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All her kids’ ears would stick out.
But she’d have her inheritance, along with all Frank’s money. No problem with her shopping habits. She didn’t have to learn to ranch after all.
And no more riding lessons with Rafe Grayhawk…
She’d have to sleep with Frank. Let him kiss her, touch her, probe her most intimate parts.
She shook her head to clear it. Mama was right. There was no other way. Besides, Frank adored her. He always had. He’d broken out in tears when she’d gotten engaged to Zach McCray all those years ago.
She held her head high as she walked into Deb’s Boutique.
The redheaded pain in the ass approached her. “Hello, Angie.”
“Hello, Lori. Is Deb here?”
“I’m sorry, she’s not feeling well today. She called me and told me you wanted a private Sunday shopping session and asked me to come in. What can I help you with?”
Angie stood silent for a moment, collecting herself. Was she completely presumptuous expecting Deb to open the store on a Sunday just for her? She’d done it before. Why not now? Why hadn’t she just told her she wasn’t feeling well when Angie had called? She sighed. She’d give Lori a chance. After all, how difficult could it be to pick out a dress for a small courthouse wedding next Saturday?
* * *
Dallas cleared his throat. “A divorce.”
“Yes.”
“May I ask why?”
Rafe fidgeted with the handle of his coffee mug. “I’d like to marry someone else.”
“I see.” Dallas rose from the table and paced to the kitchen. He picked up the carafe. “More coffee?”
&nbs
p; Rafe shook his head as Dallas poured himself a cup, returned to the table, and sat down.
“Is there any way to end this marriage without harming Lilia?”
“I’m not an immigration lawyer.” He took a sip of coffee. “Do you think Lilia would be willing to return to Mexico if there was no threat to her?”
“I haven’t asked her, but I don’t see why she wouldn’t.”
“Who knows about this marriage?”
“Just my father, Tom, and me. Lilia didn’t change her name. Anyone who sees her green card just assumes she’s a legal immigrant, which she is, as my wife.”
“We could dissolve the marriage quietly,” Dallas said. “That’s not the issue. The issue is protecting both you and Lilia.”
“Yes, I know. We had to go through the interview process when Lilia got her green card. We played the loving couple, and the officer who interviewed us didn’t look twice. He knew the situation, that she was here on a student visa that was about to expire, and that we’d decided to get married so she didn’t need to renew her visa. And it’s not like she got something for nothing. She pays her taxes like everyone else.”
“True, and that will no doubt be considered.” He sipped again. “Is there anyone else who might be willing to marry her if you divorce her?”
“She keeps a low profile. She hasn’t dated, to my knowledge. She seems perfectly happy keeping house for my father in that little trailer.”
“I don’t think there would be any harm to Lilia. Since she’s been married to you for more than three years, her resident status probably won’t change.”
Rafe breathed out in relief. “That’s good news then.”
“Yes, but like I said, I’m not an immigration attorney. We really need to run this by someone who knows the current laws.”
