“It’s not like that. I don’t mean for it to be anyway. I’m simply under pressure,” Granger said, drinking a sip of his martini, looking calm and controlled. “I can assure you. I don’t always get what I want. Most of the time, I don’t. In my position in business and in life, I’ve learned to compromise. That’s why I’m so anxious about this. There is no compromise that will work.” He ran a hand through his hair.
Sophie shrugged. “I won’t make any promises tonight.”
Granger frowned but nodded. “I understand, but I hope you’ll think through my proposal. You’ll have everything you need and want if you agree to marry me. I won’t expect you to treat it as a true marriage, of course, in terms of consummation or intimacy—not during the engagement period before your divorce is finalized—or after the marriage.” He avoided her gaze.
“Of course not,” Sophie said, sarcasm in her words. “I’m not sure whether to feel flattered or offended.”
Granger sighed and shook his head. He looked exhausted. “I simply mean that all of those details will be up to you. I need a wife on paper. The engagement binding us for marriage will be good enough for my father to accept, I think, in case something happens before he dies. At least, I would have grounds to fight the house going into other hands.” He looked worried in spite of his words.
“I think I understand perfectly, but you know, you could always find someone who is available right now—who could marry you tomorrow with no hold ups.”
John Granger smiled. “I’ve found the woman I want for the job, and that’s you, if you say yes.” His direct gaze unnerved her.
“Have it your way, then.” Sophie glanced at her watch. “I really have to be going now. I’ll call you with my answer tomorrow. Thank you for the drink.”
Granger stood up as she did, hefting his cane. “I’ll drive you home.”
“No, I can take the bus. It will be on the corner in five minutes. I appreciate the offer, though.” She smiled, in turmoil inside for reasons she couldn’t fully explain.
“Are you sure?” He frowned. “It’s freezing out there, and it’s late.”
“I am certain. Thank you for the offer. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Sophie said and turned on her heel.
Chapter Three
“He what?” Sarah asked, her eyes going wide.
“Asked me to marry him and move to South Dakota as soon as possible. Well, we’d be engaged immediately and move there, but I obviously can’t get married until the divorce with David is final.” Sophie took Baby Maya in her arms, patting her back. She was asleep, and Sophie wanted her to stay that way for another few hours until she awoke for a feeding.
“Well, what did you say?” Sarah’s voice rose with curiosity.
“I said I’d let him know tomorrow.” Sophie shrugged and yawned.
“Are you crazy? I would have said yes on the spot. Send him my way if you say no! He’s gorgeous and rich. I’ve seen him on the cover of Time magazine. Tall, dark, and handsome to use a cliche.” Sarah straightened the pillows on her couch and helped Sophie gather her things.
“He is handsome, no doubt, but he informed me that this would be a marriage in name only, if I wanted it that way and that the engagement period would be above board as well.” Sophie smirked.
Sarah snorted. “He said that?” She winked. “More’s the pity.”
Sophie laughed. “He did, or at least he said I could call the shots in that respect.” Sophie leaned against the door, tired and ready to go to bed.
“Yeah, right. He didn’t just pick you out of the blue, honey,” Sarah said, winking. “You’re a looker and a wonderful person. He’d be lucky to have you. Any man would be.”
“Thanks. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet for sure. My head is spinning.” Sophie closed her eyes and groaned.
“Sleep on it, and think about what’s best for Maya,” Sarah said.
“That’s the problem. I already know.”
* * * *
Sophie tossed and turned that night, and it had nothing to do with the baby, who slept like an angel. The decision was crazy, but an easy one. She had no close family here in Chicago who would miss her or vice versa. Her mother had died of a sudden heart attack last year, and her father was an alcoholic who didn’t care about her or Maya much. She had to call him if she ever wanted to talk, and he had seen Maya just once because Sophie had taken the baby by his dingy apartment for a very short visit. She would only be sad to leave Sarah, who was like a mother to her, and Abby behind.
But they would both kick her if she didn’t take this chance. She would kick herself. How could marrying John Granger be any worse than scrapping for every dollar and trying to keep the wolf from the door with a newborn in tow?
She knew the answer to that. He could be an abusive lout like David Banister had been, but even if he was, he was rich, and she could come to the good financially in that situation, surely. Sophie couldn’t talk herself out of saying yes.
After a mostly sleepless night, at 8:30 a.m., she picked up the phone and gave John Granger her answer.
* * * *
“You won’t regret this. I promise you,” Granger said a couple of hours later in her apartment. They were drinking tea from her chipped China in a surreal scene.
Maya studied him with unusually wide eyes from her playpen as she lay on her back. He was out of place here, and perhaps she sensed it.
“I hope not. That’s all I can say right now. The past month hasn’t been
