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“That’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said.”

“Probably.”

I squeeze his hand. This time, he doesn’t argue.

The contract sits upstairs in the desk where I shoved it weeks ago.

One year.

One hundred thousand dollars.

A fake marriage.

Except nothing about the man holding my hand feels fake anymore.

And if Brody Morgan thinks I’m going to stand by while he takes another piece of my husband, he’s about to learn exactly how real Mrs. Miller can be.

Chapter 9

Dane

Leaving Lila is the first smart thing I’ve done since I married her.

Also the hardest.

I sign the divorce papers at six fourteen the following morning.

By six thirty, Rick confirms the financing for Dawson Lodge.

By seven, the remaining money is transferred into an account in Lila’s name.

By seven fifteen, I’ve convinced myself I’m doing the right thing.

At seven twenty, my wife walks into the kitchen wearing my shirt and ruins the whole fucking plan.

“You made my coffee.” She takes a sip. “Perfect.”

I nod as sadness settles in my stomach.

I know exactly how she takes her coffee.

I know she steals blankets.

I know she reads the last page of books before she finishes them.

I know she hates mushrooms and loves cinnamon and sings like shit.

I know she puts cold feet against my legs in bed and laughs when I complain.

I know she fits against me like she’s been sleeping there for years instead of weeks.

Which is why I have to do this now.

Before I find a reason not to.

“Need you to sign something.”

She lowers her mug. “That sounds ominous.”