What the hell?
Chapter Thirty-Six
“They’ve already made their decision?” I stare in disbelief at Ned as we stand inside the same nondescript room in the arena where he told me I needed to get married.
He flashes me a wide smile and holds up what looks to be a contract. “Sign on the dotted line, Declan, and you’re officially a minority owner of the Montana Wild Kings. The contract is set to go into effect as soon as your playing career is over, which hopefully will be tomorrow night.”
Yes, I want to finish New Orleans off in five games. I want it badly.
But this ownership offer in front of me…this is like winning twice.
“This is fucking amazing.” I grab the contract from him, all set to sign off.
Until he off-handedly says, “Guess this will help with your marriage problem, huh?”
I look up, the pen stilling in my hand. “Excuse me?”
“I went over this contract thoroughly, Declan.” He points to the papers on the table in front of me. “Once both parties sign off, there’s nothing in there that can preclude you from getting a divorce.”
My jaw tightens, and I force the question out. “Are you sure? Mia and I just got married, and…”And I’m not ready for what we have to end.
“They wanted a married owner. Which you are. Once you’re in, they can’t stop you from divorcing. For you, it was always about getting to this point. I knew once you had an actual offer, we’d be able to quietly end the marriage without much ado.”
My entire body goes hot with dread. Until I remember my loophole to keep everything that I want. “Well, that’s too bad because Mia needs a full year of marriage,” I say in relief. “So, we’ll just have to keep up the front for the next ten months.”
Ned furrows his brow in confusion. “Mia’s dad voided that part of her contract. He took away the clause.”
My blood runs cold.
“When?”
“A few days ago.” Ned’s watching me. “Didn’t she tell you?”
“No.”
No, she didn’t, but now her guardedness over the last few days is making a lot more sense.
Ned’s watching my face. “There’s only one reason I can think of why Mia didn’t tell you.”
“What’s that?”
“She put you first.” He points to my contract. “In addition to her probably wanting to wait until after the finals, which makes a hell of a lot of sense, she also knows you well enough to assume—correctly, I’d add—that you wouldn’t want her to stay in a marriage solely for you.”
Right. All of which makes Mia an amazing person, but I already knew that. What it doesn’t tell me is if she wants to be married to me for real.
So, as soon as I sign this contract, Mia and I can file for a divorce. Which is exactly why I won’t be signing anything today.
I stand up. “I have to go.”
“Declan, what about the papers?”
“They’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
Ned stares at me. “But this is everything you wanted. It’s right here in your hands.”
It’s not everything I wanted. Not anymore.
I stand up and walk out the door.
