Book excerpt: For Aaron Drake, his word was his bond. But when he promised his dying friend he'd "hold on to hope," Aaron had no idea what he was getting himself into. Because "hope" is Hope Gatlin—his friend's bride-to-be, already en route to Colorado. Aaron's duty is clear. He'll meet Hope at the train and ask her to be his wife. Yet who could have guessed that the woman would say no! Agree to a marriage of obligation? No, Hope wouldn't do it. However, the more time Hope spends with the grieving widower, the more she finds herself falling for the sweet, protective man. But Hope will only marry for love. Can Aaron learn to care again?