How To Marry A Billionaire: A BWWM Billionaire Romance (16 page)

“Is that good news?”

“Well, the case will move forward in a few weeks. The judge hasn’t decided on any temporary custody arrangements, so at this point nothing will change.”

“I’m sensing that there’s more.”

She shifted in the seat. The news wasn’t making her any happier. In fact, things were beginning to look bleak. Was she going to lose Derek?

“This judge prefers a married couple. Chance is, and that’s in his favor.”

“Will they investigate to see if it is a real marriage?”

“You don’t think it is?”

“How could it be? He was in jail,” she said.

Her heart hammered in her chest. She couldn’t lose Derek. He was her life. He was the reason she was modeling. He was her reason for making a better life. Without him, she would be lost.

“No, they won’t. He’s apparently been married for more than a year. If the nuptials were recent, the court would suspect something, but since that’s not the case, the court probably won’t question it.”

“So what are my options?”

“I’m guessing, getting married is not an option? Look, we aren’t defeated. I just have to work harder at this. You have a good job. You don’t need to travel for it. You have a good place to live, though your own place and in the suburbs would be better. We can do this. I can make this happen.”

She bit her lip. She could marry Colton. A marriage of convenience. Would he be willing? She didn’t know. “Are you sure?”

“I’m good at what I do, Ellyn. I can make this happen. It just won’t be smooth sailing. There will be officers of the court sent to your home to investigate. They’ll be sent to where Chance is living also. You will both be under the same scrutiny.”

“But he’s been in jail.”

“And was released for good behavior. That’s a mark in his favor.”

“Shouldn’t it be a mark in my favor that I was never in jail?”

“Yes, it will be. The court will interview Derek.”

Not what she wanted. “No way around that?”

“No, sorry. Are you worried what he might say?”

“No, I would just like to shield him from these proceedings,” she said. “He’s a little kid.”

“I know, but the court will have someone trained in dealing with kids. It won’t be traumatic, I promise,” Doug said.

She sighed. Why couldn’t Chance have stayed in jail? There, she thought it. “When’s my court date?”

“The first date is just a hearing and it is in a week. I’ll have my secretary give you a copy of that paperwork before you leave.”

She nodded. “Anything else?”

“Just be prepared that this might get dirty. We don’t know what Chance has told his lawyer about you.”

“Well, I don’t even have a speeding ticket so there’s nothing he can say.”

“He can bring up abuse.”

“But there isn’t any.”

“It’ll taint the waters, but I think we can win this,” Doug said. “Think and prepare yourself, Ellyn. These things are never pretty.”

***

Colton arrived home before Ellyn. He wondered if he should pick up Derek. He texted her, but she answered that she had him already and was on her way home. Could she pick something up for dinner?

Colton told her that he would cook. He took off his tie, hung it in his closet then changed into more casual clothing. Opening the refrigerator, he wondered about what to make.

Something chicken. Chicken nuggets? Kids always liked that. When Ellyn walked through the door with Derek, Colton had most of the meal done.

“Hi, Mr. Hamilton. What’s for dinner?”

“Homemade chicken nuggets,” Colton said as he tousled the boy’s hair. “Go wash your hands. Dinner is in a few minutes.”

Derek bounced out of the kitchen almost knocking over Ellyn, who looked harried.

“Rough day?”

He handed her a glass of wine he’d poured a few minutes ago. She sat down on a chair with her wine in hand. “I talked to Doug.”

“And?”

“Well, it seems Chance is married. Has been for a year. He has a place to live and she has a great job.”

“What does that all mean?”

He flipped the nuggets. The salad was made and the green beans would be done the same time as the nuggets. Time management was his forte, no matter what room he was in. Or what building.

“It means that his situation looks better than mine. I’m not married. I don’t own a house.”

He glanced at her and saw how defeated she looked. His heart went out to her. “But Doug is still optimistic?”

“He is. I’m not.”

“He’s done more cases like this than you have.”

“But none are important to me, but this one.”

He went to her and lifted her out of the chair, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m sorry this is going to be tough.”

She returned his hug, putting her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head. “I have a solution for you.”

She looked up at him, putting her chin on his chest. “Is it what I think it is?”

He nodded. “I can marry you. We can buy a house in the suburbs if needed. I’ll do whatever you need to do to keep Derek.”

“You would marry me for that?”

“I would.”

“It would be in name only.”

“Whatever you need it to be Ellyn. I’ll respect your boundaries.”

“I think that is our only solution.”

“Then plan a wedding.”

“I don’t think we should go nuts. A small ceremony at the courthouse.”

“Your choice. You have a blank check. Buy a wedding dress. We can go on a honeymoon. Whatever you want.”

“No, I can’t ask you to do that. You are already doing so much for Derek and I. You’ve opened your home.”

He put the nuggets on a platter. He’d do whatever he could to win Ellyn’s heart. “I like you being here. It was getting lonely, so you’re saving me.”

If she married him, she’d stay. She stood in the middle of the kitchen, looking lost. Was she unsure about his offer?

“Why are you being so kind?”

Colton shrugged. He knew the reason, but wasn’t sure that Ellyn was ready to hear it. “I like you, Ellyn. And that little boy of yours has wrapped himself around my heart. I want to help. I have the resources to help. I can’t spend all of this money myself.”

She blinked. “Okay.” Glancing over her shoulder she said, “Derek must have gotten distracted.”

“Before you call for him, tell me that you’ll marry me,” Colton said.

She sighed. “I’ll marry you. I want a prenup so that you’re assets are covered.”

“I’m not worried about my assets.”

“Well, I am. I want this all to be laid out. And that you can get a divorce from me when I get full custody of Derek.”

He hoped she’d be in love with him by then so it would be unnecessary. “Would that make you feel better?”

“Yes, it would. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

“You aren’t. I’m not some poor sap, Ellyn. I run a multi-billion-dollar company. I know how the world works.”

She eyed him for a moment. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He smiled at her. “Now, go get Derek. It’s time for dinner.”

She left and Colton watched her go. He was pretty sure he could get her to fall in love with him. Now she would still be here when he arrived home. Derek would be part of his life.

Colton considered this a small victory, but one just the same. He could convince her to make this a real marriage once the papers were signed. He did a little victory dance before Ellyn and Derek returned.

The day was ending better than it had started. He had a family and he would do everything in his power to keep them right here. Where they belonged. In his place and in his heart.

CHAPTER 15

Ellyn trudged out of the elevator a few days later, her shoot having finished on time, but she was exhausted. This had been a more physical shoot even though it had been for lipstick. Her face hurt from smiling and pouting.

She wanted a bath before she had to pick up Derek. She deserved it. Colton, well, he might not be home. He’d been scheduling meetings later in the day and not been home for dinner.

She’d wanted to discuss wedding plans with him, but they’d never found the time. The date at the courthouse was fast approaching. She wanted a dress, but something simple. What was he going to wear?

Probably one of his thousand tailored suits. He’d look handsome no matter what. Which would probably make her wish that it was a real wedding. She cared for Colton, but she knew he’d move on from her eventually. She was just another model to him.

Sad.

Ellyn unlocked the door and immediately heard Derek’s voice. What was he doing home? Then she heard Colton’s voice. What was wrong?

Dropping her purse, she rushed into the living room. Derek was snuggled up against Colton, wrapped in a blanket. The television was on to one of Derek’s favorite shows. From what she could tell, Derek was explaining the concept to him.

Her heart wanted to burst with love. For both of them. She stood quietly taking in the scene. Like a real family. Like a real father, Colton was so patient with Derek, asking him questions.

She must have made a noise because both of them turned to look at her.

“Hi, Mom.”

His voice was not full of its usual exuberance. He did look ashy. “Hi. What’s wrong? Why isn’t Derek at school?”

“The school called me. He had a fever. They couldn’t seem to get a hold of you.”

She pulled out her phone. It was dead. No battery. “I forgot to charge it. I’ve never done that.”

That’s what happens when you think that someone else can help you. That you have a partner. You give up too much sometimes. Not that she’d ever had a partner before, but wouldn’t it be nice to lighten the load a little?

Part of her chafed at the idea.

She took a deep breath, plopping herself on another chair in the room.

“No worries,” Colton said. “I had a few meetings and I moved them. Nothing earth-shattering.”

“Well, I’m here. You can go back to work,” she said.

“No reason. I brought some work home that I can do later. Besides, Derek is telling me all about Spongebob.”

“I see.”

As if she weren’t needed. It had always been her that snuggled with her son when he was sick. Now he was up against Colton as if he were his father. Ellyn had to admit she was a little jealous.

“Does anyone need anything to eat?”

Maybe she could cook something and feel useful.

“Derek had lunch. We had soup that I had in the freezer,” Colton said.

He smiled at her, clearly proud of himself. She should be happy that Colton was her back-up. She should be, but she was jealous of his relationship with her son. She’d had the boy all to herself for five years.

It’d been tough. She’d wanted to give up after many nights of no sleep. Instead of being jealous, she should be happy that Derek had a stable, normal, loving, male adult in his life. But it chafed at her.

Her heart warred with her mind on this one.

“Did you give Derek some medicine?”

“Yes. His fever is gone. He slept a little when he got home,” Colton said.

So they didn’t need her. She could take advantage of this. “I’m going to take a bath.”

The big tub in her bathroom was calling her name. Colton smiled. “Go ahead. I think I can hold down the fort for a little while longer.”

“Thank you.”

She left them sitting there, having never left Derek’s side before. Was this what it was like to have a real partner? Not someone you saw once a month in jail? She could get used to this. But should she? Would Colton really stick around?

Or would he file for divorce as soon as he could? He didn’t give any indication, but she wasn’t always the best judge of character.

She filled the bathtub and put bubbles in. When the water was where she wanted it, she eased her naked body into it. “Ah.”

This was luxury. This was why people wanted to be rich. Not just the everyday ease of having money, but the perks. Like a hot bath. Her apartment hadn’t had a bathtub. Only a shower. Had been awkward when Derek was little.

Now he showered. Or had, before they moved here. He asked for a bath the last few times.

She heard a soft knock on her door.

“Ellyn?”

“I’m in the bathtub, Colton.”

“I know. Can I bring you a glass of wine?”

“Uh, I’m naked, Colton.”

“I know. I’ve seen you naked.”

“I’m not sure I’m offering that privilege now.”

“I’ll avert my eyes. I promise.”

The bubbles would hide anything so she sunk a little lower. “Okay. Come in.” He had a glass of burgundy liquid in his hand. “You looked like you could use this.” He placed it on the edge of the tub then left. He never looked at her. She eyed the glass. That was one of the sweetest things anyone had ever done for her.

**

After checking on Derek, who was dozing on the couch in front of yet another show, Colton escaped to his office. Ellyn was in her bath, with a glass of wine. He didn’t peek and he was proud of himself.

She’d looked relaxed. Better than when she came home from work. He wanted to talk to her about the shoot. His report had been that it went well. Elite Cosmetics was ready to launch the new campaign with her pictures.

He needed to discuss with her what the future held for her. She’d have to do some store openings as a representative for Elite. He hoped that would be okay. He’d never talked to her about that being part of her job.

He rifled through the paperwork he’d brought home. None of it inspired him. He was too busy thinking about Ellyn, naked and soapy. He’d wanted to strip down and join her in there. The tub was big enough for both of them.

He didn’t think she would have appreciated that. Especially with Derek home. Without Derek, he might have talked her into it.

Not that he minded the boy being around. No, that little one was inside his heart already. He couldn’t imagine life without him. He could give Derek so much more than Chance.

A part of Colton wanted Chance to screw up and go back to jail. Leave this family with him to take care of. Selfish, yes, and maybe a little snobby. Colton had more money than he could ever spend.

Knowing he wasn’t going to get any work done with Ellyn in the bathtub, he instead dialed Doug’s number. He wanted to know more about Ellyn’s case with Chance.

“Hey, there buddy,” Doug said. “You almost missed me.”

“Yeah? You got a hot date?”

“Actually, I do.”

The confirmed bachelor. “Would this be Shalia?"

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s two dates now. That might be a record.”

“No, my record is five.”

“Edging up on it. You serious about this girl?”

“I really like her, Colton. I’ve never felt this way before. I’m taking it slow. Don’t want to screw it up.”

“Never thought I’d see the day,” Colton said. He leaned back in his chair, grinning. “I’ll get right to the point. I’m calling about Ellyn’s case.”

“You know I can’t tell you anything without her permission.”

“I know. I’m not asking for specifics. What’s your feeling on this case?”

“That I can win it, but I think Chance is going to put up a good fight.”

“Maybe this news will affect that. Ellyn and I are getting married.”

“For real? Like to death do us part?”

Colton could hope. “Not sure, but she thinks it will help her case.”

“It might. Or it could backfire. It has to be just like a real marriage.”

“How would anyone know?” Colton said.

“Get a prenup. Have her sign it. I can work it up for you tomorrow.”

“I don’t want a prenup.”

“Think about it, Colton. Any man in your position would get one because of the disparity in your incomes.”

Doug had a point. He’d insisted he wouldn’t do one for this marriage, but Ellyn would probably understand. They would need it to prove it was a real marriage.

“Let me think on that. Write it up for me and I’ll get back to you.”

“Will she sign it?”

Ellyn signing it would not be the problem. “Yes, she will. She offered.”

“Smart girl. You have to make this as real as possible. Where are you doing it?”

“The courthouse.”

“Hm. A big party afterward? Long honeymoon.”

“No on both of those.”

“Then how is anyone going to believe it.”

“I’ll have to see what I can get Ellyn to do. Besides, what is going to be available at this point?”

“I have my house in Connecticut,” Doug said.

“Good idea. You are full of them today.”

“That’s why you keep me around. Let me know when you want to get married and I’ll pull together a party.”

Colton laughed. “This weekend?”

“I’ll do it. You’ll see. I can pull this off. Nothing fancy, but it will still be a wedding.”

“Will you be my best man?”

“Sure thing. Better let me go. Shalia and I have a wedding to plan.”

“Going to be an interesting date.”

He hung up, then went to find Ellyn. She was in the kitchen starting dinner.

“We have a venue for our wedding,” he said.

She stopped and looked at him. “I thought we were just doing the courthouse thing?”

“Doug suggested we make it look as real as possible. He also said I should have you sign a prenuptial agreement.”

“I’ll do it. That’s fine.” She waved her hand as if that document was of no consequence.

“You have to buy a dress.”

She frowned. “I was just going to find something that fit.”

“No, you have to go and find a dress. Think about it. You only have a few days.”

“A few days?”

“Yep. We’re getting married on Saturday,” Colton said.

*

Ellyn’s heart fluttered as she stared at the ivory fitted gown with flared skirt, hanging on the door frame. She had a rare moment of quiet and solace before she married Colton. Shalia would be back soon.

The hairdresser and makeup person had left. She tried to catch her breath and remember that she was doing this for Derek. That this wasn’t real. There would be no honeymoon. No more babies. No babies that she and Colton would make.

This was not real.

But it seemed so real in a fairytale sort of way. She stood before a full-length mirror dressed in a robe. Not the ratty one she’d worn for years. No, Colton had bought her a new one. He’d also bought the wedding dress. She was embarrassed about the number of zeros on the price tag.

She was only going to wear this once and this wasn’t even a real wedding.

Shalia returned in her purple bridesmaid dress. Colton had bought that too. All that wealth. He was amazingly generous about spending it on her.

Derek. He had a new suit to wear for today.

“It’s almost time,” Shalia said. “Nervous?”

“Overwhelmed more than anything.”

“Let’s put this dress on you.”

Ellyn eyed it. The tailor had worked overnight to get the alterations done. Colton had given the woman a bonus. More money.

More money than she’d probably had in her whole life up until this point. She let out a breath. “Let’s do this.”

Shalia helped her with the dress and zipped her up. Ellyn stood in front of the mirror. She looked very bridal and she was choked up about it.

“Let’s go, sweetie,” Shalia said.

They walked down the stairs at the back entrance of the house. Since her father was not around, Ellyn had no one to walk her down the aisle. Doug had offered, but he was already the best man.

So, Colton’s father was doing it. She’d only met him a day ago and she already liked him. An older version of Colton, he had a great sense of humor and a little mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“You ready, Ellyn?” Colton Hamilton the second asked.

She smiled up at him. “Yes.”

He held out his arm and she took it. He led her out the door and down the steps to the garden where everyone was waiting for them. Including Colton, who looked stunning in his black tails. He probably owned them.

His father walked her down the aisle, kissed her cheek then handed her off to his son.

“You look beautiful, Ellyn.”

Colton’s smile was genuine and she couldn’t help reflecting it with one of her own.  “You look handsome.”

He kissed her hand, then they both turned to the minister. In a few minutes, they were husband and wife.