“The good news,” Mr. Ruben added, “is there’s an expiration date on that requirement. If you choose not to marry, you can receive your portion outright in six years.”
Jack’s tone was coming unhinged, quaking under years of expectations. “Six years? I can’t believe this! You said he was pushing his legal bounds. Could we fight this in court?”
“You are welcome to get an attorney and contest the will. There is a chance you could be successful. But be advised, will and trust cases are very lengthy and costly.”
Jack deflated back into his chair, and the woman across the table spoke for the first time. She lifted her chin. “Nathaniel had strong convictions about marriage. He warned Jack marriage ties are not easily broken. My brother held marriage in the highest regard—which is why he was faithful to Bonnie even beyond her premature death. He likely sees Miranda as his daughter, the same way he saw Cameron as his son. Daughters and sons go on wills. Makes perfect sense to me.”
Jack made a grunting noise, and Jules shook her head as a frown pressed into her brow.
Jules pushed. “Are you sure this isn’t a mistake, Mr. Ruben? Our Dad never even sought a relationship with Miranda or my late husband, Cameron. The idea that he saw them as a son and daughter is a bit far-fetched. I’m sorry, but Miranda shouldn’t have half of Jack’s inheritance.”
My face heated and my eyes brimmed with instant tears. Why was I such a freaking idiot?
“No mistake.” John shook his head. “Nathaniel had her added. It’s—ironclad.”
“But why?—”
“He didn’t give a reason and wasn’t required to.”
The older woman looked smug, like she had the answer the rest of us were clamoring for—was it as simple as she made it sound? Based on my limited knowledge of him,Nathaniel seemed stuck in a permanent superiority complex. Maybe he thought this scheme was a way to flex his values.
Jack leaned back in his chair, rubbing a hand down his jaw. My thighs were clenched so tight, I was trembling. I tucked my hands into my lap and swallowed down the lump in my throat. Last thing I needed was a total meltdown right here, right now.
My phone vibrated again.
Jack shook his head. “I know exactly what he’s doing. Dad wanted me to be him, and I’ve done nothing but disappoint. He’s not going to give me the fortunes he worked for when I haven’t lived up to his standards. My divorce was just one way I fell short.”
Hurt rolled off Jack’s countenance. At one point, I would’ve rushed to Jack’s defense. Would’ve lashed anyone who dared to call Jack a disappointment. Funny how years change things. Now, I felt he deserved it. I’d watched Jack take the coward’s way out time and again. Maybe Nathaniel thought his son was a coward, too.
I knew my ex-father-in-law was a bit traditional. Was this Nathaniel’s way of punishing Jack for getting divorced?
The meeting continued awkwardly as Mr. Ruben went through some last minute instructions. As soon as we were dismissed, I shot out of my chair. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Especially Jack. Because I wouldnotget married. No way in heck. I didn't bother shaking John’s hand when he extended it. I rushed down the hall to reception and snatched Kacey from the secretary’s desk.
The decision to high-tail it was a good one. As I tugged little Kacey out the front door, tense voices flitted down the hall behind us.
Once we were safely in the car, I checked my phone.
Sherri: Something horrible happened. Brenda’s daughter wentinto labor way earlier than expected and she lives in Washington. Brenda is on the first flight there. She gave me a phone number to her friend we could call. They may be able to put you up until Brenda gets back…
The text went on. Detailing all of my fears. What would I do? I wasn’t even comfortable going to Brenda’s because I didn’t know her. I mean, I barely even knew Sherri. Now, it felt like Kacey and I were being passed to the friend of a friend of a friend. My stomach twisted.
ChicagoandMilwaukee failed me? Nothing was going right. I mentally ran through every possible option. I needed a place to crash for the night while I sorted it out. But that hundred dollars Sherri gave me wouldn’t take me terribly far. Certainly wouldn’t get a hotel for the night.
Tears stung my eyes and nose. Marriage was the last thing I expected to hear today. Jack and I couldn’t get remarried. I would never subject myself to the loneliness I felt as Jack’s wife ever again. I closed my eyes against the resurging memories of the desperation and pain. Of the months I’d spent immersed in the depths of depression after he abandoned us.
No. I’d find my own way.
I sank into the driver’s seat, letting my head tilt back. My life was a train wreck. A complete and utter wreck.
Homeless, penniless, stranded. All my nightmares come true. I was a big, desperate idiot toting an innocent child from state to state. What would happen to us now?
TEN
Jack
Storming out into the parking lot, I understood two things: my father intended to humiliate me and Miranda had to be in on it. Each of them made it no secret they hated my guts. My father had made my life a living hell since my seventeenth birthday and my ex-wife told me to go there the last time I saw her.
All I’d ever tried to do was the right thing. So much for that.
