Hopeless (Chestnut Springs, #5)

by Elsie Silver

“For someone who has seen some dark shit, you’re sure naive. Living in some sort of magical fairy land over there, Eaton? Why don’t you wave your wand, give me a different last name, and we’ll put this theory to the test.” The heavy thud of my heart in my chest accelerates, pumping faster as the thrill of a new idea courses through my veins. A new mission. “Is that a bet?” “What?” She glides her hands through the water, giving me a confused look. “That things would be different if you had a different last name?” “It’s not a bet. It’s a fact.” “I’ll take that bet.” My body thrums as this new idea takes shape in my mind. I’d also be willing to bet a therapist wouldn’t approve of my plan. But I stopped seeing one a couple of months ago, so nothing is holding me back. “What bet? For a guy who drinks chamomile tea all night, you seem awfully confused.” “I’ll give you my last name and we’ll see if people treat you differently.” She goes deathly still. “How?” “We get married.” There’s a pregnant pause. It seems like even the creek stops babbling. And then, “I’m not marrying you. That’s insane.”