Page 3
Laughter erupts.
I start toward the stage.
“And some of you know my beautiful niece, Lila.”
I stop.
No.
Please. God. No.
Every head in the room swivels toward me.
Ellie slowly backs away.
“Don’t you dare,” I whisper.
Hank grins. “We’ve been trying to get more business up at the lodge.”
“Hank.”
“And tonight, I realized we’ve been advertising the wrong amenities.”
The room starts laughing before he even finishes.
I want to die.
“Our best amenity is standing right over there.”
He points directly at me.
Wyatt bends over laughing.
I consider murder.
Hank lifts his glass. “So I’m adding one more item to tonight’s auction.”
“No, you’re not.”
“One wife. One year.”
The room explodes.
“Cooking not guaranteed.”
I cover my face.
Ellie is laughing so hard she has to grab my shoulder.
“I hate everyone in this town.”
“This is incredible.”
“I want to die.”
Onstage, Wyatt takes the microphone.
“Hold on. I need clarification. Does the wife come with the lodge?”