Chapter 3 The Proposal

Rasmus sat in his office. His thoughts were all over the place. He has furnished his office in such a way that it offered him some sense of peace each time he walked in and it allowed him to think clearly and make judgments without interruptions, but his mind was anything but clear today.

He couldn't get her face out of his thoughts since last night. Rasmus paced the room. Something about the instant when their eyes met, stayed with him. He could shake it off. He could almost swear they had met before though it was absurd because he didn't know her.

He needed to get married and have a child. Time was running out, and his grandfather was putting more and more pressure on him. He knew a lot of the ladies he had checked out would be more than happy to agree to the conditions of a contract marriage. But none of them had captured his attention as much as she did.

Rasmus stopped his pacing, staring at the blank room as he thought.

"Could she be the one?"

She wasn't a high class debutante or a woman with secret agendas, she was just an ordinary enough person. She did, however, seem unusual in some way. She had a strength about her and something about the way she had smiled, even if it had been fleeting and kind, left him wondering.

"Might she be the answer to his dilemma?"

Rasmus thought about the possibilities while his fingers drummed steadily on the edge of his desk. She might be the means by which he fulfills his grandfather's demand. Maybe he could pull it off.

He picked up the phone instinctively.

His secretary picked up. Rasmus stated, his voice already becoming more determined,

"I need a list of all the flower shops on the distant quiet side of town, only the ones owned by females."

*Okay sir, the assistant replied.

"I need the list first thing tomorrow morning" he said and hung up the phone.

All he needed to do now was wait.

The Next Day

Natalie was preparing to take Elliot to school. His toys were scattered all over her tiny apartment floor but she didn't mind the mess. The happiness her son gave her was worth more to her than anyone else.

She picked up the eviction notice as she sat on the kitchen stool. Eliot was having his breakfast. She had five days to pay the rent or else she and Elliot would be forced to live on the streets.

She was lost in thoughts thinking of what she could do to remedy the situation as she didn't have much time when she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve.

In his tiny, innocent voice, Elliot said,

"Mommy, will everything work out for us?"

Tears filled her eyes as her chest tightened. She had nothing to say to him. How could she? She was barely able to maintain her composure, much less comfort him.

Under the weight of everything, she buried her face in his untidy hair and pulled him into her arms. This was beyond her control. There's no way to fix it. She couldn't give up, though, not yet.

"We're going to be okay."

she said even though she wasn't sure it was going to be and with that she picked up the keys and locked the door as they both stepped out.

After Natalie had dropped off Elliot in school, she went to the shop and just as she was opening up for the business of the day and hoping for a miracle, the bell above the entrance jingled. She looked up and to her surprise, he was standing there.

She hadn't expected to see him again after their brief and unpleasant encounter outside her shop earlier that week. His fitted suit stood out against the modest decor of her tiny shop and his presence was just as imposing as ever.

They both remained silent for a moment.

Natalie stood by the door, her hands smeared with the aroma of lilies, and Rasmus watched her, his gaze sweeping across the shop at the flower arrangements. The silence was finally broken by Rasmus.

"Hello, I know you must be surprised to see me again."

"I apologize, I wasn't expecting..."

"You didn't expect me to return?"

She blinked, not knowing how to react. Rasmus moved in closer, his gaze fixed on her.

"I have a proposition for you," he said in a more solemn tone.

"An arrangement that could benefit us both."

Natalie's heart skipped a bit. She told herself to apply caution especially as she didn't know what he was talking about.

She said slowly, "I don't know what you mean," in a steady but suspicious voice.

Her tone of caution was not lost on him.

"It's simple," he stated, maintaining a steady gaze.

"A contract marriage. You know, a marriage of convenience. Just for one year, have a child for me and I'll see to all your financial needs"

His proposal sent a chill down Natalie's spine. She repeated, the word tasting strange on her tongue,

"Marriage? Are you serious?"

Rasmus nodded, a determined mask covering his features.

"I am," he said.

"You meet my requirements, Miss Sandstrom, though there are other rules but all that will be discussed when you have agreed"

Natalie quickly processed everything in her head. She had prayed for a miracle not a marriage of convenience. She hardly knew this man. But then the thought of what she could benefit from this strange arrangement caused her thoughts to change for a brief instant.

"And what's in it for me?" She asked in a more reflective, softer voice.

Something beyond business sparkled in Rasmus's eyes.

"A significant amount. Enough to support your son, pay off your debts, and safeguard your future."

"All you need to do is marry me," he paused, his eyes blazing, "Have a child before the end of the year."

Natalie's breath caught in her throat. A certain amount of money that could transform her life, settle all her bills and keep a roof over her head.

Natalie had surprise written all over her face which made her hesitate.

"This is no doubt a miracle." She thought

Rasmus, seeing that she was short of words, brought out his business card and set it on the counter.

"Take your time," he said.

"Give it a careful thought. I doubt that another opportunity will present itself." He said and with that he turned and left.

Natalie just stared at him as he left the shop. She picked up the card as the door shut behind him.

As she ran her fingers on the card, she kept wondering what exactly she was about to get herself into.