Chapter 1353

Tanner slowly spoke. “Noah needs a complete family and me.” Pearl paused—her chest heaving—but pulled her hand out of his grasp. “I don’t want to get married.” She no longer had the courage to go through marriage. Tanner’s eyes lost hope, but he understood she didn’t want to forgive him. He said, “We won’t have to get married if you don’t want to. We’ll do it if or when you want to. Pearl, the decision is in your hands. I won’t force it.” Tanner touched her face, which looked cold because he wanted to warm her up. Pearl looked around and took a deep breath. “I’m not worth the effort.” “I think you are.” Tanner got closer and rubbed his hand on her cheek. “Pearl, you and Noah bring meaning to my life.” Pearl froze before looking into his eyes. “Tanner, if we got married and you had a tainted wife, you would need to hear people talking behind your back. Do you think that’s a marriage you want?” “I don’t care,” Tanner touched her face and stared into her eyes, “I don’t care what o