“More generous?” Bridger offers.
Her lip twitches. “Well, you couldn’t getlessgenerous than Lyle and Margaret. And I was going to say philanthropic. But same difference.”
“That’s an oxymoron," I chime in. Then my cheeks heat.
“Good to know.” Rosalind bobs her head, not unkindly. “Either way, I was unattached, romantically speaking. Iamunattached, I mean. Still single, in other words.”
Yes, we get it, Rosalind.
“My focus has been on using my family’s means to make whatever positive impact I can.” Her gaze flicks between Bridger and me. “And Margaret insisted you felt the same.”
“I do,” he says.
Wait. What’s he agreeing with? Being more philanthropic? Or wanting to marry Rosalind?
My heart stutters for a beat until I remind my silly nervous system to take a backseat.
He isn’t Foster.
Bridger deserves your trust.
He deserves everything.
“Naturally, when my father broached the offer to marrytheBridger Adams, I figured, why not? Our merger would satisfy my father and the board of Barrington Industries.”
Please. Less talk about your … satisfying merger.
“The two of us working toward positive change together seemed better than continually fighting our parents, right?”
“I had the same thought,” Bridger admits. “Briefly.”
He reaches for my hand, grazing his thumb along my ring finger. His honesty may be tough to hear sometimes, but the silver lining is being able to consistently believe in him. Besides, they’re both right. The combined financial influence of the Adamses and Barringtons could be sizable. And the truth is, Rosalind’s kind of awesome.
A part of me wishes theycouldmerge. Just not that way. And I wish I had more to offer my husband.
Besides my heart.
“The times we’d met before,” Rosalind goes on, “you were a total gentleman. Not to mention, you’re extremely handsome.” She sends me a cringe of apology. “Sorry, but I’m just stating facts. Like … the ocean is wet. Space is vast. Your husband is hot. Am I right?”
Yes. …andI’m the tiniest bit tempted to gouge out your eyes.
“More importantly,” I say, “Bridger is brilliant.”
“That’s obvious too,” Rosalind agrees. “But believe me, I am not here to steal your man, hot and brilliant and kind as he may be. I had no idea he already had a wife until this morning. And Margaret forcing you to annul your marriage so I could take your place as his new wife?That’s just …” Her voice trails off, and she shakes her head.
“Diabolical?” Bridger suggests.
“Shakespearean?” I chime in.
“I sure do love an English teacher,” Rosalind says. "And you’re so beautiful. Bridger is a lucky man.” Her bright smile reaches her eyes.
Maybe I’ll let her keep them after all.
“You know,” I tilt my head, “Rosalind is one of Shakespeare’s most underrated characters.”
“Underrated?” Rosalind smirks. “I’m not sure if I should take that as a compliment.”
“Definitely do,” I say. “Most people know Juliet and Lady Macbeth. Some even know Katherine the shrew and Violet the muse. But Rosalind actually has the most lines of any of Shakespeare’s women. She’s super clever inAs You Like It. Independent, too. She also solves the complicated love lives of other couples in the play.”