Page 11 of Fairy Tale Husband

Why would she? He was perfect. He was everything she’d always wanted in a man. She’d discovered her knight in shining armor, just as she’d known she would. No. Without a doubt, she’d find joy in this marriage and with this man, no matter how long their time together might last. An impish smile played about her mouth. Of course, she intended it to last a bit longer than hedid.

“That’s one detail taken care of.” She tilted her head to one side. “What else is there?”

“I have a prenuptial agreement I want you to sign.”

She shrugged. “No problem. Give me a pen and I’ll sign it.”

His mouth tightened. “You won’t sign a damned thing until you’ve read it,”

“Fine, I’ll read it. Why? What does it say?”

“That when we divorce, my inheritance stays with me.” His gaze met hers, his eyes direct and unflinching in their regard. “All of it.”

“Well, of course. That’s the whole point of the marriage, right?”

He gathered her hands in his. “It occurred to me that you might be marrying for more than just an inheritance.”

She stared down at their joined hands. Hers were engulfed in his, and she frowned at how red and chapped her skin remained despite all the moisturizer she’d used. Did he despise the roughness? She’d always thought it a small price to pay when balanced against all she stood togain.

“I told you why I need a husband,” she said, not quite certain what he was implying. “What more could there be?”

“Maybe you’re tired of working so hard to make ends meet and are looking for someone to help ease your burden.” It was the gentlest of accusations and carefully phrased. Quite out of character for such a blunt, cut-to-the-chase typeman.

“I see,” she murmured. “You think because I work hard, I’m unhappy.”

He shook his head. “Not unhappy. Just anxious to start a new life. Marriage can look damned appealing if it means escaping a lifetime of drudgery.”

She smiled in relief. “I can understand why you might think that. And you’re right. Ido work hard to make ends meet.” In fact, if he knew the whole truth, he’d consider her situation quite desperate. No money. No job. No place to live. But that was only a temporary condition.

“Is that why you’re marrying, to escape your current life?”

“No,” she stated without hesitation. “Some people might see marriage as a way out. But I’m not one of them. Ihave my health. I’ve never been afraid of hard work. And when things go wrong, Ido whatever it takes to right my situation. Marriage only ensures I hold onto my inheritance.”

She’d deal with the rest of her troubles when the time came When her marriage ended. If her marriage ended, she couldn’t prevent the wistful thought.

“That’s it? You’re marrying in order to gain control of your inheritance. No strings attached?”

“I don’t need your money,” she said with absolute sincerity. “Or whatever else your inheritance might be. Ijust need you. If you’ll give me the paper and a pen, I’ll be happy to sign the agreement.”

He studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “Fair enough. That’s the last of my conditions. This would be a good time to name any you might have.”

“All I want is your help fighting Mrs. Marsh,” she said. “Once we’re married, Iexpect you to stick by me.”

A sardonic smile edged his mouth. “You have my unconditional support for the length of our marriage. Guaranteed.”

She eyed him keenly. “Even if that isn’t as short a time as you’d prefer?”

He didn’t like the implication, but to her relief, he didn’t argue. “Yes.”

“I hope you mean that.”

“You doubt my word?” he asked ominously.

She gave an awkward shrug. “It’s not that. It’s just that none of my former fiancés lived up to their promises. Mrs. Marsh scared them all off.”

“I’m not those other men,” he snapped. “I keep my word.”

She prayed he’d still feel that way once he knew the complete truth. But somehow, she doubted it. “Do we have a deal, then?”

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