I married Jonah for money while he was serving twelve years in prison. At first, I told myself it was just paperwork to keep my brother-safe. But when Jonah walked free and opened a black box on my kitchen table, I learned his mother had chosen me for a reason.

« Why me? »

Her smile was soft enough to cut with. « Because you understand responsibility. »

« You want me to marry a prisoner? »

I should have walked out.

Instead, I thought of Owen pretending he wasn’t hungry after school.

« I want the first payment before the wedding, » I said.

Celeste smiled. « Of course. »

When I told Owen, he stared at me like I’d become someone else.

« You’re getting married? »

« On paper, that’s all. »