Page 27 of Stick to the Deal
“Well, no...”
“Then it doesn’t matter. Come on, show me the options.”
Ok, yeah, maybe I was looking forward to shopping for some haute couture wedding gown. How often do you have the excuse for a dress that costs as much as a car if not to marry a peer of the realm? Overall, this marriage is a means to anend. No need to drag it out. Especially when the biggest advantage the both of us are getting is maintaining our freedom.
“Nic, I really think you should reconsider.”
When he doesn’t move to show me his phone, I continue. “Divorce happens because of hurt feelings and too much emotion. We’re going into this with open eyes and a solid basis for an alliance. I’m not worried. Plus, didn’t you need to find a place in New York? This will make paperwork so much easier.”
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Absolutely.” A sense of calmness comes over me as I realize I honestly mean it.
Chapter 16
Dancing Lights
The sky is bright as the lights dance overhead. The air is crisp but the blankets and mulled wine stave off the cold as I sit out on the deck of the cottage with my wife.
My wife.
Strange how those two words fill me with a sense of satisfaction. It must be knowing that I did something my own way. Getting married wasn’t my choice, but I got to decide exactly who, exactly when, exactly where.
When I was a boy, I imagined my wedding—odd as it may seem. I was dragged to so many society weddings with my parents, like an accessory, rather than their son. They were all precisely the same. Extravagant trappings, pretentious food, free-flowing alcohol. It was about the clothes, the display, the spectacle, not about the actual couple.
I hated it, swore when it was my time, it would be different—I was nine and didn’t know any better.
The ceremony was brief—very no nonsense, like my bride. But the setting was ethereal, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. Not a single piece of tulle or silk in sight. It was like something from Tolkien. I felt as if I were the heroic knight. That I’d come to this magical glen for a secret marriage to the fair princess before riding off to war.
Fantastical thoughts. Silly even. But our wedding was as close to my childhood dream as possible.
Nic splays across the Adirondack chair next to mine. Wrapped in a blanket, knees slung over the wooden arm, she looks deep in thought but happy. Her diamond catches the fairy lights outside the cabin as she cups her mug of wine.
A flash of guilt sinks in my gut. I should have told her about the money first, like I’d planned. I could say I tried, but I certainly could have tried harder. When Nic got excited, I let myself be swept up in it.
Divorce isn’t an option for me. I mean, legally, sure, but I made a vow to Nic and I plan to hold to it.
I’d be an idiot to let her walk away. Her charm and easy nature perfectly balance my lack of personality. She is a much more strategic choice for me and the Bancroft line than any title-hungry social climber my parents would have chosen.
Someday my mother will see that.
What I mean to say, is that I do not expect a situation where the prenup would have been necessary, but I still wish I’d given Nic all the information before she made her choice. Starting a marriage with a lie, even a lie of omission, is an ominous beginning.
“So, my lord. How’s married life so far?” My lower stomach clenches. I’ve always hated it, but I could get used to hearing her say it.
“No complaints so far. But maybe give it a couple more hours.”
“Rude!” She flails one long limb to kick my shin.
I chuckle. “You knew that about me. Buyer’s remorse, already, Lady Ravenscourt?”
She shakes her head. “Is that what I am now? Lady Ravenscourt?”
“Technically, the Viscountess Ravenscourt, or informally simply Lady Ravenscourt. When my father dies, it’ll be Countess Silverbrook. Does it really matter to you?”
“No.” Her cheeks darken in the dim light. “Actually, I was thinking about keeping my maiden name if it’s all the same.”
“Because of your business?”
