Elias interrupted, his tone flat, businesslike. You need a home. I need an heir. We can save each other. The words hung between them, stark and stunning.
Nora stared at him trying to process what he was offering. Marriage, not romance, not love, just a transaction, a business arrangement to solve both their problems. You can't be serious. Completely serious. Elias finally looked at her, and his expression was unreadable.
I'm 42 years old, been alone for 5 years. Figured I'd stay that way until I died. But the fact is, this ranch needs someone to pass to when I'm gone. Don't have children, won't have children. His voice caught almost imperceptibly on that word.
But your boy, he could inherit. Could learn the business, take it over eventually, and you'd have security. Protection. A legal standing that no city lawyer could challenge. This is insane, Nora whispered.
You can't just marry someone as a business transaction. Why not? People do it all the time in arranged marriages, marriages of convenience. This isn't any different. We both get what we need, and nobody gets hurt.
But Nora's mind raced. But that's not fair to you. You'd be tied to a woman you barely know, taking on responsibility for a child who isn't yours, all to help us fight Vincent. Why would you do that? Elias's jaw worked, and for a moment she thought he wouldn't answer.
Then quietly Because I know what it's like to lose a child. And I won't stand by and watch you lose yours. Not if I can prevent it. Tears burned Nora's eyes. Elias Don't.
He held up a hand. Don't make it more than it is. This is practical, strategic. You need help, and this is help I can give. That's all.
But it wasn't all, and they both knew it. This was a man who'd held himself apart for 5 years, who'd built walls so high nothing could reach him, offering to tear those walls down for people he'd known only a few weeks. It was monumental and terrifying and impossibly generous. I can't ask you to sacrifice yourself for us, Nora said softly. You're not asking.
I'm offering. There's a difference. But marriage is it's permanent. If you're doing this just to help me, you'd be trapped. Nora.
Elias's voice was gentle for the first time since she'd known him. I've been trapped in grief for 5 years. This isn't trap. This is purpose. Something to build instead of something to mourn.