Several glorious moments passed before he shuddered, raised his head and drew back, although he continued to hold her. “Does that answer your question?”

“No,” she answered, hating the way her voice trembled. “I’m afraid it only raised more.”

“I know what you mean,” Zach admitted, briefly closing his eyes. “This last week apart was an eye-opener for me. I thought I’d be glad to put this matter between your grandfather and us to rest. If you want the truth, I thought I’d be glad to be rid of you. I was convinced you felt the same way.” He paused, waiting for a response.

“The days seemed so empty,” she whispered.

His eyes burned into hers, and he nodded. “You were constantly on my mind, and I found myself wishing you were there to talk to.” He groaned. “Heaven knows you deserve a different kind of husband than I could possibly be.”

“What about you? I’ve heard you say a hundred times that when it comes to finding a wife, you’ll choose your own.”

He blinked, as though he didn’t recognize his words. Then he shrugged. “Once I got to know you, I realized you’re not so bad.”

“Thanks.” So much for wine and roses and sweet nothings whispered in her ear. But then again, she’d had those things and they hadn’t brought her happiness.

“Like I said—and I hate to admit it—our getting married makes sense. We seem to like each other well enough, and there’s a certain…attraction.” Zach was frowning a little as he spoke. “It would be a smart move for both of us from a financial viewpoint, as well.” He took her by the shoulders and gazed into her eyes. “The question is, Janine, can I make you happy?”

Her heart melted at the way he said it, at the simplicity and sincerity of his words. “What about you?” she asked. “Will you be content being married to me?”

The apprehension in his face eased. “I think so. We’ll be good for each other. This isn’t any grand passion. But I’m fond of you and you’re fond of me.”

“Fond?” Janine repeated, breaking away.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I hate that word,” Janine said through gritted teeth. “Fond sounds so…watered down. So weak. I’m not looking for a grand passion, as you put it, but I want a whole lot more than fond.” She gestured dramatically with her hands. “A man is fond of his dog or a favorite place to eat, not his wife.” She spoke so vehemently that she was starting to attract attention from other walkers. “Would it be too much for you to come up with another word?”

“Stop looking at me as if it were a matter of life and death,” he said.

“It’s important,” she insisted.

Zach looked distinctly uncomfortable. “I run a business. There are more than three hundred outlets in fifty states. I know the office-supply business inside out, but I’m not good with words. If you don’t like the word fond, you choose another one.”