Free Separating Riches by Mairsile Leabhair Page A

we got married, but it was the furthest thing from my mind at that moment,” Melinda said, turning to face me. “It’s the only way for my family name to be carried on, but I’m not asking you to change your last name. I’m asking you to love me in spite of it.”
    “Damn it, Melinda!” Robert shouted.
    This was so unfair. I had no time to think, to come up with the right answer that would satisfy everyone. I had my own parents to think of. Hell, I had myself to think of. I know it's traditional for the wife to take the husband’s last name, but was it typical for the wife to take her wife’s last name? Who’s to say which name that will be? I guess it would be decided by the both of them. But what if they both want to keep their family name?
    “I am also an only child and have a legacy to carry on. I will happily take your last name, darling…”
    “Thank God,” Robert sighed.
    “But?” Melinda knew I had more to say.
    “But I will also keep my parents’ name, and any children that I bear will have a hyphenated last name, combining both families.”
    I could see Robert’s face turn red and his lips disappear, but just as he was about to release the fury, Elizabeth intervened.
    “And whose last name will go first in your hyphenated marriage?” she asked without contempt.
    “Melinda’s,” I said.
    “Chris’ name,” Melinda stated at the same time.
    I looked at my handsome, strong-willed, beautiful wife, and prideful tears welled up inside. I wanted her name to go first and not because her father was demanding it. In my prepubescent years, I dreamed of my wedding day, and of marrying my true love and taking her name. If Robert had left it alone, I would have gladly taken my wife’s name, but he tarnished the moment, and now I will stubbornly cleave to my right to keep my maiden name.
    “Melinda, I’m okay with your name going first. I like the sound of Blackstone-Livingston, it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
    “Sure, but are you really all right with it?” she asked.
    “Yes, sweetheart. I am,” I said, pulling her closer so that I could kiss her. My eyes moved from hers, down to her lips, and I kissed her lovingly, possessively, demandingly. The heat radiating from her lips made the heat between my thighs sizzle, and I shifted to relieve the pressure. God, I need you so bad.
    Robert cleared his throat and we reluctantly separated.
    “So, do we have a consensus then?” he asked.
    “We do indeed, Father. Now can we please go eat? I’d like to get this honeymoon started already,” Melinda said, and I could feel her relax, even as her body responded to my touch. I love the way her body speaks to me.
    Unfortunately, we didn’t get far before the next argument sprung up.
    “Charles?” Robert noticed Charles scooting the chair in for Norma.
     
    Wedding Dinner — Melinda Blackstone-Livingston , Chris Blackstone-Livingston, Robert & Elizabeth Blackstone, Norma Shelby, George Kirk, and Staff
     
    What’s that old saying? Make a deal with the devil and you wake up in hell. Welcome to my hell. When will I learn that asking my father for a favor always comes with a price? I wish I could get Chris alone to find out if he ruined this perfect day for her. I know he did for me. Why couldn’t he have waited until next week to throw his little tantrum about the prenup? We were already married, so why bring it up now? Simple answer, he had to be in control, even of my marriage. Well, I’m not going to let him scare Chris off like he did my first fiancée. I admit I was drunk when I proposed to her, and relieved when she left, but it should have been me who called it off, not my father.
    Now he’s after Charles. Poor, innocent Charles, who did me a huge favor that allowed Norma to keep her dignity, something I regret was even necessary. But unlike my father, I will not allow Charles to be put through hell because of that favor. Damn it, this was supposed to be a celebration.
    “Charles,