The Contract (The Contract 1)

Looking around, it was easy to understand why Katharine wanted her here and why she worked so hard to achieve that long-term. Penny’s room was light and airy, with large windows, and filled with easels, boxes of charcoals, pencils, and watercolors. There were books and photographs on the shelves, and many pieces of her work hanging on the walls.

An unaccustomed wave of guilt drifted through me as I remembered the small canvas Katharine had been carrying that first Saturday. I had been my usual caustic self, telling her she couldn’t hang it up in the condo. The wave of guilt and shame became a tsunami, engulfing my brain, its prickly tentacles piercing at my skin. I shifted in my chair, unused to the strange emotions.

“Richard?” Katharine’s shocked voice startled me. “What are you doing here?”

I stood up, more guilt flooding my head. She looked exhausted, and I knew it was because of me. “I came to meet Penny.”

“Why?”

“I felt it was important.”

“I’m surprised to see you up and about.”

I cleared my throat, feeling more uncomfortable. “About that—”

She held up her hand. “Not here.”

I approached her in slow steps. “Will you give me the chance to talk to you? I owe you an apology.” I sighed. “Many, I think.”

“I’m not looking for your pity.”

“And you’re not getting it. All I’m asking is the chance for a civilized conversation.”

“Can you be civilized?”

“I want to try. Please, Katharine.”

She pursed her lips. “Does this have anything to do with what is supposed to happen this afternoon?”

“I don’t expect you to still marry me today.”

“You don’t?”

“After my behavior last night, absolutely not.” I sucked in a deep breath, rubbing the back of my neck. “I would appreciate it if you would, but I don’t expect it.”

“You sort of announced it last night. I tried to stop you.” She waved her hand. “You seemed determined.”

“I know. I drank far too much, and my mouth seemed to have a mind of its own. I’ll deal with it.” I ran a hand over my aching temple. “At this point, I’m lucky you’re speaking with me.”

She worried the inside of her cheek, the way she always did when she was nervous. Before she could speak again, Penny stirred and looked up.

“Hello, my Katy.”

Katharine moved past me, dropping a kiss on Penny’s cheek. “How are you today?”

Penny reached up and tweaked her nose. “I’m fine.” She jerked her chin in my direction. “Why haven’t I heard about this one until today?”

Katharine smiled and shook her head. “I think I did say something.”

“Not overly smart, but he’s easy on the eyes—and he has good taste in chocolates and flowers.”

I chuckled at the shocked look on Katharine’s face. I was grateful Penny was still with us and lucid. Tami told me she drifted in and out, often confused and lost when she woke up from a nap. I didn’t want to think I had been the one to see her lucid today and rob Katharine of her chance. I wasn’t sure I could take any more guilt.

I picked up my coat. “I’ll leave you ladies to it.”

I bent down, lifting Penny’s hand and kissing the back of it, her veins like blue spider webs blooming under the thin, powdery skin. “Penny, it was an honor.”

“If you bring more chocolates, you can come back.”

“I’ll be sure to do that.” I rested her hand back onto her lap. “Katharine, may I speak to you for a moment?”

We stepped into the hall.

“Did you drive?” I asked, thinking I would wait for her if she had walked.

“Yes.”

I glanced down at her hand. “Where is your ring?”

“I don’t wear it when I come here. It would confuse Penny. It’s safe in my purse.”

That made sense. I was relieved she didn’t tell me it was because the entire deal was off.

“Okay. Good. I’ll see you later at the condo?”

She hesitated, remaining silent.

“What?”

“If I . . . if I agreed to marry you today, would you give me something? Think of it as a wedding gift.”

“What do you want?”

“I want to know your story. Your childhood.”

“I don’t talk about my past.” The conviction in my voice said it wasn’t up for discussion.

She drew herself to her full height, holding her shoulders rigid. “Then go marry yourself, VanRyan. I’ll see you at the condo later.”

I caught her arm before she could leave. “Katharine,” I began wearily.

Our eyes met. I saw her determination.

“All right. Marry me today, and I’ll tell you.”

“You promise me?”

“Yes.”

“I want you to wear a ring.”

“Fine,” I huffed. “Nothing fancy.”

“You can go pick it out yourself.”

“Anything else you want as a gift?” My voice laced with snark.

“No, your story and a ring.”

“I’ll go get one now.”

“Then I’ll marry you today.”

I was momentarily stunned. I had expected screaming, accusations, and arguments. Maybe even tears and her telling me to go fuck myself, for real this time. Her agreement surprised me.