ALEXANDER

"What? I should marry Annie?"

She came closer. "He's got months to live, another family needs to succeed him, that's how it's been for generations. Josh found out about the illness and showed up; Annie is more than willing and able to settle down with you if Rubby isn't ready. Since you've won the first stage already, getting married shouldn't be an issue. He needs to be alive to see you wed and sign the complete transfer of ownership."

I looked around to be sure she was ...