Page 35 of Texas Tycoon's Christmas Fiancée
“And he wants Michael with all his being. He has nothing else to focus on in his life now. All his attention is on Michael and wanting my baby to be a Rafford. There’s only one real way for Michael to become a Rafford and that’s to take Michael from me.”
“That’s not true. There’s another way.”
Seven
Dread filled her as she looked into his eyes. Whatever he suggested could not be anything she would want to do. It had to involve losing some of Michael in her life.
“What does your dad intend?”
“You’re right that his main goal is to get Michael in the family. He thinks I can accomplish this, so he’s put pressure on me because he knows he’s helpless to do much.”
Her trepidation grew. “I don’t want to know, but I have to hear. What are you instructed to do?”
“Bring Michael into the family. At least with the Rafford name and a promise my father can share in his life. Dad threatened me if I didn’t accomplish this. He’s changed his will.”
“Nick, this is so unfair. Your father is ruthless and you’re going to be the same way,” she said, moving off his lap and walking to her mantel to get some distance from him. A knot had formed in her throat and she had turned to ice. “All right. Tell me about this new will and how your father has threatened you,” she said, bracing for what had to be bad.
Her spirits sank as Nick related the terms his dad had given him. When he finished, they gazed at each other in silence. She rubbed her forehead.
“I can’t believe he would take your inheritance in such a manner.”
“Believe it. My father does what he has to when he wants something. I checked with his attorney, who had been told he could talk to me about the new will.”
“So if I don’t capitulate, you lose a fortune.”
Standing, Nick yanked on his sweater as he crossed the room to her. “I’ve thought of a solution. Hear me out, because your first reaction is going to be an emphatic no.”
“You’re not reassuring me. All right, what is your idea?”
“Marry me. We’ll have a marriage of convenience.”
Shocked, she stared at him momentarily speechless. “You’re right,” she said finally. “My reaction is a very emphatic no. We’re not in love, Nick. You’re not a marrying man. What happened to what you said to me—you’re a confirmed bachelor. I recall, ‘My father has married enough to scare me from that forever.’”
“I’m suggesting a temporary union. It’s a marriage of convenience, no deep emotional involvement on either of our parts, but beneficial to both.”
“I think ‘beneficial’ would be describing what you and your dad get. I would gain nothing.”
“Of course you would,” Nick said quietly, moving a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch mildly distracting even though her attention was on what he was saying. “I’d make it worth your while because I’ll inherit the bulk of my dad’s estate. Michael will have a trust and as my wife, you would have money to take care of him in any manner you desire. You can have your restaurant. In addition, I’ll pay you a million.”
Another surprise jolted her. Her head spun at the thought of what Nick was offering. Her life and Michael’s would be altered drastically. “It boggles my mind. I can’t imagine that much money being mine. I’ve been poor my whole life until the last few years and that’s been what I’ve earned by hard work. You see what a simple life I lead. I can’t fathom living in the manner you’re proposing, much less marrying you. It’s worth that much to you to do this?” she asked, unable to grasp how Nick could be making her such an offer.
“My father is enormously wealthy. If I inherit, I’ll be a billionaire.”
“It’s that important to you that you would lock yourself into a loveless marriage?”
“Yes, to you. A union with you isn’t exactly a grim prospect, Grace. We have a hot chemistry between us. We could make this work. I’ll remind you again, it’s temporary.”
She rubbed her forehead again. “Nick, my head spins. It’s lust between us. There are so many questions about the marriage, much less thinking of the future and Michael and the money.”
“Look, I don’t want to lose Dad’s fortune, I’ll admit that. No, we’re not in love, but frankly, Dad’s health is very poor. He spent years just sleeping three or four hours a night, working on high-pressure deals, partying when he wasn’t working. He hasn’t taken care of himself and now he’s paying a price. His doctors have talked to me. We won’t be married forever and you’ll come out of it well fixed, Michael taken care of, and you and Michael can lead your own lives.”
“That sounds cold.”
“Not too cold,” he remarked drily. “You and I get along great except for this problem between us caused by my dad. Marry me, let me adopt Michael. That puts him in the Rafford family, but there is no earthly way Dad could or would take him from you if you’re my wife.”
“I suppose that’s true,” she said. “Not as long as I stay with you.”
“Damn straight. If you don’t like being married to me, we don’t have to be in each other’s faces. There’s enough money to do as you please. I’ll set up an allowance for you that will be generous and you can do what you want. Keep catering, open your restaurant, stay home with Michael—suit yourself. This will give me Dad’s inheritance and give you what you’ve dreamed of in life. You’ll achieve that goal of yours far sooner.”
