Prologue

      “May the best man win!” Jared Dalton declared as the three cousins stepped out of a limousine into the bright Houston sunshine. Waiting on the tarmac were three sleek jets with each man’s logo proclaiming ownership.

      “One year from today, whoever’s net worth increases the most wins our bet.” Chase Bennett said, rehashing their agreement.

      “Yes, the deadline for our bet is the first Friday next May,” Matt Rome confirmed. “We each put five million in the pot, so whoever wins gets a fifteen-million-dollar prize.”

      “Right,” Jared nodded. “On top of poker winnings, Chase.”

      Chase grinned. “I was lucky this year. Guys, it’s been great to be together again.”

      “Still best friends, still bachelors—maybe forever bachelors. This weekend together is necessity,” Matt said.

      All three shook hands. “So long, my two best cuz,” Jared said, grinning.

      “If nothing else, we’ll see each other next at the family Christmas get-together,” Jared added. “Stay cool.” He boarded a white plane and sat by a window, watching his cousins’ planes taxi, one Houston-based cousin heading off to Paris, the other returning