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“Probably.”
Another surprise. Ella processed this for a moment. “Would you have married her?”
“No.” His voice was firm. “I still don’t think marriage is right for everyone, and certainly not right for me.”
“Why?”
“Because if you don’t get married, you can’t get divorced.”
“Oh, Baird! How terribly simplistic.”
“But true.”
She looked at him, troubled. “I realize this is a huge leap, but I have to ask. And this isn’t about Fiona anymore. This isn’t about any other woman, or a hypothetical situation. This is about me. You and me. You’re certain that even if one day you fell in love with me, you’d never marry me.” She put up a hand to stop him, as if he was going to interrupt. “I realize that’s jumping ahead a few steps, but it’s something I need to know, before I kiss you again, or sleep with you, or anything else with you.”
“That is a jump forward.” He hesitated, seeming to struggle with his answer. “You can’t see a future with me without a wedding ring?”
“It’s not just a wedding ring. It’s my dream to have a family, a career, and children. I can have both, and I want both.”
He nodded slowly. “I understand.”
They were at an impasse. She could feel it. He would not marry her. He didn’t want children. It wasn’t something he wanted or needed.
Ella swallowed hard, flattened but also strangely relieved. She’d known that would be his answer, but she had to ask him, just in case. “I’m glad we talked,” she said huskily. “Thank you for being honest with me.”
Baird’s phone pinged with a text. He ignored it, but it pinged again almost immediately.
“It might be important,” she said, wanting a moment to gather her composure.
Baird drew his phone from his pocket and checked the messages. He exhaled hard.
“What is it?” Ella asked.
He glanced from the phone to her. “James Phelps has just been arrested for embezzlement. A lawyer from my firm just texted. It’s all over the news.”
Chapter Twelve
They returned tothe hotel to pack their bags and head for Langley Park. They were silent for much of the drive to Bakewell, both concerned, both finding it easier not to speak.
As they neared the Peak District, Baird cleared his throat. “In light of the news, I’m going to stay at the house tonight. Alec needs to have legal representation in the event media shows up.”
She nodded. “That’s wise. I’m glad you’re there for him. He’s lucky to have you for a best friend.”
Baird shot her a swift glance, surprised. “I didn’t think you approved of how I’ve handled things.”
“I didn’t love the prenup, but I understand better now. Does it mean I like it? No. Does it mean I’ll ever sign one? No. But you did what needed to be done.” She exhaled, hating the butterflies flitting in her middle. “The closer we get to the house the more nervous I get.”
“It’s unsettling,” Baird agreed. “But we’ll feel better once we’re there. Has Cara reached out to you?”
Ella smoothed the woolen fabric of her trousers over one knee. “No. I take it you haven’t heard from Alec.”
“Nothing.”
“Why do I feel like they’re trying to protect us from this?”
“Alec does like to handle things on his own, his way, but this is going to get bigger before it fades away. But it will eventually fade away. News must be news, always dependent on fresh stories. Fortunately for Alec, something scandalous will happen somewhere and the attention shall shift.” Baird reached over and took her hand, holding it firmly in his. “Don’t look so worried. Alec isn’t in trouble. He’s going to be fine. Everything will be fine. I promise.”
Ella nodded and held on to his hand tightly, grateful for his steadiness and comfort.
