Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“What kind of exes do you think we’ll be?” she asks in a mischievous voice. Her lighthearted demeanor makes my heart plummet because to be honest, I hate discussing divorce with her.
I crook my head, perplexed, but she goes on with her hypothetical scenario.
“Will we be the vindictive type? The couple who’s always looking for ways to hurt one another? Or do you think we’ll be one of those bizarre couples that can stay friends after divorce without hating each other or feeling overwhelmed by awkwardness?”
I can’t help but laugh at this.
“What do you foresee?” I ask, turning the hypothetical on her.
“Hmm,” she says thoughtfully while running her finger around the rim of her glass. “I was thinking maybe stick together a couple of years, make a few rugrats, and in the end really make this thing work, you know?”
My eyes go wide at her comment. Is she joking? The thought terrifies me, and yet a part of me hopes she’s being serious. But then, Sansa breaks out into laughter. “Oh, calm down Brent! I’m just playing around with you to see if I can get a rise. You seem so serious tonight, and it’s nice to be able to joke a little, even if you look terrified.”
I’m taken aback by her insight.
“In reality,” she continues, “I think we’ll be totally fine after the divorce. After all, we were never in love, right? So no hard feelings. We’ll be the best exes, don’t you agree?”
At this point, I can barely speak, much less swallow, but I manage to give her a nod.
“Yeah, definitely,” I say in strangled voice. “You’re right, of course.”
“I always am,” she says in a teasing voice. “You’ll see, Brent Carson. I’m always right, and like you said, happy wife, happy life.”
I think it over for a moment, and then nod. “Of course, sweetheart. It’s only too true.” Then I raise my glass to toast. “To the best fake marriage yet.”
“To the best fake marriage,” she echoes, but as our eyes meet, my heart contracts with a pang. I’m on a boat with a beautiful woman whom I respect, desire, and admire. If that’s not the foundation of a good marriage, then what is? Have I made an enormous mistake going into this as a transaction? Am I going to regret my actions? Only time will tell.
10
Sansa
It’s been three months since my wedding day and yes, the marriage is technically fake, but honestly, it doesn’t feel that way. Other than our awkward conversation on the yacht that first week, the relationship feels real, and even more, it feels as if it becomes more and more real each day. Brent and I tease each other all the time, exchanging sweet kisses and fond gestures, and we make love a lot. Most days, it’s difficult to remember that this man isn’t really my husband, and that we’ll be breaking up once his dad announces his retirement. To be honest, our imminent divorce scarcely crosses my mind these days because I’ve thrown myself into my new life.
After all, I genuinely love spending time with Brent. He’s gorgeous and impressively intelligent, and spoils me rotten too. He’s always doing little things like drawing a warm bath with lit candles and rose petals (before getting into the tub with me for hot session of love), or bringing home my favorite wine to pair with dinner. In a twist, Brent’s even gotten to researching candy recipes with me. The man loves peanut butter, I tell you, and any peanut-butter flavored treat is up his alley.
Plus, with my man’s financial backing and business guidance, I’ve been able to get A Mouthful of Sweets fully up and running. It was a dream to finally place the “Open” placard on the glass door, and Brent bent to press a kiss to my cheek that first day.
“I’m so proud of you,” he whispered in my ear. “You’re amazing, Sansa Carson.”
I merely smiled at him, going up on my tiptoes for another kiss.
“Thank you, Mr. Carson,” I whispered back in a heartfelt tone. “For everything.”
And luckily, business was good from the get-go. Customers seem to adore the specialty licorice I have on display, and we’ve even developed a cult following for Brent’s favorite peanut-butter filled chocolate eggs. In fact, things have been so busy around here that I had to hire my first employee, a spunky young girl named Catherine.
Catherine, or Kitty as she likes to be called, adores chocolate with a passion. Apparently, my new assistant went on a walkabout after high school, and while in southeastern Brazil, she discovered the indigenous BriBri tribe, who specialize in working with cacao. Kitty instantly fell in love with candy lore, and she’s been a perfect fit for the job. She’s enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and has a passion for sweets that rivals my own. Even more, Kitty brings a bright and lively energy to the shop and is a pleasure to be around.