Page 28 of The Work Wife

“It says here that I have to name a beneficiary.”

“Yeah. You haven’t done that before?”

“I did. I put you. But if I were to get married, do I need to change that or does it automatically go to my wife if I die?”

Ben held the phone out to assure himself he was still talking with his brother. Yep. The display said Wes, and the photo was of the two of them on Wes’s boat.

“Is there a specific reason why you’re asking?”

“Yes. I’m getting married tomorrow. Do you think you could come? I’d like to have you here, but it’s last-minute and hours away. I know how busy you are.” It almost sounded like Wes was talking him out of it, but he could tell his brother did want him there.

This was the issue in their family. Real feelings weren’t generally appreciated. It was better to feign respect for one another and not look too deep. Ben and his brother had always been the exception. They’d been close, even when their parents had used every tool to pit them against one another in competition for everything from toys, to their attention.

“I’ll be there. What time and where?”

The sigh of relief on the other end of the phone assured Ben he was right. His brother wanted him there.

Ben jotted down the information, and then got back to the issue.

“This woman. Is she pregnant?”

“No. That’s not it.”

“Do you love her?” Ben hid the surprise in his voice. He couldn’t imagine his brother allowing himself to fall in love. Or even know how to go about it if he’d decided he wanted to. Neither of them were equipped for such a task.

“I care about her a lot. I’m closer to her than anyone. Maybe even you.”

“This woman is replacing me and getting the money I didn’t even know I had coming?”

“You won’t miss it. Besides, you’re working yourself into an early grave. I doubt you’ll outlive me even though I’m three years older than you.”

“This is true.” He needed to do something about his life. He was about to get back to the original question when his assistant came in the office carrying a folder. “Can you come back in ten minutes?”

“Of course.” Anna ducked back out of the door, practically melting from the room. The girl rarely spoke to him or made eye contact. He hadn’t been the one to hire her. She’d been forced on him when Uncle Rich hired someone else, saying Anna made him uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable wasn’t the word Ben would have used, but he did make sure he never lost his temper in her presence for fear she might break out in tears.

When the door quietly clicked shut, he got back to his brother.

“There’s a form for you to fill out to change your beneficiary from me to your new wife. And, God, does that sounds weird as hell. I can have Albert draw it up for you.”

“Do you think there is any way you could do it without telling Mom?”

“You’re not planning to tell Mom you’re getting married?”

“No. I already know she wouldn’t approve. I don’t need the drama. I’ll tell her in a few years.”

“You’ll make sure I’m there when you show up with your six kids?”

“Definitely.”

“Okay. Then I’ll keep it quiet.”

“Thanks. You’re the best,” Wes said.

Second best, Ben mentally corrected his brother’s statement.

“You’ll be there tomorrow?”