She unlocked her phone. There was a message from Ruby.

I’m ready to sign the contract.

Finally. The timing couldn’t have been better. Ruby didn’t know it yet, but she and Yvonne had plans for the night, plans which required Ruby to have signed the contract. But first, Yvonne had to make that phone call.

She sat in her car and dialed the number of Bill Marsden, the executor of her father’s estate. Bill was a lawyer and an old family friend. He’d known Yvonne’s parents before she was even born. He seemed to like Yvonne, but they weren’t particularly close.

When he picked up the phone, Yvonne cut to the chase. “Bill, it’s Yvonne. Yvonne Maxwell. I need to talk to you about my inheritance.”

“Yvonne,” Bill said. “I haven’t heard from you in a long time. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Yvonne skipped the pleasantries. “I got married recently. I want to claim the funds my father left me.”

“You’re married? Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” It was a good sign that Bill hadn’t already heard about Yvonne’s marriage through the grapevine. That meant Yvonne’s stepmother and brother likely hadn’t heard about it either. She wasn’t looking forward to dealing with the fallout of when they inevitably found out. “So, about the inheritance.”

“Yes.” Bill paused. “It’s been a while since I’ve looked at the terms, but if I remember correctly, you need to be married for some time before you can access the funds.”

“That’s correct. I can access half the funds at three months, and the other half after a year. I’ve only been married for a few weeks, but I want to get the ball rolling.”

“I’ll have to look it up, but I’m sure you’re right. I’ll need some time to get everything in order. On your end, I’ll need you to provide proof that you’ve met the conditions your father set. You’ll need a reliable witness that can attest that your marriage is genuine.”

“Yes, I know. That’s fine.” It was going to be tricky finding a witness, but Yvonne would manage.

“Then I’ll set an appointment for ten weeks’ time. You’ll need to come along with your husband and your witness.”

“Wife,” Yvonne said.

“Pardon?”

“My wife, not my husband.”

“Oh. Yes, your wife.” He cleared his throat. “Shall I go ahead and set the appointment?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Before Bill could ask too many questions, Yvonne said a polite goodbye and hung up. She started her car. She needed to get home to Ruby so she could prepare for the night ahead.

Chapter 11

Ruby waited for Yvonne to return home, the contract on the table before her, butterflies filling her stomach.

She was ready for this. She’d spent the entire week poring over the contract, thinking hard about her limits and what she wanted. It had been a long, painful week at that. The entire time, Yvonne had continued to hold Ruby at her usual distance. However, once or twice, Ruby had caught Yvonne looking at her in a way that suggested she’d like nothing more than a repeat of that night in Ruby’s bedroom.