“I do, but some judge—probably a close friend of Dad’s—felt my parents had grounds to place a hold on my money. They don’t believe I’ll marry before the trust fund’s deadline date.”
She frowned. “I need my money, Jason. I was counting on the income to pay my men as well as to pay for all the work I’ve ordered to be done around here. There were a number of things my grandfather hadn’t taken care of around here that need to be done, like repairing the roof on the barn. My parents are deliberately placing me in a bind and they know it.”
Jason nodded. He had started noticing a number of things Herman had begun overlooking that had needed to be done. He then shook his head. He’d heard of controlling parents but felt hers were ridiculous.
“Certainly there is something your attorney can do.”
She drew in a deep breath. “He sent me a text moments ago and said there’s nothing he can do now that a judge has gotten involved. And even if there were, it would take time and my parents know it. It is time they figure I don’t have, which will work in their favor. True, I got this ranch free and clear but it takes money to keep it operational.”
He shook his head. “And all because you won’t get married?”
“Yes. They believe I was raised and groomed to be the wife of someone like Hugh who already has standing in Savannah’s upper-class society.”
Jason didn’t say anything for a few moments. “Does your trust fund specifically state who you’re to marry?”
“No, it just says I have to be a married woman. I guess my grandparents figured in their way of thinking that I would automatically marry someone they would consider my equal and not just anyone.”
An idea suddenly slammed into Jason’s head. It was a crazy one…but it would serve a purpose in the long run. In the end, she would get what she wanted and he would get what he wanted.
He reached out and took her hand in his, entwined their fingers and tried ignoring the sensations touching her caused. “Let’s sit down for a moment. I might have an idea.”
Bella allowed him to lead her over to the kitchen table and she sat down with her hands on top of the table and glanced up at him expectantly.
“Promise you’ll keep an open mind when you hear my proposal.”
“All right, I promise.”
He paused a moment and then said, “I think you should do what your parents want and get married.”
“What!”
“Think about it, Bella. You can marry anyone to keep your trust fund intact.”
He could tell she was even more confused. “I don’t understand, Jason. I’m not seriously involved with anyone, so who am I supposed to marry?”
“Me.”
CHAPTER FOUR
BELLA’S JAW DROPPED open. “You?”
“Yes.”
She stared at Jason for a long moment and then she adamantly shook her head.
“Why would you agree to marry me?” she asked, confused.
“Think about it, Bella. It will be a win-win situation for the both of us. Marriage to me will guarantee you’ll keep your trust fund rolling in without your parents’ interfering. And it will give me what I want, as well, which is your land and Hercules.”
Her eyes widened. “A marriage of convenience between us?”
“Yes.” He could see the light shining bright in her wide-eyed innocent gaze. But then caution eased into the hazel depths.
“And you want me to give you my land as well as Hercules?”
“Co-ownership of the land and total ownership of Hercules.”