Page 1 of Igniting Sparks

Chapter 1

The Husband Clause

Mina

“You want the good news or the bad news?” my mother, Therese, asks as she slides into the chair across from me at One More Page, a strange smile playing on her lips. “Although, I don’t consider either bad.”

Interesting way to start the morning.

Looks like not even the strongest brew from behind the coffee bar is going to help me handlethisconversation.

With a sigh and a sip of coffee, I steel myself. “Let’s start with the bad news first.”

“I got an offer on the house. Five thousand over asking price.”

“So, I’m homeless?”

“The new owner is motivated and wants to close right away, but I pushed them off a few weeks.”

“Of course they are.” I rub the bridge of my nose as a headache brews behind my eyes. Still, I know my mother has put off this move for the last few years, mainly because of me.

This is her chance to start over somewhere fresh, far from the boundaries of Sparkwood and her estranged family.

Forcing a smile, I lean over and squeeze her arm. “I’mhappy for you, Mom. Better have a guest room in your Virginia house.”

“You’re welcome to stay with Ash and me until you find a place,” Ori interjects from across the table.

I wave my hand, dismissing her sweet offer. My friend and her fiancé are the epitome of a hot and heavy couple. Doesn’t matter that she’s pregnant. If anything, that’s only upped Ash’s affections and their renovated carriage house is not big enough for the three of us and their libido.

“I’ll figure it out. No worries. What’s the good news? You’ve won the lottery and we’re fabulously wealthy?”

My mother chuckles before clapping her hands in girlish delight. “I’ve found you a husband.”

I sputter my coffee, grabbing a napkin to my mouth as I double over in a coughing fit. “You what?”

Ori’s frozen in place, her coffee mere inches from her mouth, her jaw slack. “How very archaic,” she mumbles.

“Ori, would you give me a few minutes with my mom?”

“No way. This I have to hear.”

That makes one of us.

“Although I’m going to live to regret this, who is this mysterious man you wish me to marry?”

My mother takes a slow bite of her muffin, dabbing her napkin at the corner of her mouth. “Greg Mercer.”

That’s it. My mother has officially fallen off the deep end.

My eyes widen. “Greg? As in, mycousinGreg?”

“On that note, I’m leaving.” Ori pushes her chair back, but I grab her wrist and shoot her a death glare.

“Like hell you are. You’re riding this sinking ship with me.”

Just to be clear—my family is normal—and our relations donotinvolve those kinds of relations.

My mom shoots me an exasperated glance. “Mina, it’s just for show.”