Page 66 of Air Affair

“We need your help with drafting a marriage contract. It needs to contain very particular terms guaranteeing the finances and property rights of Miss Belmont, here, who I’m hoping will agree to be my wife.”

Mr. Portman let out a low whistle. “Is there a reason Mr. Belmont isn’t involved? Because if you’re doing this behind his back, I’ve got to warn you that his lawyers are better than I am. I’m not sure this will stand up in court without his involvement.”

Rory stiffened, and Hank’s hackles rose. For God’s sake, this was exactly why she didn’t trust the men in her life. Even when she was in the room, they tried to circumvent her.

Barely reining in his irritation, Hank answered, “Miss Belmont is more than capable of negotiating on her own behalf.”

Rory glanced at him and gave him a private little smile. “Thank you, Hank. Mr. Portman, my father won’t be involved in this. If you have any questions regarding my interests, you can ask me directly.”

Hank took her hand and squeezed.

“Hmm.” Mr. Portman looked back and forth between them with narrowed eyes. “Well, if you’re determined to go through with this, I’ll draw it up, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

It was all Hank could do to check his rising temper. He needed Mr. Portman’s help with this document, or he would have marched right out of the office. “It’s none of Mr. Belmont’s business who Rory chooses to marry. But since I intend the terms to be entirely favorable to her, I don’t anticipate a legal challenge.”

Mr. Portman let out a long breath and pulled a notepad and pen from his desk drawer. “Very well. What terms are you proposing?”

Hank turned to Rory and looked directly into her gorgeous blue eyes. This was the part where he either won her over or made a complete fool of himself. But he had to try. “Rory, I want you to retain full rights to any money you earn or inherit. You can spend it as you please, and I won’t touch it. Furthermore, I want you to have equal rights to all my property, except the farm in Michigan. That belongs to my family, and I can’t in good conscience give it to anyone but them. But aside from that, what’s mine is yours.”

She furrowed her brows. “Hank, you don’t have to do this.”

Damn it all, this wasn’t working.

“Yes, I do.” For his own peace of mind as much as for hers, he needed her to know he wanted her for her own sake and not because he was after her father’s fortune. “I want you to trust me never to put you in a cage like your father and Edward did. I don’t want to trap you, Rory. I want to fly with you.”

Her eyes glistened, and a tear ran down her cheek. “Oh, Hank. That’s the loveliest thing anyone’s ever said to me. I want that too. I hope you know that.”

He thumbed away her tear. It was almost a yes. If Mr. Portman wasn’t watching, he would have kissed her into oblivion, but unfortunately, they had an audience.

Mr. Portman cleared his throat, and they broke apart. “Any penalties for a broken engagement?”

Well, that ruined the romance of the moment, but it was a question they needed to face. “No, we both need to walk into this freely.”

Rory nodded. “Agreed.”

“And in case of divorce?”

Hank wiped his hand down over his face. “I pray to God we never need this provision, but I would pay alimony and ensure she had a house of her own to live in.”

“Hank, don’t be ridiculous. I would never expect you to support me that way.” The horrified expression on Rory’s face told him he’d gone and put his foot in it.

“I know, princess, but who knows if your father will ever relent about your inheritance? I need to know you’re safe and sound, whether I’m in your life or not.”

“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, you know.” Her cheeks reddened as she sat ramrod straight.

He was losing ground, but this was something he wouldn’t give on. “Yessiree, I do, and I love you for it. But please let me do this for you. If you were anyone else, I would offer this, and I wouldn’t feel right cutting you off if things went south between us.”

She gave him a long hard look then sighed. “Very well. This is all hypothetical anyway. I’m still considering.”

It was a dagger to the heart, but he nodded. He knew she needed space to think, and he intended to give it to her as soon as he finished making his case.

Mr. Portman turned a page in his notebook. “And in case of the untimely death of either party?”

Hank looked at the ceiling, trying to force himself to contemplate what would happen. “She gets everything of mine except the farm in Michigan. That goes to my family. If she passes first, her property and assets should go to whoever she’s given them to in her will. I make no claims.”

“Don’t be absurd. Your money should all go to your family.” Of course, she was arguing. She wouldn’t be the woman he loved if she didn’t.

“Princess, most of this agreement is about giving you what you need to feel safe and respected as my wife. But this piece is what I need to feel right about making a lifelong commitment to you.”