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“My apartment has two bedrooms. I was thinking that you could have the master and I’ll take the guest room. There’s even two bathrooms, so you’ll have your own space. I have no… well, physical expectations of you in private.”

She takes a deep breath. “Okay. That makes me feel better.”

“Also, because of my trust fund and investments, as well as my father’s, you’ll have to sign a prenuptial agreement.” She cringes, and I give her an empathetic look.

“I guess I should’ve expected that.” She continues typing.

“What else should we add to the contract?”

“Well, I don’t think we should date other people while we’re married. It would be embarrassing if people thought my husband was being unfaithful to me. It would probably jeopardize your campaign as well.” She glances at me briefly. “I feel awkward bringing up such a personal subject.”

I lean across the table and close her laptop, so I have her undivided attention. “Odette, I wouldn’t even think of seeing other women, whether this marriage is romantic or not.” I’m trying to keep my voice calm and level, but I feel strongly about this. “I don’t know if you remember Jennifer Briar from high school.” Odette shakes her head. “We got engaged right after law school. Then she left me a year and a half ago for my old roommate. They had been seeing each other for over a year behind my back.” I inhale a sharp breath. “Obviously I didn’t handle it well… and I would never treat someone like that.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“I just want you to know that, real or not, I take this marriage seriously.”

Awkward silence settles between us for a few seconds before I change the subject. “What day would work for you to meet up and sign the documents?”

“Can we do it in a few days? I need to be here to help my dad settle back in.”

“Of course.” I wring my hands together. “And I’m sorry that we don’t have more time to get to know each other. But since it’s mid-December now and I’m announcing my campaign the first weekend in January, we’ll have to marry within the next couple of weeks.”

“That’s okay. I knew everything would happen quickly.”

Once dinner is over, she yawns. I’m sure she is exhausted, so I take the hint and help her clean up the meal.

As she walks me toward the door to say goodbye, I suddenly remember the book. “Oh! I nearly forgot. I have one more thing in my bag of tricks.” I walk over to my bag by the coat rack and pull out the leather-bound copy of Pride and Prejudice. “This is my favorite romance. I mean, it’s the only romance I’ve ever read, but I wanted you to have a copy in case you haven’t read it. I’m expecting you to be the Elizabeth Bennett to my Fitzwilliam Darcy.” I lean in close to her and whisper seriously, “So if you’re not very accomplished at the pianoforte, you had better start practicing.”

“Unless you own a mansion in the English countryside, don’t count on it.” She deadpans.

A boisterous laugh escapes my mouth, and she cracks a smile. Right before I walk out the door, I take her hand in mine and place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. “Good night, my betrothed.”

When I look up, I can’t help but notice the goosebumps breaking out on her arm. A blush colors her cheeks. “You’re taking this Mr. Darcy thing way too seriously. Good night, Madden.”

Chapter 10

Odette

Three days after agreeing to marry Madden, my father came home from the hospital. Mom and I initiated the difficult discussion about selling the house and moving them both into assisted living. Dad put up a fight, of course, but deep down I think he knew it was the best choice.

Madden put us in contact with a great real estate agent, so Mom and I will be busy prepping the house for showings over the next few weeks, not to mention taking care of Dad until they both move into their assisted living duplex next week.

Amidst all the chaos, Mom and I also took care of the power of attorney paperwork. Since I’m officially in charge of their finances now, it’s been far easier to cover up how we’re paying for their duplex at Sunflower Assisted Living. I initially told her that Medicare is paying for it, but they actually only pay a small portion for the first 100 days. After that, Madden will pay for all of it.

Madden and I are on our way now to meet with his lawyer, and I’ve never been so anxious. I should've put some deodorant in my purse because my armpits currently think they’re Niagara Falls. Once I sign on the dotted line, there’s no going back.

Madden pulls up to a sleek, tall building in downtown Wichita and effortlessly parallel parks. Why is he so suave? Does good breeding guarantee good looks and parallel parking skills from the moment that you’re born?

He gets out and walks around the car to open my door for me, taking my hand helpfully as I step out of the vehicle. When he lets go, I can’t help but glance at his hand to see if he does Mr. Darcy’s infamous hand stretch after helping Elizabeth Bennet into her carriage. He doesn’t

We walk into the building and take the elevator up to Bennington & Associates on the top floor. We’re both silent the entire ride up. Obviously, I’m not the only one feeling nervous. The elevator chirps as the doors open and we step out into a ritzy-looking office with modern furniture, glossy black desks, and probably a million dollars worth of Fiddle Leaf fig trees arranged throughout. Even the air smells fancy, like they order their hand soap and cleaning supplies from France or something.

A well-coiffed gentleman with grey hair walks toward us. He’s not much taller than I am, but his confident stride and expensive-looking suit make me think he must be in charge here.

“Madden! Great to see you.” He reaches out and shakes Madden’s hand. He turns his brown eyes toward me. “And this lovely young lady must be Odette?”

“My fiancée, Odette Hastings.” Madden introduces me with a smile.