Page 103 of Blue Jean Summer

The $5,000 deposit that had magically appeared in my bank account at the beginning of the month was a sobering reminder of exactly what this was. In a week, there would be another.

Fifteen thousand dollars for a wife…More, depending on how long Lewis dragged this out.

“It’s…complicated,” I hedged.

Hallie chuckled. “No shit, Sherlock. That tends to happen when you start falling in love with your husband.”

I cut my eyes at her.

“Are you going to deny it?” she pressed.

I swallowed and looked down at the ring. “No.” My phone dinged, and I swiped across, secretly hoping that it was Hayes texting me.

My jaw dropped. “Oh…”

Hallie’s brows creased. “Is that a good ‘oh’ or a bad ‘oh’?”

I turned the screen so she could read the email that had just dropped into my inbox. “I got an interview for the hospital job in Richmond.”

Hallie’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you look surprised? Didn’t you apply?”

I shook my head to try to slough off the surprise. “I did. I just thought it was a long shot. I don’t have formal marketing experience. The nonprofit sector is usually a ‘jack-of-all-trades, master of none’ situation. I figured a hospital system would want someone with a history in healthcare administration.”

Hallie rolled her eyes. “They probably don’t care if your résumé doesn’t match the job description. You’re a Wilder now. And Miss Virginia, but honestly, being a Wilder is more lucrative.” A car pulled up to the circular entrance. “And now it’s time for you to act like one.”

I left my phone in Hayes’s study, made my way to the foyer, and stood beneath the bridal portrait of Mildred Wilder, hoping I looked just as regal.

I glanced over my shoulder and caught Hallie snapping a photo of me as the hired driver opened the back door for the passengers.

“What are you doing?” I hissed.

Hallie shot off a text. Her phone dinged almost immediately with a response. She hustled over and showed me the screen. “Hayes asked for a picture.”

Hayes: Will you tell her she looks beautiful for me?

My heart did a little pitter-pat as Hallie disappeared. The first guests neared the door while another car pulled up.

“Mr. and Mrs. Elias,” I said as I stepped out to greet them. Hallie had given me a dossier with profiles of each owner to memorize, and it was already coming in handy. “Welcome to the estate. I’m so glad you were able to join us.”

There were perfunctory kisses on cheeks as Joseph and Darlene Elias said their hellos. They owned a media conglomerate and a professional football team, and were celebrating their first season as owners of a champion racehorse with an up-and-coming jockey.

“I was so sad to hear of Walt’s passing,” Darlene said with kindness in her spry eyes. “And then I heard there was a wedding at the estate, and look at you!”

I laughed politely. “It’s been quite the whirlwind. That’s for sure.” I showed them into the formal living room where catering staff were armed with trays of passed hors d’oeuvres.

The song and dance continued as car after car appeared with owners and their partners.

I had welcomed the last pair of guests and was about to close the door when a meaty hand wrapped around the doorframe.

“Lewis,” I said with an exasperated sigh. “I take it you’ll be joining us today?”

“Wouldn’t miss it, dear sister-in-law,” he sneered with a greedy smile and breath that was laced with Scotch.

I shuddered as he breezed past me and slid into the living room with a raucous “Hello” to the guests.

Hallie appeared at my side and slipped an oyster fork into my hand. “Go for the jugular.”

I tucked it into the pocket of my dress. “Hopefully it won’t come to that today. I’ll let Hayes have that pleasure when he gets the complaint contesting the will thrown out of court for good.”