Fake Marriage (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

She bit her lip as she studied her computer a little bit more. “We could go to court and petition to have you deemed the rightful owner as a means to protect the family farm against Stark.”

“Is Stark doing that with my father? He had some goons show up and try to tell us my father was selling the farm.”

“It’s possible. I think your claim is better, and I’d recommend you file to get a judgement that you own the farm.” She looked at me, lacing her fingers together and resting them on her desk. “It would help if you were married. Any prospects in that department?”

“No. But I could try without a wife because of this unusual situation?”

She nodded. “I would.”

“Can you draw up the paperwork? How fast can I do this?”

“I can have something for you to sign in a day or two.”

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“Great. What do I owe you?”

She smiled. “How about we do some paperwork to make me your official lawyer. I’ll need details about when your father left and whatever Stark has suggesting your father is trying to sell the property.”

“I’ll get that to you right away.”

I signed the retainer, handed over my credit card number, and gave Jeannette the information I had with a promise to get the rest of it to her tomorrow.

I felt slightly better as I headed home. Sinclair’s reaction to the idea of marrying me still stung a little, but I was hopeful I’d be able to save the farm on my own.

8

Sinclair

I shut my door and fell into my chair, rubbing my hands over my face. Wyatt sure knew how to make an exit. He was being the asshole, and yet I was the one who was made to feel like a jerk. Just now, and ten years ago. Then again, I was a terrible person too. In fact, I thought my deception was worse than what he’d done. He’d left my life suddenly and returned just as unexpectedly. I was having a hard time adjusting and determining the best course of action. I knew getting married couldn’t be the answer though.

He’d been open to Trina’s wackadoodle idea. At one point, he even questioned if it was really crazy. What did that mean? I thought maybe he was reminding me that at one time, we’d planned a life together. So no, the idea of marrying Wyatt hadn’t always been a crazy idea. Even after he left, I’d longed for him to return, sweep me into his arms and make true the dreams we once had. But I’d given up on that dream long ago.

Now the idea of marrying him to save the farms of Salvation felt like an exercise in futility. Trina clearly thought I had more power than I had if she thought marrying Wyatt would make Stark think twice about coming after the Jones farm, or encourage more people to support the fight against Stark’s prison.

I guess some sacrifices are too great. Then again, I’m not surprised.

Was he really guilt-tripping me about not marrying him now and for not running off with him ten years ago? Why were his needs more important than mine? I followed through with our plans. I went to school. I came back to work. He was the one who hadn’t been willing to make the sacrifice.

Oh, and then there was the little matter of our daughter. He’d left without a look back, which meant I was alone when I learned I was pregnant. He wasn’t there when I was puking my guts up between classes at college. I was so fortunate that my family, as conservative as they were, stood by me. My mother watched the baby while I finished school and worked part-time. That was why I still lived at home. Now that I’d finally paid off my student loans and had a stable job with health benefits, I was ready to move out. I was ready for me and my sweet Alyssa to have our own place. Not to get married and move in with Wyatt.

I looked at the paperwork on my desk, but I couldn’t get my mind to focus on it. Checking my watch, I saw it was close enough to five that I could leave. I gathered my things and headed out of my office.

“Is he back?” I nodded toward the mayor’s office.

Trina nodded. “Yep. Do you need to see him?”

“No. I’m heading out to Salvation Station to see Ryder.”

“Oh, I’ll join you. I could use a drink after today. Wyatt is one tall sexy drink of a man. Why you didn’t jump at the chance to marry him is beyond me.”

I stared at her, reminding myself that she didn’t know that Wyatt had broken my heart.

We walked down the street to the bar and grill. Because it was just five, it wasn’t yet filled with locals getting dinner or a drink.

Ryder was at the bar, restocking glasses. He smiled and nodded when he saw us.

“Tough day ruling the world?” he asked as Trina and I took seats on barstools.