Page 26 of The Love Bargain
Hold onto your dreams tightly and never lose hope. Even if it takes years before you get together, it's worthwhile in the end.
Epilogue
It's hard to believe that only five years ago, I was alone—a determined person with an idea but no love or money. Today, I'm a married woman and owner of a growing matchmaking business.
My life is everything I've ever dreamed of, and it's all thanks to Ryland. I’m so grateful for every blessing we share.
Ryland and Zane decided to become partners and open a law office. Those two are thick as thieves, and our daughter loves when Uncle Zane spends time with her.
I sometimes joke about Zane taking time away from work to find someone special, but he brushes me off and changes the subject.
Loving Ryland taught me that work isn’t everything. Zane will learn that lesson when the time is right for him.
It’s late. Ryland ate dinner at the office, and I’m waiting for him to return home. I always wait up, no matter what time it is, unable to fall asleep if he isn’t beside me.
The front door creaks open, and Ryland releases a deep sigh as he crosses the threshold. His footsteps are heavy and deliberate, each demanding more energy than the last.
I feel his disappointment in the air, like a heavy blanket covering the entire house.
Our daughter is asleep in the nursery. I listen carefully to the baby monitor on the dresser and make out the soft rustling sound of our daughter's breath.
I’m in the bathroom, getting ready for bed, dressed in only a silk bathrobe. I hastily run a brush through my hair, tie the silk sash around my waist and saunter out to greet my handsome husband.
Ryland storms into the bedroom, ashen face twisted in a grimace. He stops in his tracks when his gaze meets mine. His body language softens, but his features still hold darkness.
I know that look. He's been through an emotionally and mentally draining day. When he's in a mood like this, he needs help to snap out of it, and I know exactly what to do.
“Tough day?”
“Fine. How about you?” He starts unbuttoning his white shirt, his movements terse and clipped.
I see the tension he holds in his jaw and shoulders as he slides his suit jacket off and loosens the knot of his tie.
I slide my fingers under my robe and drop it, exposing my shoulder. His eyes snap to my body, and he’s looking at me like I just stripped naked.
His scowl turns into a smirk, and his eyes follow as I walk to the dresser, my hips swaying seductively.
We’ve discovered many ways to keep our marriage fresh. One of his favorite games is “Crime and Punishment.”
Another is “Let’s do a deal,” also known as “The Love Bargain,” in honor of how we got together.
With a bit of skill, I might be able to combine the two into one. We play this game often and launch into role-playing without a preamble.
I pick up a file off the dresser, studying it carefully before glancing at him. “I need help with a contract.”
Ryland begins flipping the pages angrily. “Who wrote this contract?”
I run my finger along the edge of the paper. “It’s a pro forma from my old job. I can’t afford to hire anyone and need to keep overheads low.”
Ryland shakes his head. “It won’t do. The opposition will be all over it like it’s a prenup. You need something better.”
Slipping further into the role, I draw a shaky breath. “Good point. Can you recommend anyone?”
He smiles, displaying a row of gleaming white teeth. “Contracts are my specialty. I’ll do some tweaking and fix it if you want me to.”
“Thank you. That sounds great, but ah—what’s your fee?” I ask, nervously biting my nails.
He tries to hold back his amusement. “There’s no charge for you, Bean.”