$10,000,000 Marriage Proposal by James Patterson Read Free Book Online Page A

years.”
    “What made you decide to do that?”
    “I did it because my parents were in the middle of a divorce—after twenty-five years together. They had made it so far, only to give up. I wanted to know what it takes to get past the big hurdles, past raising your children, past unexpected life changes, past distractions or affairs. What sustains a relationship into ‘till death do us part’?”
    “And what did you find?” Tony said.
    “Well, I was only in grad school, remember, so I can’t say my insights were exceptionally original. But a few things stood out: neither person can be a perfectionist; it really helps if you make each other laugh; and the more fortunate you are in terms of steady income and health, the better your prospects. But, above all, there was just one simple thing. Both people had to believe in the commitment of marriage. They had to have faith in what they had, and to recognize that they probably wouldn’t be better off in any other relationship. At some point, when things sucked—because in every relationship they sometimes do—each couple decided to look at the big picture, to believe that they could turn a corner and fall in love all over again.”
    “And you, do you believe in the commitment of marriage?”
    “I do,” Janey said, as if it were a solemn vow. They both laughed. “Do you?” she said.
    “I do,” he said. They laughed again.
    “You’re sure you’re not the man of mystery? Because this is kind of nice.”
    “I’m afraid not, but I agree. This is kind of nice.”
    There was something about this guy. She instinctively liked him. She continued, “Whatever ‘the commitment of marriage’ means. What I believe is that whole idea of making it work. People can grow apart, and people can surprise you, but I think if you’re honest from the start and know each other as well as two people can, then you have a fighting chance. It’s not all about putting the toilet seat down.”
    “Phew,” Tony said.
    “Speaking of being open and honest from the start, do you think you might tell me what the hell this is all about?”
    Tony laughed, a big, friendly laugh. He seemed so real and genuine, and yet he was part of this whole mysterious process. “Honestly?” he said. “I have no fucking clue. All I know is that I’m supposed to talk to you, get a feel for who you are, and some dude might or might not pick you to win millions of dollars.”
    “Well, what do you think? Am I worth it?”
    Tony shook his head, laughing. “In my book you are. I’m totally rooting for you. If you want to end up with a billionaire nutcase.”
    “He’s a nutcase?”
    “Like I said, I have no fucking clue! Never met the guy.”
    “If I marry him, do you think you and I could have a side thing?” Janey said. Then, “I am totally kidding, of course. That joke probably ruined my shot. Classic self-sabotage. But some guys like that, right? Please report that I was kidding. Do you have a notepad? Could you write it down?”
    “I’ve got it right here,” Tony said, tapping his forehead. And there was that killer smile again. Swoon.

Chapter 17
    When Caroline emerged from her interview, it felt like she was exiting an amusement park ride. She’d been transported to another world, one that felt thrilling and stomach-dropping at the same time. She would process it when she got home, since Alicia had told her that a driver would be arriving momentarily. Stepping out onto the front porch, Caroline was shocked to see two other women waiting. Everyone had been so attentive to her that she’d actually started to feel like she was the only remaining candidate.
    “Well, hello, ladies,” said one of the women. She had pretty brown hair and a wide smile. “I’m Janey,” she said. “Oh, my God, can you believe this?”
    Caroline introduced herself, as did another woman, named Suze. Suze was drop-dead gorgeous. She might have been part Asian; she was immaculately groomed and her sheath dress