A Proper Wife

Ryan’s lips drew back from his teeth. “She’s not exactly the compliant little thing you thought she was, is she?”

“As I said the other night, Ryan, a little spirit never hurt. Keeps things interesting.”

“I’m really glad you’ve thought this through, sir. I know you meant well, but—”

“But I hadn’t taken all the details into account. Yes, I-know. Well, now I have and I think it’s a much improved solution, don’t you?”

“Definitely.”

“Would you be willing to work out the details of the trust with me and my attorney?”

For the first time in days, Ryan began to breathe easy. Freedom, he thought, freedom.

“Of course, sir.”

“Believe me, Ryan. This is for the best. I know I’m pressuring you—”

Ryan smiled. “Grandfather, you have my solemn word. I’m more than happy to do this for you.”

The old man gave a contented sigh. “In that case, I should like everything settled as soon as possible.”

“Yes. So would I.” The sooner Devon Franklin was out of his life, the better.

“That’s the spirit.”

“Well, you know me, sir. Once I say I’ll do something, I don’t like putting it off.”

“Shall we agree on a day this week, then?”

Ryan looked at Devon. She was watching him with the wariness most people reserved for rattlesnakes but he didn’t care. She could loathe him as much as she liked, now that she was almost out of his life.

He opened his appointment book and thumbed through it. How long could it take to meet with James’s lawyer and discuss setting up a trust fund? An hour? Two?

“I’m free Friday afternoon,” he said after a minute. “How does four o’clock sound?”

“It sounds perfect.” James gave another deep sigh. “I must say, my boy, you’ve been very understanding.”

Ryan smiled and tilted back his chair. “Anything to make you happy, sir. You know that.”

“I know you may not see it clearly now, but I’m certain that some

day you’ll realize the great benefits to this marriage.”

Ryan’s stomach, and his chair, fell forward with a bang.

“What?”

“The trust will keep Devon from feeling as if she’s at your mercy. Oh, you’ll be happy to know, I’ve spoken with Bettina. She’s thrilled with the news.” James chuckled. “Especially since I told her I’m deeding Gordon’s house over to her as a sort of reverse dowry.”

Ryan’s body jerked as if an electric current had passed through it.

“Hold it,” he said. “Just hold it right there! I never agreed to—”

“What’s the matter?” Devon interjected.

He looked up at her. “Just take it easy—”

“I am taking it easy, my boy. In fact, I feel more relaxed than I have in weeks.”