“You’re serious.”
He was incredibly serious, which was precisely why he was frustrated by how poorly he was making his case. He should have asked her to dinner and done all of this over a four-course meal with wine pairings. “I am. There would obviously be a prenup involved, but I would be generous. And we would have to agree to share custody of any children we might have.”
He should probably stop talking about kids. The idea seemed to disturb her. Should he tell her he only wanted one or two? He certainly wasn’t planning on keeping her barefoot and pregnant. And he was happy to take on at least fifty percent of the childcare duties so she could do her work.
She shook her head. “No. No, I can’t do this. This is ridiculous. No one gets married like this.”
They did it all over the world. “We would be helping each other out, but you should understand that I would prefer it if we tried to make it work. This doesn’t have to be temporary. I think we’re quite compatible. We value the same things in life. We both want a family, and we would both take that family very seriously. I’m attracted to you and it’s not simply because you’re beautiful. You’re intelligent and loyal. You’re kind. When I sit down and think about what I want in a life partner, in someone to grow old with, I think about you. I think in a lot of ways I’ve compared every woman I’ve dated to you for years, and they’ve all come up short. I’m actually happy Charles pushed me because why not go after what I want? Why pretend I’m going to be satisfied with anyone but you?” It was the decision he’d made yesterday when he’d come to the realization that he could truly lose the place his father had left for him. “Let me take you to dinner tonight and we can talk about it.”
She seemed to think for a moment, and he was almost sure she would say yes before she straightened up again and he realized he was in the presence of the mayor once more.
“No. This is not something I can do,” she said. “I’m sorry. I can’t help you and I have dinner plans.”
She had a date? He was surprised at the way his gut took a deep dive at the thought of her dating. He’d been certain she didn’t have someone special in her life. Her brother had promised him she didn’t, but perhaps she hadn’t told Dre she’d started seeing someone. His mind started going through all the possibilities, and he forced himself to stop. “Oh. All right, then. I apologize for taking up your time. Forget I said anything.”
“You don’t have to do this,” she replied. “You can save your company without sacrificing yourself.”
“I don’t know about that. And I didn’t think it was much of a sacrifice. Not for me anyway.” He knew when it was time to fold a hand. He’d gone all in and she’d played the one card he couldn’t beat. She’d said no. “Thank you for your time, Madam Mayor. I’ll see you at the wedding celebrations. Tell your mother hello from me.”
“Rene,” she said with a sigh.
Luckily the door opened and Gertie walked in, her brows rising the minute she saw him.
He tipped his head her way. “Gertrude, it’s nice to see you. You both have a wonderful afternoon.”
He smiled and hoped it wasn’t as strained as he felt. He’d been sure he could talk her into it.
But he’d failed, and it looked like he was going to fail his whole family, because he wouldn’t try this again. There wasn’t another woman in the world he could trust.
He strode out of city hall, trying to think of a way out of the trap he found himself in.
chapter two
Sylvie sat at Guidry’s, the world bouncing along around her. The sunset was spectacular and it hadn’t gotten wretchedly hot yet, so they were sitting on the deck that overlooked the bay. It was exactly the kind of night she craved. A gorgeous view, her two best friends, and a margarita in front of her. This was exactly how she usually relaxed after a long day.
She could find absolutely no relaxation tonight because all she could see was the way Rene’s eyes had tightened and his shoulders had slumped slightly when she’d told him no.
I didn’t think it was much of a sacrifice. Not for me anyway.
What was that supposed to mean?
Not that it would matter because getting married to a man she wasn’t even dating in order to help him save his business was a dumb idea. No one did this. Well, mostly no one did this. People married for love. Love was supposed to come before a wedding and kids.
It couldn’t work the other way, could it?
“You’re incredibly distracted this evening. Here I am talking about the horrors of being in the hospitality business and you are not even listening.” Seraphina Jefferys stared at her from across the table, her blond hair up in a high ponytail. “You usually love these stories.”
Sylvie tried to shake off her worries. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“She was talking about her latest guests out at the B and B. They claim the place is haunted and want a refund unless Seraphina has the whole place . . . what was the term?” Hallie Rayburn had a big glass of sangria in front of her. She’d walked into Guidry’s, having dropped her daughter at her mother’s. Sera had left her son with her husband.
“Sageing. I’m supposed to get a bunch of sage and clear the bad spirits,” Sera explained. “The trouble is if it’s my aunt Irene, she didn’t believe in any of that woo-woo stuff and we’ll only make her mad. She was scary enough in real life. I can’t imagine how cranky she’ll be in the afterlife.”
Finally, a problem she could handle.
“Have you talked to your mom about it? If there’s one thing your momma and my momma know how to do, it’s put on a show for the tourists.” For everyone, really. Delphine Dellacourt Guidry and Marcelle Martine were best friends who dabbled in what they liked to call “the supernatural arts.” Sylvie called it short cons. “I’m sure my mom will be right there to help. She’ll have a spell for it and a whole ritual, and she’ll take tips at the end. Remind her you get the family discount.”
“That’s a good idea,” Sera replied. “It’s been a while since Momma got to exercise her psychic energy. Although she’s been awfully busy with your momma lately. That worries me. Since all her kids are paired off now, she’s got way too much time on her hands, and I heard her talking about a new matchmaking business she and Marcelle want to start up. The words ‘love’ and ‘spell’ were used.”
Dear lord, her momma was going to be the death of her. “I’ll talk to her about it.”
Hallie shook her head. “Please don’t. It’s been quiet around here lately. I need some drama. Also, there are some men I know who could use the help. I consider myself an excellent matchmaker and I can do nothing for them. I think a love spell might be the only way they ever get married.”