“Oh.” The blood drained out of her face. She wasn’t sure how God would feel about her getting married with the intention of getting a divorce, so she would’ve preferred to leave Him out of it.
“I’m really sorry. She’s just so excited that I’m finally getting married.” To his credit, he looked as miserable as she felt.
“I’ll be fine. God probably won’t count it as a real marriage anyway, since we’re not… you know…” Her cheeks heated.
“Consummating the marriage?” A crease appeared on his cheek.
“Yes. That.”
“You aren’t mad at me?”
“I can’t be upset when you’re only trying to keep your mother happy.”
He gave a rueful laugh. “I’m glad you feel that way, because she also wants me to give you this ring.”
His hand slid into his pocket, and he held it out for her inspection. Small diamonds sparkled in an antique setting, encircling a central round diamond that appeared to be about a carat in size, maybe more.
“That ring is way too valuable. She should save it for your sister.” Brooke refused to even look at it.
“I tried that argument, but Mom says she has another ring for Mariah, because this one isn’t her style.”
She used both hands to rub her temples, pressing hard to dispel the headache forming between them. “She’s going to hate me when we get divorced, isn’t she?”
His arms encircled her, strong and protecting. Her face pressed against the hard planes of his chest, and she breathed in his clean scent mingled with a pleasant aftershave. He said, “No one’s going to hate you. I promise I’ll take the flak, and I can handle it.”
For a moment she stood still, relishing the comfort of his sweet embrace.
Of course I’m physically attracted to him. So is almost every other woman in the country. Whatever I do, I can’t let myself get attached. This isn’t a real relationship.
She pushed away from him, wrapping her arms around herself. “We should say it’s a mutual decision. It wouldn’t be fair to make you the bad guy.”
His brows knitted together in a baffled expression. “But a minute ago, you said—”
“It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.”
He laughed so hard he choked. “I’ve always heard that, but I didn’t realize it happened so fast.”
With pursed lips, she tried to keep a straight face. “Well, now you know.”
His smile gradually faded, his expression growing serious. “Please, can I hold your hand?”
With his green prosthetic fingers stretched toward her, she couldn’t bring herself to say no, lest she hurt him. She put her hand in his and told herself it didn’t affect her in the least. Was it a sin to lie to yourself?
“I’ll be happy to take the blame for the divorce. You don’t realize how much I…” He stopped in mid-sentence, averting his eyes.
What had he been about to say? Was it possible? She waited, holding her breath, as her pulse quickened.
He cleared his throat and continued. “How much I owe you. Thanks to you, I’m saving three-quarters of a million.”
Her heart dropped into her stomach. There it was, in a nutshell. He was marrying her to avoid being on the show and to save himself a lot of money. She was a fool if she read anything into his sweet mannerisms. He was simply protecting his investment. Now, more than ever, she had to guard her heart, or it would be broken again. And this time, she had a baby to protect.
Not trusting her voice, she gave him a nod. So severe was the ache in her chest she was tempted to call the whole thing off. She might’ve done it if their families and friends hadn’t flown across the country for the ceremony.
But she’d come out of her disastrous marriage with Nathan a stronger person, hadn’t she? Now was the time to prove it. She could handle anything for a few months. Cole was a decent and caring man, and a platonic relationship with him would be far better than her stifling life with Nathan. In exchange for a few months of her time, she would have financial freedom for her child.
His hand tightened on hers. “Are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” With a bright smile plastered on her face, she forced her wooden legs to move.
Reunited with her father, she watched as Cole trotted down to take his place, his perfectly tailored tux accentuating his athletic form.
“Are you okay, Brookster?” Her father tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and gave it a fond pat. “Do I need to take that boy out back and give him a talkin’-to?”
The crinkles at the corners of his eyes didn’t fool her. His half-hearted smile told her he was worried.
“I’m fine, Dad. Just some wedding-day jitters.”
Everyone was staring, waiting for them to walk down the aisle, but her father held back, ignoring the orchestra music that announced the bride’s entrance. “I don’t understand why you need to be in such an all-fired hurry to get married again. Your Mom and sister are excited because this guy is rich and famous, but you’ve never cared about stuff like that. You’ve always been sensible, like me.”
“I’ve thought it through, and this is what I need to do.”
“That doesn’t sound like a woman in love.” The furrow between his brows deepened. “I should’ve spoken up when you married that jerk, Nathan. I kept my trap shut, and I’ve always regretted it. I don’t want to make that mistake again.”
“It’s okay, Dad. Cole’s nothing like Nathan. He’s going to help me get my counseling license.” She swallowed hard. “I want to marry him.”
He caught her gaze with his penetrating stare and held it so long she was afraid he saw through her façade. “Are you sure?”
Rising on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek. “I’m sure.”
