I’d not thought much beyond actually finding a wife. Shit, I could see how a decade of an arranged marriage might be unpalatable. “You can’t seriously expect me just to go along with that.” She closed her purse as if she were preparing to leave. “He could live another twenty years! There’s no way I’m staying married to you for decades-it’s just not worth it.” Divorce proceedings can’t be finalized for three months after. I swallowed, while trying to build an imaginary wall in front of thoughts of my grandfather’s death. How soon-God, I’m sorry, I don’t know how to ask.” “Three months minimum after my grandfather dies.” She ran her finger down her glass, collecting the condensation on her fingertip. Are we really thinking about doing this?” she asked, her eyes betraying her nerves.

“We can blame a lot on that.” I grinned and she rolled her eyes. “You’re American.” I shook my head with a laugh. “I’m a terrible liar-people are bound to see right through me.” “I’m not sure a week with your family, faking our relationship, would be so easy,” she said, her finger tapping against her cocktail glass. We would both be saving our business by doing this. “Exactly why this works for both of us.” This was business, not a favor. “I could lose everything I’ve worked for.” “My grandfather’s health is deteriorating, when he dies-” I swallowed hard against the thought of a world without my grandfather in it. “You’ve thought about this,” she said, nodding slowly. If we fly over a week ahead of time, that will give people enough time to get to know you-and buy into us.”

We don’t have to make a huge affair of it, but friends and family should go. He’s suggested a public wedding in England-no elopement. “My lawyer says that the more questions we can head off at the beginning the better. So yes, we have to live in the same place, but that doesn’t mean our lives have to change.” I took a long sip of my drink. Should our arrangement ever be challenged, the courts would look at things like living arrangements, trips together and any gifts exchanged. “When my grandfather passes, I must be married-and the marriage has to appear genuine. “Why don’t I give you a little more background?”

Duke of Manhattan by Louise Bay