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Jillian stroked a velvety petal. “We all know this is only a business arrangement.”
Mia uttered a softly evil chuckle. “When I first met Dallas, I thought he was the most exasperating man alive. And a criminal, to boot. Our marriage also started out as a ‘business arrangement.’”
“What?What happened?”
“I fell right into my cowboy’s arms, and he savedmybutt.” Mia laughed again. “Literally. And he never let me go.”
Just like one of her beloved fantasy romances. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
“I can’t wait to tell you.”
“But Mia, my situation is totally different. Nothing can happen, nothingwillhappen between me and my ‘husband.’”
“Don’t be so sure. I learned you can never rule out nefarious little Cupid’s plans.” Her new friend and impromptu maid-of-honor glanced at her watch. Jillian had never seen a woman wearing a Daffy Duck watch before. Especially an attorney, but it perfectly suited Mia’s fun-loving personality. “Okay, all set? It’s time get you out there to your groom.”
Her palms broke into a sweat.
Ohmigod, I’m about to get married.
She’d dreamt of her wedding day since she was a little girl. In recent years, she’d pictured herself in a vintage gown and delicate veil, gliding down the church aisle to a New Age ballad, arm-in-arm with her father. Imagined her brothers, tall and handsome in Navy Dress Whites, flanking her at the altar. Believed Deb would stand up with her as maid of honor. Had always anticipated joining her life with a sweet, sensitive groom who was wildly and passionately in love with her.
Stomach churning, Jillian stepped across the threshold into the balmy summer sunset.
She’d never felt so alone in her life. Deb was gone now. But Pop should be here, the proud-as-a-peacock father of the bride. So should her brothers, glowering with protective pride. And Loucinda, beaming with mischievous happiness.
At this moment, she missed her family and friends with every fiber of her being.
Guitar music strummed from somewhere below the curving stone path ahead of her, poignant notes wafting through lofty, fragrant evergreens. She squared her shoulders, raised her chin.
Just keep moving forward. One step at a time.
The low-hanging sun streaked pink, lavender, and gold bands across the horizon, the turquoise water reflecting shimmering prisms as Jillian resolutely followed Mia through the trees down the winding pathway toward the hidden beach.
With one more bend to go before the beach came into sight, the guitar tempo changed and a man’s low voice began to sing.
She immediately recognized the tune, the Bee Gee’s romantic, “Too Much Heaven.” Moisture stung her eyes, blurred her vision as a burning lump balled in her throat.Why?Why had her pragmatic Fed chosen a song that was so personal, so meaningful?
For appearances sake, of course.
This wasstrictly business, nothing more.
Blinking back tears, she walked through the leafy arch between the trees and onto the sandy shore. Dimly aware of Mia leading her onward, the solo guitar player off to the side, the gray-haired minister standing in front of the magnificent sunset-lit lake, and a dark-suited Dallas flanking her groom.
Then she saw Zane.
And thenallshe saw was Zane.
Tall, strong, and heartrendingly handsome in his black suit, white shirt and burgundy tie, he awaited her with confident anticipation. Those wide shoulders set in a relaxed military stance, big, capable hands folded loosely behind him … his cool composure the stark opposite of her roiling turbulence.
His steady gaze locked on hers, and dark fire flared in the umber depths. Making her heart pound, her knees weak. And telling her without a doubt that in the entire universe …shewashissole focus.
Her heart stopped, her feet stumbled, and she froze in her tracks.
From the first instant they’d met, she’d known, but could no longer deny the frightening reality. Her husband-to-be’s cool detachment was only a façade. Searing flames burned inside Zane.
And if she wasn’t careful, her Big Bad Wolfe would consume her.
When she still didn’t—couldn’t—move, Zane stepped forward, meeting her where she stood. A reassuring arm wrapped her waist. He leaned down, and gave her one of his rare, stunning smiles. “You look beautiful.”
