a year?”
The man’s jaw dropped. “Marcella, we can discuss this at a future time.”
“No, I need to know now.”
He all but winced. “You know I’m technically married. Susan and I have separated but…”
“You’re useless.” She seethed and grabbed the folder, leaving the room in a huff as the dark suited man followed her out.
I flinched at the slam of the door. “I’m so sorry, Robert.”
“It’s fine. I’m well aware of your mother’s...personality.”
The harsh laugh that escaped nearly came with the sob trapped in my chest.
“There’s a provision to cover the utilities while this is in probate. You may want to have an estate sale for any other expenditures.”
I nodded. “Thank you, that might be a good idea.”
“I tried to dissuade Lucinda from this part of the will, but she was worried you two wouldn’t be taken care of.”
“Instead, she wants us in a loveless marriage.”
Robert shook his head as he stood. “She was more of the mind that it would be a nudge into a safe future. And if you marry, you need to live in the house for the year.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I wish I was.” He walked around the desk and touched my arm. “I’m available for whatever questions you have.”
I nodded mutely then followed him to the door.
