The Professional Bride: Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book Three Read Free Page A

pictured himself married, one day, in the distant future, when he could support a family. But he was nowhere near that right now. Well, with the inheritance, he’d be financially able to support a family, but he was still light-years away from any sort of mental state that would allow him to make that kind of commitment. What was Grandpa thinking? Rym wasn’t ready for marriage. He couldn’t risk it, couldn’t risk having to carry someone through life like his mother had, and he lived in fear of being the burden his father had been.
    Marriage was out of the question. Surely Mr. McGraw could be brought to understand. “With all due respect, are you kidding me?”
    Mr. McGraw shook his head.
    Anger cleared the fog. It evaporated like the steam on the driveway. “I can’t get married, I don’t have a … that is, I’m not dating anyone … I mean, how …?” 
    “I know it’s unconventional, especially these days. But your grandfather has a friend named Pamela Jones, who runs a matchmaking service. She specializes in marriages that are mutually beneficial for both parties. Pamela came out last week and they discussed your …” McGraw’s eyes darted to the side and he cleared his throat again. “… future bride at length.”  He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a card. “You’ll need to contact Pamela today. She’s called several times to check on your grandfather, and she’ll be expecting to hear from you.”
    Rym read the card in his hand. BMB ? Grandpa, what have you done ? The anger simmered. “I don’t understand. A business marriage?”
    The lawyer tugged on his shirt cuffs. “I’m not privy to more information than what’s in the will. But it does appear to be a temporary situation.”
    Rym flicked the card back and forth over his palm. “Is there any way we can get around it?” Rym’s stomach soured, but he pressed forward. “Can we have Grandpa declared insane or something?” The words left a horrible taste in Rym’s mouth. He cringed at the idea of besmirching Grandpa’s good name.
    “I’m sorry. The document is watertight. And with the illness being so sudden, it’s unlikely a judge would consider a case of insanity valid. Besides, he’s given you two weeks to tie the knot.”
    Of course he did. Rym shoved the awful idea of declaring Grandpa unsound away. “Never mind.” Another question popped into Rym’s head, and since Mr. McGraw seemed up-front with what information he had, Rym asked, “What happens if I don’t get married?”
    “Your grandfather’s investments will be divvied up among his favorite charities. The house will be sold. Et cetera. Iron Mountain will be incorporated and a board of directors will take over. There have been three offers on the resort in the last two weeks. It’s possible that it too will be sold.”
    Rym felt a stomachache coming on. He couldn’t imagine Iron Mountain in the hands of investors. They’d milk it dry and ruin the family atmosphere. The resort was Rym’s heritage, and it was home to many who worked there. He personally knew dozens of instructors who relied on the seasonal employment to provide for their families. They came back to Iron Mountain year after year because Iron Mountain often worked around their families’ needs. Grandpa’s company provided daycare at a reasonable cost, allowed shift changes at a moment’s notice, and worked with the local tech school to provide training for their culinary students.
    A corporation wouldn’t do those things. They wouldn’t treat people like family; they’d treat them like an asset or a liability. The instructors, bussers, chefs, lift operators, and even the maids and maintenance crew were like family to Rym. He’d grown up with them, laughed with them, skied with their kids. He couldn’t leave them at the mercy of a board of directors.
    With a resigned sigh, Rym said, “I’ll call her this afternoon.”
    Mr. McGraw’s shoulders relaxed. “I’ll be in