Page 12 of Somehow You Knew

“There are a few stipulations to the inheritance, of course,” Timothy continues.

“Like what?” Gage asks.

Timothy lets out a heavy sigh. “Let me just say, I was opposed to this idea, but your aunt was insistent.”

“So what’s the catch?” I ask, trying not to sound insensitive as I process this turn of events. “I mean, even if we split it, that’s stilllife-changing money.” I exhale, shaking my head. “I just can’t believe she includedmein this.”

“Oh, that was her intention—for the two of you to split the money, but only after you satisfy a set of conditions.” Timothy shifts through the stack of papers, avoiding our eyes.

Gage folds his arms across his chest. “What kind of conditions?”

I wait on bated breath, wondering what crazy idea this woman could have possibly come up with. I mean, I know Diane was quirky, but what could she possibly have come up with that’s making Timothy look this nervous?

Timothy shakes his head and finally meets our gazes. “In order to inherit the money, the first condition is that you two have to…get married.”

I snap my head toward Gage at the exact moment he looks at me, our wide-eyed shock perfectly mirrored.

I whip back to Timothy. “I’m sorry. Did you say…married?” My voice comes out strangled, like my brain can’t even process the word.

“Toeach other?” Gage asks, his voice dripping with disbelief.

Timothy gives a tight smile, clearly uncomfortable. “That’s what she insisted on.”

Both Gage and I lean back in our chairs defeatedly as time seems to stand still.

Married? To a complete stranger?

No—scratch that. Married tohim? The same guy who once held my wrist like I was something delicate, traced soft lines on my skin, and then disappeared from my life without a second thought?

Gage exhales a harsh laugh and drags a hand down his face. “That’s not an option,” he declares, his voice firm.

Ouch.

I’m no Victoria Secret model, but Jesus, at least pretend to give it some consideration before you straight up reject a girl.

“Yeah, I’m not down for that either,” I say quickly, crossing my arms—not out of indignation, but pure self-preservation. Because, despite the absolute absurdity of this moment, my nipples are still peaking against my bra like they didn’t get the memo that we’re in full crisis mode.

Gage adjusts himself in his chair. “Any alternatives?”

Timothy shakes his head. “No. That was the requirement, and just so you know, she anticipated your reaction.” He fishes out another paper from the file folder, his expression softening. “So, she wrote a letter I’m supposed to read to you.”

The sight of Diane’s familiar handwriting has me fighting back tears.

Timothy clears his throat. “Gage and Hazel. If you’re hearing this, then Timothy has just told you about the inheritance I wish to give you and the stipulation that comes with it. Please know that I did not make this decision lightly. Choosing to leave this money to you both was the easy part, but requiring marriage was not. In fact, I almost reversed my decision. But then I remembered how well I know the two of you. You’re probably wondering how I could ask you to make this commitment when I was never married myself. The truth is, I wish I had. I wish I had fought harder for love in my life. You’ve both sworn off love and vowed to be alone—for your own reasons. And I’m telling you that I think your reasons are bullshit.”

Gage lets out a sharp, incredulous laugh, but I remain frozen, eyes locked on Timothy.

“Take it from me—we, as humans, aren’t meant to be alone. We’re meant to have someone to lean on through the good and bad, andthat’s what both of you provided to me. Now I’m just asking you to provide that to each other.”

For the first time since Timothy started reading, I feel Gage’s eyes drift in my direction, but I remain focused ahead.

“I’m asking you to give this six months—six months of marriage to see if you might just be perfect for each other. And if you decide you aren’t, then get a divorce and walk away with a life-changing amount of money. It’s as simple as that. But I’ve always had a feeling about you two, and if I’m right, then hopefully you’ll change your mind by the end of the six months. I love you both so much. You’re like the children I never got to have. I know I’m asking a lot of you, but I’m hoping you’ll entertain my quirkiness one last time and let me watch from the other side. Don’t overthink it. Love, Diane.”

When Timothy lifts his head, he appears blurry through the tears building in my eyes. I wipe them away quickly.

Gage clears his throat. “Fuck, my aunt was a piece of work.”

Timothy nods. “Yes, she was.”

---