Page 29 of The Broken Hearts Club

“We just need to get married ASAP, ideally today. Then I can file the paperwork with HR tomorrow, and your benefits will kick in on the first of the month. September first is this Tuesday, and today’s Sunday—that’s why we need to hurry. Otherwise, they’ll kick in on October first, and I don’t think you should wait that long.”

He met my gaze and asked, “Would you really be willing to marry me? I get that we’re talking about an only-on-paper marriage, but it still seems like a huge ask.”

“You’re not asking. I’m volunteering.”

“But why? You barely know me.”

“I like you, Collie, and this is such an easy way to help. We’ll get married, and then a few months from now, when you’re on your feet and have a job that’ll provide you with your own health insurance, we’ll have it annulled.”

“You need a prenup. You can’t be that trusting, Miller. A spouse would be entitled to half your stuff under the law.”

“You’d never take advantage of me like that.”

“No, I wouldn’t,” he said. “But I still want you to have a legal document that says I get nothing when we split. It’s important to me, because it shows you’re taking care of yourself.”

“I have a good lawyer. He’s also a friend of mine. I’ll contact him and ask him to draw up a quick agreement.”

“Okay, that’s good. But what about a marriage license? I doubt the county clerk’s office is open on a Sunday. And isn’t there a waiting period?”

“No, there’s no waiting period in California, and you’re right that the offices are closed today. But there are authorized agencies and private officiants who can issue the marriage license and perform the ceremony on the same day, even if it’s a Sunday.”

“And that’s legal?”

“One hundred percent.”

He asked, “How do you know that?”

“Because this time last year, I was about to get married.”

“Oh. Right.”

“So, what do you think? Will you fake marry me?”

A smile spread across Collie’s face. “Yes. I’ll absolutely fake marry you, Miller.”

“Awesome.” I leaned across the bed and gave him a high-five before saying, “I’ll call my lawyer first, and then I’ll track down one of those same-day officiants. We’ll need a witness too, so I’ll call Daria and ask her to come to the hospital.”

“Yes to Daria, no to the hospital.”

“What do you mean?”

“The doctors and nurses already think we’re married. If they find out you were lying, they might ban you from visiting me, and that can’t happen.” He dropped his gaze and added shyly, “Besides, this might be the only time I get married. Even if it’s make-believe, I want it to be a nice memory.”

“Okay. But it’s probably too late to plan anything elaborate.”

“I don’t want it to be elaborate. I just want to get married someplace that looks and smells nicer than this, and I don’t want to be dressed in a hospital gown with my ass hanging out.”

“You shouldn’t leave the hospital, though.”

“I’m leaving anyway, no matter where we decide to get married. I feel fine, so there’s no reason to lie here running up a tab. Even if my insurance starts on the first, every day until then isn’t covered and will be coming straight out of my pocket.”

I was out of arguments. Besides, it was his choice to stay or go, so I said, “If you get the doctor to sign off on leaving the hospital, we can get married wherever you want.”

Collie grinned at me. “Okay, fiancé. Start making those calls, while I get myself sprung from this shit hole.”

8

Collie