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The room grows quiet as everyone looks over the details written on the papers they were handed. I look over at Val, who gives me an embarrassed look. I reach out and reassuringly squeeze her hand.
Then, we both turn toward her uncle. As he reads over the evidence in front of him, his face turns a blotchy red color, and I see beads of sweat appear on his forehead.
All eyes now turn to Victor Carlucci. The Chair of the Board turns to him and stiffly states, “Victor, I assumed you would have researched certain facts before calling this emergency meeting and requesting our presence.”
Victor Carlucci doesn’t respond. Instead, he accusingly glares at me and then glares at Val.
The three other directors of the board lean toward each other and talk quietly. We watch as they shake their heads and then turn back toward the attorney.
“Mr. Jenkins, thank you for this information. Any fears we or others may have had appear to be unfounded,” the Chair then turns toward us, “Val, it appears you and your young man are off to a fine start. Congratulations on your marriage.”
All of us stand as they walk over to Val and me and shake our hands. The woman gives Val a hug and then turns and gives Victor a reproachful look before she states, “I’ll be leaving now. Val, what you said earlier, I will pass those reassuring words on to the rest of the board members.”
After the others leave, Val’s uncle remains standing. He puffs out his chest and states, “I will still be disputing the transfer of the stock shares per our earlier discussion, Mr. Jenkins.” He then looks over at me and Val and says, “Nothing personal. I just have to consider the good of the Carlucci company.”
“Of course. Why would we take this personally?” I reach out and wrap my arm around Val’s waist. We stand like that until her uncle leaves.
Mr. Jenkins sits back down and motions for us to sit as well. He gives us both a kind smile, then turns toward Janis, “Please be sure to make a copy of their marriage certificate and return the original to them before they leave. That will be all, Janis. Thank you.”
She smiles politely and leaves the conference room.
Mr. Jenkins leans forward in his chair and gives us a direct look. “Unfortunately, Victor has been making claims that your marriage is fake just to receive your inheritance. He seems very determined to make waves. He has set out to prove that your marriage is a sham.”
“Mr. Jenkins, I don’t understand. Why would that even matter? Val should be able to marry whomever she wants. Many marriages don’t last. Why would he or anyone else care one way or the other if our marriage is a sham or not?” I ask sharply.
“I don’t disagree with you, and quite frankly, I doubt this dispute will lead to litigation. I don’t think it will hold up in a court of law. It’s too outrageous. The will states, ‘happily married and devoted.’ Val’s uncle is only trying to delay the inevitable.”
Mr Jenkins looks over at Val. “They cannot negate your parent’s will. It’s ironclad, as you know. The problem is Victor. He wants to keep you from having control of the company.”
“Is there anything we can do to make this go away?”
Mr. Jenkins is already shaking his head. “I’ve already tried. Nothing will dissuade him at this time. However, I think you should do everything you can to show this marriage is not just to collect your inheritance. You don’t want this dispute to end up in litigation.”
“What happens if it goes to litigation?”
“You could spend years in court. But again, I don’t think that’s likely to happen. So, I advise both of you to make sure your marriage stays on track. No arguments or spending nights apart. Don’t give him any fuel for his fire, and it will soon go out. Understood? Just remember to look happy and devoted to each other.”
“Yes, we understand. Thank you, Mr. Jenkins.”
As we walk outside, Val keeps her eyes downcast as if she doesn’t want to look at me.
Once we’re in the truck, I state as casually as I can, “I guess this means we’ll be living together.”
Eight
Val
It’s Friday, my birthday, and Chase insisted that we go out. Tomorrow, we’re invited to his mother’s to meet some of his family and his older brother, Carson.
“So, where are you taking me?” I ask Chase.
“It’s a surprise.”
I don’t say anything more because if there’s one thing I know about Chase Lane Knight, it is that he loves to surprise people. Namely me. Like when he bought the grill, he never told me. He just came home with it and started setting it up. We ended up slowly turning the entire backyard into an entertainment oasis over the last two years.
He told me to wear jeans and tennis shoes tonight, which I thought was weird if he was taking me out for a fancy dinner.
Chase pulls into a bowling alley and parks the truck. I look over at him to see if he’s just kidding.
