Sylvie had come to visit him several times. Mostly with her brother, but once on her own. It had been the one time he could remember since she’d come home that she’d willingly spent time alone with him. She’d walked into his hospital room and it was like the sun had shone again.

“I told you I intended to change my life after that day,” he explained.

“You told me if I didn’t go after Lila, then you would,” Armie pointed out.

He had to smile at that thought. “Well, you needed a push, brother. Although I do admire your wife. But I’ll be honest. I’ve always cared for Sylvie. Since we were kids. We’re both at an age where we should think about settling down and raising a family.”

“Please tell me you didn’t say that to her.” Remy took a long sip of his beer.

“Of course I did. I was laying out a case for why this would be advantageous for both of us.” Maybe he should have done a PowerPoint. That always worked for the board.

“You walked into her office and laid out a plan?” Armie asked in that way that let Rene know he was a dumbass.

“Yes. Sylvie is a very practical person.”

“Sylvie is also a woman,” Major said with a shake of his head. “Did you at least bring her some flowers?”

“I offered to take her to dinner.” And to father her children. That might have been where he’d gone wrong. What if she didn’t want kids?

It wasn’t a deal breaker. He’d always wanted a family, but now he had to wonder if he didn’t want her more.

It wasn’t about love. It was about something more important. It was about companionship and partnership. It was about building something they could both enjoy, something they could trust in. Having someone who would always be on his side.

Having someone to take care of. Someone who took care of him. That was important.

“Before or after you asked her to save your company and your family? And to take your name?” Armie asked.

Quaid sighed and sat back. “I’ve already been over this with him.”

“I didn’t tell her she had to take my name.” Though it would go a long way with his aunt. He was a modern man, but his aunt was somewhat stuck on traditional gender roles. Still, she likely wouldn’t ask to see Sylvie’s driver’s license.

Remy leaned forward, his expression somber. “So you walked into Sylvie’s office with no preliminaries, asked her to marry you, and please, dear god, tell me you framed it as her saving you and not as some kind of exchange where you paid her at the end of it.”

Rene winced. “Well, I didn’t want her to think it was all about me.”