“No, you look like my personal captor, who won’t let me off the bed.”
“Hmm… interesting idea,” he said, as he returned with her purse. “Your personal captor, who keeps you in bed? I like the sound of that.”
“Branson! Don’t be disgusting!”
“It was your idea. And we’re married, so we could give it a try. I never thought about that sort of thing, but if you’re into it...” He should’ve shown a bit of mercy, adding a wink or a laugh to assure her he was teasing. But her sputtering objections and shocked inhalations were too fun to pass up.
“I’m ignoring you,” she announced. “I’m looking up annulments in Nevada. Let’s see. Grounds for annulment. Number one—lack of parental or guardian consent. Nope. Number Two—insanity or lack of understanding. Does it count that I’m going crazy right now?”
“Compared to whom? You’re in Las Vegas, remember?”
“Okay, number two’s out. Three—fraud by one spouse, inducing the other to marry. Don’t think so. Four—illegal marriage due to close relations. You think we might be long-lost cousins?”
“Doubtful. I’m sure my father would’ve told me, since he can’t keep his nose out of my business. My family tree has been plotted back to the Mayflower. You see, my relatives wouldn’t enter into marriage without meticulous research of the genetic line. It’s like breeding a thoroughbred. Of course, I’m living proof that meticulous planning can still produce a botch.”
“A botch. Yeah, right,” she responded, though it was obvious her mind was on other matters. “The fifth one is that one spouse was married to another person at the time of the marriage. But my divorce has been final for years. So, I’m thinking the one about fraud is our best shot. What if Finn committed fraud when he put our names on that marriage license without our knowledge. Do you think that would work?”
“Didn’t it say one spouse had to commit fraud on the other spouse?”
“Yes, it does. Rats! I think we’re stuck.”
He pulled his lips down, in an effort to appear disappointed, though every bone in his body wanted to lift her into the air and laugh and celebrate. Or maybe, celebrate with their lips together.
“It’s no b
ig deal, Stephanie. No one knows about it but you and me. We can keep it a secret until the divorce is final, even if it takes a few months.”
His attorney could find ways to delay the process. And maybe by then, he could prove himself worthy of her love.
“But I’m not good at telling lies.”
“You won’t have to. It’s not like anyone’s gonna say, ‘Hey—are you guys married?’ No one’s gonna suspect. All you have to do is not mention it.”
“I guess you’re right.” Her tone wasn’t as confident as her words. “But what about Carina? She thinks you’re getting married right away. She’s hoping to get married before you leave here.”
Carina. No doubt, she’d find a way to destroy the marriage if she discovered it.
“I kind of forgot about her. Guess we’ll have to keep it a secret, especially from Carina. I don’t know what she’s up to yet, but we can’t let her use this as ammunition.”
“Ohhhhh. We’re doomed. I’m a terrible secret keeper. I don’t have trouble keeping things like your business details confidential, but when I’m upset about my personal life, I blabber like a drunk man.”
He sat on the edge of the bed and found her hand. “I’ll help you. It won’t be so bad.” He touched her fingers, soft and slender. Then he noticed the smooth thin band and murmured, “You still have your ring on.”
“So do you,” came her throaty reply.
Was it possible? Could she have feelings for him?
His pulse galloped as he worked up the courage to speak his heart. “I like the way this ring feels on your finger.”
“What do you mean?” she whispered.
“I wondered if we might stay married instead of getting a divorce.”
He heard a gasp. “No. You can’t marry someone just because it happened by accident. A marriage has to be based on love and commitment.”
His mouth was so dry his lips stuck to his teeth. “I agree. And I’m going to be honest with you… and honest with myself. I love you, Stephanie. I’m sure of it. I’ve tried to deny it for a long time, but I was lying to myself.”
“Bran—" She started to respond, but he held up a finger.