Chapter Six

"I need a wife."

Ryan Callahan said the words with a frown, his eyes fixed on the document lying open on his desk. He couldn't believe he was actually considering marriage, but after reading the same clause for the third time, he was beginning to realise he had very little choice.

His lawyer, Daniel Harris, sat opposite him, watching his reaction.

"Unfortunately, Ryan, that's what your grandfather's will requires," Daniel said calmly.

Ryan let out a frustrated breath and dropped his expensive fountain pen onto the desk.

"That old man," he muttered, shaking his head. "Even from the grave, he's still finding ways to control my life."

Despite his complaint, a faint smile crossed his face. Richard Callahan had been more than a grandfather to him. As his mother's only son, Ryan had grown up under Richard's watchful eye. His grandfather had taken a special interest in his upbringing, taught him the business, prepared him to lead and eventually made him chairman of Callahan Global Group. Ryan respected him deeply, even if he had never agreed with all his decisions.

And this particular decision was proving difficult to forgive.

Richard had known his grandson too well. Ryan was a familiar face in New York's social scene, and his reputation with women was hardly a secret. He enjoyed his freedom, had no shortage of female attention and had never shown much interest in settling down. His grandfather had probably decided that if he left Ryan to his own devices, he would spend the rest of his life moving from one woman to another without ever getting married.

Apparently, even death hadn't stopped Richard from having the final say.

"You're telling me I have to get married to inherit the company?" Ryan asked, finally looking up.

"Not just get married. You must be legally married before your thirty-fifth birthday and remain married for at least twelve months before you can claim the controlling shares."

Ryan pushed his chair back and stood, buttoning his suit jacket as he walked towards the windows.

"And if I don't?"

"Your uncle Gregory gets the shares."

Ryan's jaw tightened. Gregory had wanted control of Callahan Global Group for years. The thought of handing him that power was enough to make Ryan's blood boil.

"Grandfather really thought this was a good idea?" he muttered, turning away from the window. "After everything I've done for that company, he expects me to put my entire life on hold because I don't have a wife?"

"Those were his wishes," Daniel replied. "And there's no legal way around the condition."

Ryan returned to his desk and glanced at the document again. He had spent years building his career, making difficult decisions and protecting the company.

He was thirty-four. Marriage had never been particularly high on his list of priorities, and he certainly hadn't planned on getting married. He wasn't about to lose everything because of a marriage clause either.

"Fine," he said, picking up his coffee. "I'll find someone."

Daniel studied him for a moment.

"I hope you understand that this isn't something you should rush into."

Ryan gave him a dry look.

"I don't intend to fall in love, Daniel. I just need a wife."

"I'm only saying that finding a wife and finding someone willing to enter into a twelve-month arrangement are two different things," Daniel replied, trying unsuccessfully to hide his amusement.

"Money solves most problems, Daniel."

"Perhaps. But I would advise you not to treat marriage like another business acquisition."

Ryan picked up his coffee.

"Just make sure all the legal arrangements are in order. I'll handle the rest."

Daniel closed the folder, although the doubtful expression on his face suggested he wasn't entirely convinced.

"I'll do that. But think carefully about this, Ryan. You're dealing with someone's life, not just a business agreement.”

Daniel shook his head, gathered his documents and stood.

"Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into."

Ryan said nothing as his lawyer headed for the door. Once he was gone, the office fell quiet again.

He leaned back in his chair and loosened his tie. As he stared at the ceiling, the image of a woman suddenly came to mind.

Lauren.