Caleb by Cindy Stark

Author:Cindy Stark [Stark, Cindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B017V7XO98
Goodreads: 27948231
Published: 2015-11-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“What do you mean I have to prove it?” Rachel clenched her jaw as she gripped the phone, taken off guard by the sudden demand from her uncle’s lawyer.

“It’s required, Rachel, but that doesn’t mean you need to allow Franklin to attend your marriage. I told him his presence wasn’t required for you to meet the demands of the will, that your marriage certificate signed by you, Caleb and your witnesses would be enough proof.”

Fierce panic strangled her. Was there a way to forge a marriage certificate? “That’s ridiculous. My word should be enough.”

Conway grunted his agreement. “That may be, but Franklin was correct when he stated that the will stipulates you have to have the signed document in hand before I can process your claim. Otherwise, you leave yourself open to attack from Franklin. And honestly, the sooner you do the deed, the better.”

She peeked out the kitchen window and watched Caleb as he leaned over the fence, feeding a colt from his hand.

Dammit. She’d called her attorney in the hopes he’d help her find a way out of the increasingly difficult situation she’d found herself in. Caleb constantly flirted with her, drawing her ever closer to giving in. His touches might have been innocent along with the kisses and hugs he gave, but they generated the same response from her.

Instead of Conway helping, he’d made things worse. “We’re going to get married, but it’s impossible to pull one off overnight,” she lied. “It takes time.” She’d been sorely mistaken when she’d thought she could get away with lying.

How the hell would she tell Caleb the news? They could easily get married and then turn around and have it annulled. Especially if they didn’t consummate the marriage. But, what if Caleb wouldn’t agree? After all, their union would be legally binding. They didn’t have the time or attorney to create a pre-nup, which put both of their assets at risk. Not to mention, Caleb had been more than vocal about never wanting to marry again after his first disaster. But this wasn’t a real marriage, right?

If Caleb refused, then she’d be right back to where she’d started only with less time to produce a husband.

“Time is running out.” Conway’s deep voice rumbled across the line. “You might consider taking your vows in front of a judge and having a big celebration later. That or run off to Vegas. Just make sure you bring back a legally signed certificate.”

The corner she’d backed herself into grew tighter. “Okay. I’ll talk to Caleb.”

“Good. If he loves you, he won’t have a problem. If love doesn’t do the trick, tell him he’d better, or he won’t have a roof over his head.” Conway paused. “Unless he has a better roof somewhere else where you won’t mind living.”

Awkwardness filled the silence between them.

“No,” she finally said.

“Well then, I guess the two of you had better get busy.”

She clicked off her phone as despair settled over her. It didn’t seem to matter which direction she headed, she constantly ran into brick walls, and she was damn tired of it.

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