Page 136 of The Contract Marriage

“I got a sparkling pear cider from Nieve.” My smile is shaky despite my best effort to look calm. “London bought me a case, and it’s excellent.” I pour myself the cider.

Exhaling harshly, he takes the flute and considers. “What are we toasting to?”

To our forever. “What would you like it to be?” I whisper.

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Liam

I stare at my wife’s luminous face. When I first saw her on the deck, I thought I was seeing things.

Mike had just delivered the finished ring with the new yellow diamond before I came over. He grumbled everyone had to pull all-nighters, but he didn’t complain too hard when I gave everyone a generous bonus and overtime pay.

And I studied the ring on the way, thinking of some way to propose to Olivia, this time making my wishes clear. To make the opportunity count, I planned to take a day or two to figure out what I’d say and how I’d say it. So coming face to face with her on the yacht robbed me of breath.

I can’t figure out the purpose of the dinner. Is this some kind of last meal before the execution? To amicably discuss our divorce because doing it at Prescott’s office might seem cold?

I should stop her before she does, and say something, but I can’t think of anything. I don’t want to blurt out the wrong things and screw up my chances.

Olivia continues to stand, waiting for my toast.

“To your success and happiness,” I murmur finally, raising the glass because ultimately that’s the only thing I wish.

For a second it looks like tears glint in her eyes…but it must be the light. She clinks her glass with mine and takes a slow sip.

“Thank you,” she says, her voice a bit unnatural.

I nod. It’s the least I can wish for.

She holds my hand and leads me to the round table. “Let’s eat. I’m famished.”

“Aren’t you eating well? You’re eating for two.” The chiding words roll from my mouth before I can think better of it.

She smiles. “I’m trying, but it isn’t easy. The baby’s small and doesn’t know what it wants. How can it want to eat slices of watermelon drizzled with soy sauce?” She wrinkles her nose.

I laugh in spite of myself and pull out a chair for her. “That’s pretty gross.”

“Yeah, but I ate it anyway.” Sitting down, she lays her right hand over her belly, the pavé ring the only thing on her finger. “Whatever they want, they should have.” She lifts her head and looks into my eyes. “I don’t want them to feel ignored. They’re one of the most important things in my life.”

“Thank you,” I say sincerely, taking my seat. I’m grateful that regardless of her feelings toward me, she’s being good to the baby, who’s innocent in all this.

“It’s our baby, Liam. It’s my top priority.”

The server she hired brings out chilled lobster dressed with vinaigrette and fresh tarragon. Frederich would approve. I cut a small piece and hold it out for her, willing my hand not to tremble.

She takes a bite and smiles. “Thanks. Not just for this but for what you did for the baby. The oranges at the hospital, and sending Angelo…”

My cheeks burn. “How did you find out?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t want to get anyone into trouble. But I’m grateful, because if I hadn’t known I’d probably be a complete babbling mess by now.” She breathes deeply. “You know… Brielle told me about the photos and things she showed you. And I want you to know I’ve always been faithful to you. You believe me, don’t you?”

When she looks at me like her happiness hangs on my answer… Besides, even if I have doubts, I trust her to keep her marriage vows. She’s suffered too much from her father’s infidelity to follow the same path herself. “Yes.”

“Okay. Good.” Her shoulders sag slightly. “And one more thing: I don’t, um, exactly work at EverAfter.”

I force a smile to hide my nerves and the tiny bit of hope tearing a hole in my gut. “Then what do you do?”

“I own it. And…it’s a holding company for Luminary & Co.”