Their marriage was little more than a business arrangement. Those words mocked her as she forced herself to view her future as Cole’s wife, a future that lacked the deep, abiding love she craved.

She quickly changed clothes at her office, trying to silence the voices arguing in her head. Every shred of her being warned her she was setting herself up for a big hurt, that she wanted Cole too badly to keep any distance between them. But the alternatives could destroy her when the end came.

After signing the contract with her lawyer as a witness, Darci left for the courthouse in a haze of confusion. She wanted so much more from her marriage, but then had to remind herself this one might only last a few years. Once the company was solid again, Cole would no doubt want a divorce so he could get on with his life. They could still split the business duties without actually sharing their lives.

By the time she found a parking space, she’d managed to convince herself her marriage to Cole was little different than signing an employment contract. As she walked into the courthouse, she buried her softer needs in a dark, cold corner of her heart, saving them for the day when she married for love. Feeling safe and confident that she could handle being Cole’s wife, she opened the door to the judge’s outer office.

When she spotted Cole on the other side of the room, all her confidence crumbled into little more than dust at her feet.

His charcoal western suit fit him to perfection, reminding her that his shoulders were broad enough to help carry her problems. A gray cowboy hat rested on the desk beside him, waiting once again to shade his emotions from the world.

His gray eyes gleaming, he stepped forward with a fragrant bouquet of white roses and gently placed the flowers in her cold fingers. “I thought the bride should at least have flowers,” he said quietly. Pulling out a single blossom, he tucked it into her blond hair, a soft smile of satisfaction on his lips. “I was hoping you’d wear it down so I could see how long it was.”

Darci stared at him, recognizing the gleam of possessiveness in his eyes and wondering at the source. Then she reminded herself that he was gaining control of Blackmore’s Gourmet Chocolates in this deal. With a sinking heart, she acknowledged the possessiveness wasn’t for her, but for the bottom line of what he considered his heritage.

The judge stepped into the room, and suddenly all the doubts overwhelmed Darci. Trying to keep her terror from showing in her eyes, she turned to the man standing calmly by her side. “Cole, I—”

“It’s all right, honey.” He trailed work-hardened fingers across her cheek. “I’ll make it right for both of us.”