by Vicky Dean
Cassie, who had just taken another sip of her wine, almost spat it out. “Excuse me, what?” she cried, and turned to face Richard, who had quite the miserable look on his face.
“Mr. Gallagher would like the two of you to get married,” Philip said. His words were direct, but Cassie’s mind was jumbled.
“I don’t understand.”
“After Mr. Gallagher ran into you on your last visit here, he stopped by my office the following day and added a provision to his will. Richard will only inherit the Gallagher ranch if the two of you get married within four months of his death.”
Cassie was speechless and realized she was gripping her wineglass so tightly she was in danger of snapping the slender crystal stem.
No wonder Philip was so flustered and Richard seemed so nervous. If they hadn’t been that way she’d have thought it was a joke, but they were serious.
“This is ludicrous. Why would he do that?” she said, as startled by the thought of marriage as she would be if a shark was coming at her, jaws wide open.
Philip looked at Richard, who explained. “My grandfather has been on my back since I was twenty-six to settle down and start a family. When I turned thirty, five months ago and still didn’t have a steady girlfriend, he really started putting the pressure on me. I’ve had many girlfriends over the years, but no one serious since college.”
“What happened to her?” Cassie asked, not even sure why it was relevant, but she was treading, trying to buy some time to process what Philip had said.
Richard was quiet for a while and looked into his wine glass as he answered. “She cheated on me. And I guess I’ve never really trusted a woman since, and to be honest I have no interest in getting married or having children, and grandfather knew it.”
Cassie sensed his vulnerability about this and she felt so bad for him. He’d lost his parents and siblings at such a young age and all he’d had left was his grandfather. Then his grandfather did this…wow, it must be so difficult.
“Okay, but why me?”
“He knew we used to get along and he always liked you,” Richard said, his voice drained of any emotion.
“We were kids,” Cassie protested. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but why on earth would I agree to this?”
“It’s really not that bad,” Philip said. “You only have to stay married for a year. If you want out after that, there’s no problem.”
“But I live and work in Manhattan. My life isn’t here. I somehow doubt your Gramps meant a long distance marriage,” she said. It was an attempt to bring some humor into the situation, which was definitely humorless.
“No, that wouldn’t work,” Philip replied seriously. He reached for his briefcase and produced a copy of the will from a manila folder within it and flipped to a page that was marked by a small Post-it note.
Cassie could only watch and she felt numb, suddenly not as hungry as she had been. She stared at her glass of wine, feeling like she’d like to drink it all down quickly, as if it would help her process this.
“According to Mr. Gallagher’s instructions, you need to marry within the next three and a half months, and live together under the same roof as husband and wife for a year after that—and in Avalon Bay.”
“Seems rather foolish now, but here I was thinking he’d left me some small trinket to remember him by. This is insane,” Cassie said flabbergasted. “He was quite the matchmaker, wasn’t he?”
“It’s a lot to take in,” Philip sympathized. “Richard was equally shocked when I broke the news to him.”
She looked at Richard and felt so confused. He was scrumptious, sure, but she didn’t know him. Getting married for the first time was supposed to be a big deal—for more than the wedding, also because you were in love. She admitted lust, but love, no, she couldn’t.
“I’m sorry,” Richard said. “Honestly, Cassie, I knew nothing about this until this past week.”
“I’m flattered that he considered me so highly, but it’s a bit puzzling, too. Even if I was open to it, I’m not in a position to put my life on hold for the next year. I’m sorry, but I just can’t do that.”
“I understand completely,” Richard said. “I don’t blame you at all, Cassie. It is madness, and you clearly are not mad.”
“And you?”
“I don’t really know,” Richard confessed.
That moment was the first time that she thought that Richard may actually want to marry her. Of course he wanted the money, but wow, what a price to pay.
Cassie was saved by the waiter bringing food and thankful for the silent reprieve as they all enjoyed the antipasto misto. However, when the waiter removed the plates, Philip was ready to talk again. “There’s more to this. What you decide to do could affect others.”
This remark caused Cassie to put her glass down and pay close attention. “How so?”
“The Gallagher ranch and its subsidiaries is the largest employer in the town and surrounding area. Most are locals with family here. I believe your Uncle William is among them. There is a sizable bank account that goes with the ranch and there’s money in it for operating costs, payroll and other emergencies. But if Richard doesn’t inherit the ranch, he won’t have access to the bank account and no way to meet the payroll.”
“That’s terrible!” Something was off kilter, though. Cassie believed that Richard was a wealthy man in his own right. She was about to ask this, when Richard spoke up, almost as if he knew what was passing through her mind.
“All of my money is tied up in the ranch and my construction company,” he explained. “Last year, I took out a personal line of credit to expand the construction company. I’m maxed out. If I don’t inherit I’ll be ruined right along with everyone else.”
The look on Richard’s face tugged at her emotions and she wanted to help, she really did, but this? It really was too much to take in and a tremendous burden. She felt her hands shaking from all the adrenaline rushing through her as she processed the scenario, which was movie worthy.
“The bank won’t approve releasing additional funds until the matter of ownership is made clear,” Philip said.
“And if Richard doesn’t inherit, who gets it all?”
“There’s a potential buyer, a capitalist firm that buys up ranches at deep discounts, strips what they can from them, and then resells a few years later.”
Philip’s words made Cassie’s stomach knot up. “Why would your grandfather do this to the town or you? It’s so manipulative.”
“He always boasted about being a good judge of character. I think he was counting on you saying yes,” said Philip.
“What, and Richard and I would automatically fall in love just because we spent a year together? That’s not the way it works,” Cassie said in a scornful voice.
“I’m sure he meant well; he was a romantic at heart,” Philip said with a smile, as he attempted to lighten the mood.
Cassie looked at Richard, who was so quiet and it ticked her off. It was like he’d hired an attorney to negotiate a marriage. She wasn’t so certain that she could live with that.
“It’s not fair that my grandfather expected us to do this, especially you,” Richard said. His words were hardly comforting to her.
It’s a lot to take in, guys.”
The waiter came and quietly set the seafood platter on the table and Cassie looked at him and smiled, but it was weak. She was so confused and rightfully so. They wanted a life changing decision from her, one that was cast upon her by someone else. She hadn’t looked for this.
“Tell her about Primrose House.” Richard shot a look at Philip.
“Right, of course,” Philip said, lowering his fork. “Mr. Gallagher didn’t expect you to give up everything and receive nothing in return. For your trouble, he wanted to compensate you with a piece of land and a house that has been in the family for years. It needs renovation, but it’s a prime location with plenty of potential.”
“Isn’t that...” Cassie began.
&
nbsp; Richard cut her off. “Yes, it’s where my grandparents first lived, and where I lived after my family’s accident. Grandfather was there until Grandmother passed away, about ten years ago. Then he moved in with me at the ranch. He said Primrose House was too big for one person. Really, he didn’t want to be alone and I enjoyed the company, too.” His voice broke a bit and she reached out for his hand, feeling so bad for him. Just as it touched his, he pulled away and started to eat again. How could these two have an appetite, she wondered.
“When do you need an answer by?” Cassie asked.
Both men lowered their forks and turned to face her.
“Would you actually consider this, Cassie?” Richard asked, his eyes coming alive.
“It’s a big decision and I need to process it, especially if it impacts more than just us. I’ll also need to discuss it with my mom and aunt.”
“Absolutely,” Philip said, “discuss away. However, only to your mother and aunt. Mr. Gallagher realized that you would want to do that, but part of the deal is that it must appear to be realistic. No one can know that it’s a marriage of convenience. Can you make a decision in two weeks? End of the month?”
“So quickly, don’t I have three and a half months?” Cassie asked, feeling that anxiety swell up inside her again.
“I know, but we need to update the bank on ownership status as soon as possible,” Philip said.
Cassie took another sip of wine. Her head was spinning. “I honestly don’t know what my answer will be.” She looked at both of them. “I’m up for a big promotion at work. The job I’ve always wanted. It’s a hell of lot to give up.”
“Just think about it,” Philip said.
Barely eating a thing, Cassie felt as heavy as a lead balloon when she walked out of Delfino’s that day, receiving a whole lot more to chew on than a tasty lunch.
Both Philip and Richard stood up, giving her a hug and kiss on the cheek, and thanked her for coming. It was what Richard whispered in her ear that haunted her though. He said, “Well it would seem my life is in your hands.”
“It would seem,” she whispered. Then she walked out without looking back.
AUNT MAGGIE GETS BUSY
Cassie’s drive back to the cottage was almost like a dream. She just didn’t know what to make of it all. Her head was pounding, but was it from the wine or the ultimatum? The whole thing was completely insane. Mr. Gallagher seemed smarter than to think that a forced marriage could lead to a happily ever after, but he’d put the idea in motion. Now, if she didn’t agree an awful lot of peoples’ lives were going to be disrupted, even ruined. Geez, what a position to be put in, she thought.
And then Richard, that had been a shock. Whenever she’d imagined him over the years she’d always remembered the acne faced shy guy, not the Adonis that she’d instantly been drawn to.
Upon arriving at home, Cassie was glad to have silence in the cottage. She decided to take a nap. Yes, that was what she needed to clear her head. She slept and slept, waking up to find it was after 6 PM.
She walked downstairs and heard laughter on the front porch. When she peaked out the window, she saw her mom and aunt, sipping on some wine and showing amusement about something. How would they react to this news?
Opening the front door, Cassie walked out onto the porch. Both ladies turned their heads. “Oh Cassie, there you are. We were worried. You feeling okay?” her mother asked, looking up at her from over the rim of her wine glass.
“No need to worry, Mom. I just got so tired, must still be a bit of jet lag.”
“Wine?” her mother asked.
“Okay,” Cassie replied.
“And right when your mother gets back, it’s time to tell us all about your lunch,” Aunt Maggie said eagerly.
Cassie sat down on a wicker chair while her mother got her the wine and then accepted it.
“So…” Aunt Maggie encouraged.
Her mother stared at her, eyes alert and she leaned forward so she didn’t miss a word.
Well, here we go, Cassie thought. Then she laid out the entire plan behind Richard’s proposal and what the will said. Honestly, she couldn’t even look at them when she said it because their reactions likely would have startled her too much. As it was, their gasps followed by intense silence were unnerving.
After a few long minutes, her mother finally spoke first.
“I honestly don’t know what to say. I’m shocked I’ve never heard of such a thing in this day and age. What was Douglas thinking?”
“Is it that dreadful? Richard’s the most eligible bachelor for miles around, devastatingly handsome and charming and you’ll gain a property for your trouble. And we’ll have you living nearby,” interjected her aunt.
“But Cassie’s life and career are in Manhattan. She’s just about to get the promotion she’s always wanted, and worked so hard for,” her mother countered back.
“Where is the property you would receive for your trouble?” asked Aunt Maggie.
“Primrose House, it’s just outside the town on the cliff overlooking the harbor. It’s certainly a prime location. I only visited it once, years ago,” Cassie said.
“That home is lovely. Sounds like a dream come true!” Aunt Maggie exclaimed. “Plus, maybe you really will fall in love. It could happen.”
“Neither one of us is looking to fall in love,” Cassie corrected. “I mean, I’d love to find Mr. Right someday, but right now my life is in Manhattan, and Richard made it very clear that he has no interest in marriage, to anyone, either.”
“So what are you going to do?” her mother asked quietly.
“I have no idea. So many people’s lives will be affected by my decision, but should I have to marry someone for everyone else but me? Give it all up.”
“How long do you have to decide?” her mother asked.
“Two weeks.”
“It’s an awful burden he has put on you, and Richard, too. It’s so manipulative,” her mother said as an angry flush crept over her face.
“Cassie, what did you think of Richard? He’s drop-dead handsome, isn’t he?” Aunt Maggie asked. She was certainly focusing on the positive. Cassie had to hand it to her.
Cassie felt her face redden and avoided her aunt’s penetrating glance. “Yes, he’s nice.”
“Nice is hardly adequate, dear,” said Aunt Maggie. “I’d say sexy and devastatingly handsome are far more appropriate words. As for your big decision, go with your gut and do what your instincts tell you is right.”
“I think I’m going to go for a walk on the beach,” Cassie said.
She got up and made her way to the sand, eager for the therapeutic feeling of the sand squishing between her toes.
By morning, Cassie wasn’t any more certain and she was plenty tired. It had been a rough night’s sleep, but it was a big day. It was her mother’s birthday.
After clearing away the breakfast dishes, she brought out the present she’d gotten for her mother and handed it over.
As she unwrapped the gift, Kathleen smiled. “Oh Cassie, you bought these at The Stormy Sea. I was admiring them last week, so beautiful and unusual. Thank you.”
“I’m so glad you like them, Mom. I was drawn to them, too, and Jacqueline said that you’d been admiring them. Must have been meant to be. She’s really nice, by the way.”
“Yes, she is. Moved here from San Diego about six months ago. She’ll be coming to the BBQ today,” her mother said as she checked the time. “Speaking of which, we have a lot to prepare.”
The rest of the day and night were devoted to her mother and her birthday celebration. There was no mention of proposals, wills, or big decisions, although the presence of such thoughts was constantly at the back of her mind. She’d decided to think about it properly the next day, on her way back home.
***
Since Cassie’s departure, Maggie Byrnes had been deep in thought. She would love to have her niece living nearby and knew that it would make her sister Kathleen very happy, plus she had
to agree with Douglas Gallagher, Cassie and Richard would make a wonderful couple. Without mentioning anything to Kathleen, Maggie phoned Philip and set up a meeting with him and Richard in Philip’s office for that afternoon.
Philip’s office was on Main Street, mingled in with all the small shops and businesses of the town. When Margaret arrived at his office, Richard was already there. She saw the nervous looks on their faces, likely curious about her reaction to their proposal. She smiled warmly at them and said, hello, shaking their hands.
Once they were back in Philip’s office, she sat down in a plush brown leather chair and then didn’t waste any time getting down to business. “One of Cassie’s dreams has always been to own her own small hotel.”
Both men looked at each other with puzzled expressions and only nodded, wishing for her to continue.
“Of course, she has always thought this may be a rather impossible goal to achieve. But, I am wondering if Primrose House might be turned into a small boutique hotel,” Maggie said, looking from Philip to Richard. “If it was, it would certainly sweeten your proposal for her.”
Richard’s face brightened as the sense of what Margaret was saying dawned on him. He started to tap his fingers on his leg slowly, thinking about what she’d said. She could sense him thinking what she’d said through.
“It certainly would be an incentive for her,” Philip said, looking at Richard. “Surely, a more attractive proposition for her than a job promotion working for someone else. Richard, you know that home best, do you think it would work as a small hotel?”
“It’s certainly possible,” Richard said. “Would you like to drive up there Margaret and take a look. See what you think.”
“Yes, I’d like that very much,” she replied.
“You don’t need me for this, do you?” Philip said, looking at the two.
“We’ll be just fine on our own,” Maggie said, smiling brightly.
On the ride over, Richard turned to Maggie. “I’d better warn you, it’s not been lived in for years and is in need of a complete overhaul,” Richard said, turning to look at Margaret.
