“I think Carina’s pulling a stunt of some kind, and I’m trying to get to the bottom of it. I can only think of one reason she’d insist on getting a marriage license tonight, when you’ve already sworn you won’t marry her in Vegas. She’s planning to trick you into getting married here.”
“What?” Bran’s mind raced. “Is there some kind of crazy law in Nevada where she can get us married without my participation?”
“She might think she can get you drunk and talk you into it. Or maybe she’s underhanded enough to get someone to fake the wedding official’s signature.”
“All the more reason not to get a license tonight.”
“You really believe she’ll accept that answer?”
Branson caught a whiff of steak cooking and his stomach did a flip. An hour ago he’d been starving, but now he had no desire to eat. “I think she’ll hound me all night if I don’t agree to go. But I still don’t see how it helps for you and Stephanie to get a marriage license.”
“Mostly, it’s an excuse for all of us to come along.” Finn’s voice faded for a second, and Bran assumed he was checking over his shoulder. “We’ll be getting two marriage licenses at the same time, and I’ll be helping you sign yours. I’ll get the guys to distract Carina, and I’ll mess things up—put the women on one license and you and me on the other.”
“Like Carina won’t notice? I mean, I’ll admit I’d be happy if she and I didn’t end up with a legitimate license, but she’s not stupid.”
“I’ll keep it away from her, somehow.”
Branson mulled the idea over in his head. “I could insist you hold onto it for safekeeping until I hear back from my attorney.”
“It might work. I like it. We have one other problem, though.” Finn’s voice grew closer and quieter. “You don’t want Steph to know the real reason you’re marrying Carina, do you? She’s got to be suspicious, after all this.”
“No one knows the truth but you. Correction—you and Fordham. Nothing gets by him.” Bran used his left hand to rub his temples, while gripping his cane like a lifeline. “This is turning into a nightmare.”
“We need to think fast. Everyone’s waiting.” Finn came closer and lowered his voice. “Evidently, Steph has a hurt foot or ankle. I’ll come up with a plausible explanation when I take her to get it treated.”
“Steph’s hurt? What happened?”
Panic threatening once again, he turned and headed to find Stephanie. If she was injured, she needed him. A hand grabbed his arm and jerked him to a stop.
“Hang on, Bran. That’s the wrong direction.”
“I have to get to her.” Overwhelmed by a lack of control, Branson felt like he was being buried alive. “I’ve had enough of Vegas. Forget the tournament. Forget the marriage license. Let’s fly home, now.”
“Calm down, man. Steph’s okay. I’ve been watching her. She just limped over to the couch without any help, so it can’t be too bad.”
“Need to go home,” Bran demanded, his head swimming.
“Listen to me.” Hands gripped Bran’s shoulders, and Finn spoke in his face. “It’s our fault you’re panicking—me and the guys. I should’ve realized what was happening two years ago. I never should’ve let you hole up inside that mansion all this time. I hope we didn’t wait too long to force you back into the real world. Good thing Fordham finally called us.”
That got his attention, but his heart still sprinted. “Fordham called you?”
“He said he was worried. He claims you won’t listen to him.”
“He shouldn’t have called. It’s not your responsibility.” Bran wanted to crawl in a hole. He’d always prided himself in his ability to govern every aspect of his body—physical, mental, emotional. When had his control started unraveling? He forced his body to relax, one muscle fiber at a time. “You can let go. I’m not leaving.”
“Sure you’re okay?” The hands released their vise-like grip.
“Maybe a little mortified I can’t seem to regulate my reactions. But yes, I’m okay. I don’t know why my head’s so messed up.”
“I don’t either. It’s so not like you. But I might know the solution.”
“I’m all ears.” Might as well listen—Bran was fresh out of ideas.
“The old Branson—the one who traveled the world and spit in the face of fear—that Branson laughed all the time. No matter what.”
“I’m older now. I’ve got more responsibilities. And more common sense.”
“I don’t think so. I think you’re suppressing everything because you decided to become proper.”
“Proper?” Branson started to object. Then he recalled something that might explain a lot. “I wonder… Remember about two years ago, when I had that huge fight with my dad?”
“You two are always arguing.”
“This was worse. He discounted everything I’d ever done. Phantom Enterprises didn’t impress him one iota. I was so furious. I hadn’t thought of it ‘til now, but ever since then, I’ve been trying to prove myself to him. I’m not trying to be proper, exactly. It’s more like trying to show I could beat him at his own game. That’s why I started Escapade Resorts—to compete with his Good Knight Resorts chain.”
“And in two years, Escapade has grown twice as big as Good Knight,” Finn remarked. “But I’m betting he’s still not impressed.”
“Nope.” Bran popped the P. “Says it grew too fast. The value’s inflated. It’s set up to fail.”
“Does it still bother you? His opinion? Can’t you just forget him?”
“He had the audacity to inform me he’s set up a trust fund. Not for me, but for my first child.”
“So? One day your kid will get your old man’s money. Sounds good to me.”
“He had stipulations. A blood child—not adopted, not blind.”
Finn let out a string of curses.
