Page 28 of Vows We Never Made

Does my sister think I’m dicking around, trying to buy a wife for fun?

I have a thousand better things I could be doing.

Hattie gives me a nervous glance.

I try not to look like I’m pissed.

“It’s a lot to take in,” Margot says gently, patting Hattie’s forehead.

Fine, I’ll give her that.

“It’s definitely a lot,” I agree. “I know the surprise wasn’t pleasant.”

Hattie nibbles on the granola bar, pulling her legs up under her. I make a point of not looking at them too long, even if she is wearing a pair of skimpy white shorts.

I’m not an animal. Self-control hasn’t been a problem since I was younger and dumber.

Hattie shouldn’t pose any challenge, no matter how unexpectedly curvy she’s gotten with age.

“We need to think about this rationally,” I say.

Margot glowers at me, then looks back at Hattie.

“Don’t listen. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want. It’s a family favor. I think PopPop meant it as a compliment—he thought the world of you, you know. You were basically hisotheradopted granddaughter, after me and Cleo.”

A compliment.

That’s one fucked up way to look at it.

“Not that I know what he was thinking.” Margot shrugs and looks at me.

No argument there.

“There’s a lot of questions. I can’t fathom why he wanted this.” I try to sound reasonable and undickish.

“The why doesn’t matter in the end. It’s your choice, Hattie,” she says.

I scowl at her.

“Stop telling her what to do, Margot.”

“Guys, enough.” Hattie crunches the snack bar wrapper in her fist and looks between us. “I appreciate you, Gigi, it’s fine. I can get through this.”

I stare at her, surprised at the sudden change of heart.

I’m certainly not missing the opportunity.

“Excellent choice,” I say. “I can have the funds transferred immediately. If you don’t want the check, I’ll wire them. Whatever you prefer.”

She fires me a heated glance.

“Ethan, this isn’t about the money. Honestly, I’m curious. If we go through with this, maybe we’ll all find some answers. Leo must’ve had a reason for doing this.”

Not about the money she fainted over?

Whatever.

Still, if it makes her cooperate…