“How dare you bring up Ryan’s past to his new bride? That was a ratchet thing to do.” Karlie stood in Brian’s hotel suite with her hands on her hips. Her eyes flashed. “What if God did that to you? What if God dipped into the sea of forgetfulness and showed you all you once were? How would you like that?”
Brian held out a hand to still her. “She needed to know more about the man she married.”
Karlie poked a finger in his chest. “That wasn’t your call to make. You had no right to interfere in Ryan’s business. Your big mouth might have ruined his chance at happiness. Can you live with that? Losing your mother was tough on him. I’ve seen the way he talks about Megan. He loves her.”
“I believe he does, too. But Megan is a package deal. She has a son who does not deserve a father like Ryan.”
“You’re a fine one to talk about who deserves what. Maybe you don’t deserve me.”
Brian’s mouth popped open. “I know I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.
“Love isn’t earned or deserved. It’s given.” Her lower lip quivered and tears filled her eyes. “I’ve never judged you by your past. I’ve loved you because of it. Your vendetta is making me question my sanity.” She shook her head. “I have to deal with the fact that my fiancé wants my father behind bars with no regard to how I might feel.”
“Wait a minute,” Brian interjected. “I haven’t touched the case. Kyle has me doing other things. I told you why God wants me there. He wants to save my biological father’s soul.”
“And He wants to save mine,” Karlie said, pointing to her chest.
He lifted her chin. “Ryan was the thorns.”
Karlie squinted. “What are you talking about?”
“The parable of the Sower and the Seed. Ryan represents the thorns. The Word isn’t settling in his heart. He is interested in gaining riches on earth and not setting his treasure on things above. He is beyond saving.”
Karlie gasped and turned away from him. “How dare you take over God’s job? That’s not your call.” She gathered her jacket. “I thought I could live with this, but I can’t marry a bitter man.”
His heart stopped. Literally. For a second. Then it pumped with terror. Brian’s eyebrows furrowed. He touched her shoulders. “What are you saying?” Brian didn’t understand her reaction. “I’m not bitter. I’m truthful. Ryan Oakes is a ruthless, selfish man who will neglect her son. I had to warn Megan.”
“No, you didn’t. Megan has a mind of her own, and she chose to marry him. Ryan deserves to be loved. Your actions probably ruined their wedding night.” She shook her head. “You need to call and apologize.”
Brian’s jaw clenched. “I’m not calling him to give an apology I don’t mean.”
“God loves the undeserving. He sends rain on the just and unjust because He is Love.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “You need to fix this.”
“I don’t think I did the wrong thing. Ryan could have killed her husband.”
“‘Could have’ isn’t proof, and I choose not to believe it.” She wiped her face. “Megan must not either. Why else would she marry him?”
Brian’s hands flailed. “I don’t know. For money? For revenge?”
“What about love?” Karlie shot back.
He snorted. “Believe me, Megan is not in love with Ryan. Did you see when she was reciting her vows? She clearly wasn’t into it. She also wore black. Black is a clear indication she was grieving. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ryan strong-armed her into marrying him.”
Karlie pursed her lips. “Ryan will always be guilty in your eyes. I see that now.”
He nodded. “That’s because he is. Ryan will do anything to get his way. And I can’t believe you’re here defending him when you know how he treated me. If your mother hadn’t shown me love, I would be dead or in jail.”
She wiped the corners of her eyes. “That’s why I want you to see there’s still hope for Ryan. When your parents gave up on you, my mother didn’t. I didn’t. God didn’t.” Karlie pinned him with a gaze. “I love you, Brian, but Ryan’s blood is in my veins. I love him and I’ve forgiven him. You weren’t the only one he wronged.” She broke into fresh tears. “He denied me. He made me feel unworthy. My father once rejected me.” Her shoulders shook under the weight of her pain.
Brian attempted to take her in his arms.
Karlie pushed him away. Her face was puffy and her cheeks red. “I don’t want you to touch me. I’m hurting something fierce, and I need to time alone to process.” She walked toward the door.
“No.” Brian rushed over. “You can’t leave me. You’re the love of my life. This thing between us is stronger than any anger you might feel toward me. We can get through anything together. My issue with Ryan has nothing to do with us.”
“It has everything to do with us. Why can’t you see that?” Karlie touched his face with a sad smile. “Our love is real, and I know I’ll love you for a lifetime.” She stepped back. “But I can decide to love you from afar. I can’t sleep next to a man who wallows in anger and makes bitterness his bed.”