Free For Better or Worse (Book 2 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) by Erin Landy Page B

hesitation about marrying me if this baby was yours?”
    Playing for time, Jackson bent down to retrieve his phone. “Of course not, but even in that scenario, we would have a relationship that would lend itself more easily to marriage.”
    “We like and respect each other. Isn’t that a good basis on which to start a marriage?”
    What was he supposed to say to that? While he appreciated the fact that she was willing to marry him for the sake of her baby, he knew she hadn’t thought through all the ramifications of such a decision. “You have to think of yourself as well as the baby. What happens if in a few months or years down the road Mitchell changes his mind? I’d rather not be the first Steadman to get a divorce.”
    Her lips twisted bitterly. “It won’t come to that. He’s seeing someone else.”
    His heart ached for the hurt he knew Hannah must be feeling. She’d been rejected at her most vulnerable moment. No wonder she was so upset, so worried. “I’m sorry about Mitchell, but marriage isn’t something to be entered into lightly. It’s a sacred bond between a man and a woman created by God.”
    She reached over and touched his arm. “You’re right. I’m only thinking of myself. I’m not the kind of woman you would choose to marry and definitely not the wife you deserve.”
    His eyes narrowed. “That’s not what I meant, Hannah.”
    “It’s okay, Jackson. I understand. You would never marry someone like me. Up until eight months ago, I was living with someone and if that isn’t bad enough, I’m pregnant with his child. It was a stupid idea.”
    He put his hand over hers. “None of those things would stop me from marrying you if we loved each other. You aren’t the first Christian to make mistakes. If God can forgive you, I certainly can.”
    “I know we don’t love each other, but that doesn’t mean we never would. I feel safe with you, Jackson. You can’t imagine how wonderful that is. I’ve never had that with anyone else.  It was your acceptance that made me believe I could make a change. It was your faith in God that inspired me to return to the beliefs I abandoned. Is it any surprise that I want to keep you in my life? That I want you to be a part of my baby’s life?”
    Her words touched him deeply. They gave him hope for something he’d never thought to experience. Was it wrong to marry when only one of the partners loved? His hesitation wasn’t for himself; it was for her. Hannah still loved Mitchell. In marrying her, he would be the means of separating her from him. Would that be something she would later regret and possibly resent?
    He realized he’d been silent for too long. “I’m glad you feel safe with me. I want it to always be that way. As for us marrying, this isn’t something to be decided in a hurry or without prayer.”
    “I’ve already prayed about it. If you change your mind, let me know.”
    * * * *
    A month later they were married in a private ceremony. As they walked out into the early morning sunshine, Jackson turned to the woman who was now his wife and wished he could speak the words that filled his heart. Instead, he was forced to say something anyone could tell her.
    “You’re a lovely bride, Mrs. Steadman.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Steadman. You look very nice, too.”
    He loosened his tie. “Why does looking nice have to be so uncomfortable?”
    “I know what you mean. I think my feet must be swollen. These shoes feel two sizes too small.”
    “Take them off. I’m supposed to carry you over the threshold anyway. We’ll just extend that to carrying you from the truck.”
    She laughed. “I might take you up on that. My days of wearing four-inch heels are numbered.”
    He shook his head. “I’ve never understood why anyone would want to wear them in the first place. It looks like torture to me.”
    “In my case, I do it because I need the height. You have noticed that I’m short, haven’t you?”
    Jackson grinned teasingly. “There’s