My hands began to shake as I sat back in my chair and drew my knees to my chest. I couldn’t understand why my relationship status would be of concern to my uncle, who died over five years ago. “Why the hell would he make that a stipulation? Are you sure this is correct?”
“He was of a different generation, so maybe that’s why. I assure you, however, that it is indeed correct. Oh, there’s one more issue that has to be considered. You must be married before the first anniversary of your mother’s death.”
I wanted to throw my phone across the room. “Oh, no! That’s in two months!”
“I wish there were something else that I could do or say to make this situation better, but I’m afraid all of this is true. Maybe if it didn’t take us so long to get a hold of legal expertise in Moldova, it wouldn’t be so much pressure on you. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the law, our hands are tied at this point.”
“I have worked my ass off to get to where I am in life, and to be legally bound to a man to receive what’s mine is ludicrous!”
He exhaled a little too loudly into the phone. “I cannot imagine what you’re going through right now, Crystal, and again I am so sorry. But understand, these are your uncle’s wishes. Please let us know if there’s anything else that we can do.”
What else could he have done for me, though? Find me a husband in Moldova?
I hung up the phone and was so angry that I wanted to punch a wall. I did not see any of this coming. Not that I felt entitled to ten million dollars when people were starving in the world, but I couldn’t go on living the same way much longer. This was like some kind of dirty joke. Of course, I had no idea my uncle’s estate was tied to my mother’s. When I was told, it have given me hope.
Not knowing what to do, I realized that I’d needed a second opinion, and Annie wasn’t due back for another thirty minutes.
My hands fluttered over my hair as I took a deep breath, waved at another student who was coming in, and heading for my classroom.
If my life depended on it, I couldn’t tell you what I said or did during the next hour while I taught my class. I do remember glancing up at the clock that had one hand pointing at the three, and the big hand was on the twelve. My students hung around far too long and asked what seemed to be silly questions until finally I was back inside the office Annie and I shared. As soon as she saw my face, she asked, “Are you sick, Crystal. You look kind of pale.”
“Yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Annie jumped out of her chair and walked over to me, bumping her belly against mine, she leaned over and hugged me. “What’s wrong? You and Gavin had a fight?”
“No, no, nothing like that. I got a call from my attorney while you were out. You know, the one taking care of Mom’s estate.”
“And?”
“Annie, my uncle has left me ten million dollars.”
“Whoa… Oh, my God. Crystal. That’s a miracle. I’m so happy for you!”
I nodded, and sniffed trying to keep from balling my eyes out.
“Why aren’t you laughing and dancing around the room? What’s wrong?”
“There are stipulations. Or should I say one, massive impossible stipulation.” I shook my head, trying to find the words to explain that loathsome little detail, but my tongue had turned into a board.
“Let’s sit down. Can I get you something to drink?” Annie grabbed a juice for both of us out of the office fridge.
I cleared my throat. “Annie, I have to show up with a husband and a marriage certificate in front of a judge in Moldova. My uncle must have been old school because he wants me to prove I’m in a stable relationship before the funds can be turned over to me.”
“Oh, shit… I mean, that is really kind of… well, weird.”
“And I have to appear before said judge to claim my inheritance before the first anniversary of my mom’s passing.”
“You mean, you only got two months.”
“Yes, two months.” I took a sip of my juice and swallowed hard.
Annie sat a moment to take it all in, rubbing her hands over her belly as she thought. “There has to be a way to forge a marriage license. Maybe Richard or Jake know someone in Las Vegas.”
“Las Vegas? What?”
“Well, that’s where people can almost get married with a drive-through ceremony. So, I can only assume they have marriage certificates on hand. Maybe, with a little bribe. On the other hand… no… no…”
“Yeah, that’s illegal. And knowing my luck, I would be caught overseas with a fake marriage certificate in my purse. I’d be thrown in jail with no way to get home. And besides, like I said, I need a husband to be there with me physically to appear before the judge.”
