Chapter 37

“I’m sorry if he breaks your heart. Anything that hurts you hurts me. But I hope you’ll make the best choice for your future.” He took her shoulders in his grip. “If that’s not with him, I promise you will heal. And someday, you’ll find a man who loves you and wants to honor you with vows and his ring.”

She understood what he was trying to say. But Pierce hadn’t grown up a preacher’s kid or steeped in a church. For most people her age, without her upbringing, moving in together was a vast commitment. He probably thought he’d shown her his devotion.

“I want to get married someday. Right now, I’m just trying to figure things out.”

His face softened. “I know. And we all make mistakes. It’s God’s way of teaching us what we need to know. Your red eyes tell me this lesson has been hard for you.”

“I hear the cautions you and Cutter are giving me, but my heart wants to believe he’s the one.”

His smile was full of understanding. “First love is like a fever. It s