Marriage At Any Price. Lauren Canan

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СКАЧАТЬ He’d come close once. It had ended badly. He’d given his heart to Gwen Jeffers, and she’d returned his love by having an affair with another man. He hadn’t thought of getting married to anyone since. He liked life in the fast lane. Free of responsibility to anyone but himself and his companies. “No,” he replied. “Not me. Why do you ask?”

      “Well, there’s a stipulation that needs to be met by the time we’re in probate, so I’d better discuss this with you. One of the requirements of the will is that each of you boys be married. Mr. Masters never explained his reasoning. It may have had something to do with his own experiences in life. I’ll never know for sure. But, of course, he had the right to set any conditions he wanted. If any of you aren’t married by the day the will is probated, you’ll be dropped from the will, and any financial assets or land holdings will revert to the other married sons or, in specific circumstances, to charity. As of now, you’re the only one who doesn’t meet the requirement.

      “I tried to call to discuss this with you a few weeks ago, but you were out of the country. I left several messages with your office. I asked your brothers if they knew your marital status, but they couldn’t say for sure—apparently you haven’t been in touch recently.”

      “I see. Yeah, I have a boatload of calls I need to return. I regret not getting in touch sooner. This news is disappointing.” And that was an understatement. “But—it is what it is. I look forward to seeing my brothers again and meeting their wives. It isn’t every day I get to spend time with them.”

      “That’s true.” The lawyer chuckled. “It’s too bad about the will. It sounds like the research center is a worthy cause.”

      “It is.” Seth stood up from his chair and shook the lawyer’s hand. “Well, thank you, Mr. Rucker. I appreciate you letting me know.”

      “Of course, Mr. Masters. You do have ten days or so. Perhaps you know someone who’d consider becoming your wife. There’s still time.”

      “I don’t think so, but again, thanks.”

      Seth stepped out of the lawyer’s office with Mr. Rucker close behind him just as the front door opened and in walked none other than the horsewoman he’d met on the road. Her surprise at seeing Seth was immediate. But she quickly put it aside and turned toward Mr. Rucker.

      “Did you get an appointment?”

      “Ally, why don’t you come back after lunch and we can discuss it in private.”

      “I have to go back to work. All I’m asking for is a yes or no.”

      “I’m sorry.” He smiled at her and slowly shook his head. “I’m trying to get in touch with Wade or Cole, since they handle the company’s finances. Wade is out of the country. Cole and Chance are in New York doing double duty while their brother is gone. Why don’t we step inside my office for a moment?”

      “I don’t have time,” she insisted. “You will excuse us, won’t you?” she said looking at Seth, then turned back to Mr. Rucker.

      The elderly gentleman held up his hands to Seth in a gesture of helplessness.

      “It’s okay,” Seth said, grinning. “I’ll be going.”

      “I managed to speak with Chance,” Mr. Rucker said to the young woman, “and he said he knew nothing about it and we would have to wait until Wade returned.”

      “And when will that be?”

      “When his business is finished, I gather. I believe he has an appointment here in the latter part of next week.”

      Seth heard her sigh behind him. Whatever they were talking about appeared to do nothing to improve her state of obvious frustration. She must be having a really bad day.

      Still, Seth couldn’t help but catch the names Mr. Rucker had tossed out. Wade, Cole and Chance were his half brothers. He was tempted to blurt out his relationship and see if he could help her but at the last second closed his mouth. It wasn’t any of his business.

      “Can you schedule an appointment for me then?”

      “I’ll see what I can do, Ally. You know I will, but...”

      “You think it’s pointless,” she finished.

      “I think,” the attorney said, “that you have every right to talk with them. And to that end, I’ll do the best I can.”

      “Thanks, Mr. Rucker.”

      As she turned to leave, her emerald eyes fell on Seth.

      “I see you made it to town, presumably without mowing anyone else down.”

      “Miracles do happen. Actually, I did slow down after our encounter and enjoyed the countryside,” Seth said. “Thanks for the tip.”

      “Any time.”

      He opened the door and she walked through it, turning right and continuing down the sidewalk. Seth couldn’t help but watch as she seemed to glide down the street. She was still wearing the riding pants that outlined every detail of her slim figure. A leather belt emphasized her tiny waist, and her loose white shirt covered full breasts. She had a small, impish nose and lips a man could enjoy for hours. He felt his body immediately react to her, something that frankly surprised him.

      It was too bad he didn’t pick up any vibes that she was the marrying kind. He just might be tempted.

      “Mr. Rucker, could you recommend a good place to eat?” Seth said, turning back to look at the lawyer.

      “Burdall’s City Café, just one block up on the town square. As a matter of fact, I was about to head there myself. You’re welcome to share my table.”

      “Thanks. I’d like that.”

      It was only a few minutes’ walk to the café, and they just beat the lunchtime rush. Seth pulled out a chair and settled in across the table from Mr. Rucker. He grabbed the menu from between the salt, pepper and sugar canisters and looked it over. It had a pretty wide selection for a small hometown restaurant.

      A waitress set tall glasses of ice water down next to them and said she’d be back in just a few minutes to take their orders. But before she could return, they had another visitor at their table.

      “Hi.” It was the redhead again. “Do you mind if I join you? There’s a line and I have to get back to work.”

      “Of course,” said Mr. Rucker without hesitation. “Ally, have you met Mr. Masters?”

      She stilled. “No,” she said, staring at Seth. “Not...formally, at least.”

      “This is Seth Masters. Seth, Ally Kincaid.”

      “Masters?” She frowned. Her eyes narrowed. “Are you any relation to Wade Masters?”

      “Yes. As a matter of fact I am.”

      “I knew it. When you almost ran me down on the road. You look like a Masters.” Her eyes rested on him, and she was silent for a few moments. Then, as though she thought better of saying what she had in mind, she changed the subject.

      “You СКАЧАТЬ