Page 106 of Love in the Wild

Her palms turned clammy despite the cold weather, and she brushed them on her jeans. “Because I’m saving myself for marriage.”

Gage stilled, and all of the joking humor died. He held up a hand between them. “Wait a minute. I need to tell you something.”

Wow. This conversation was going downhill fast. The topic of sex hadn’t been an issue in any of her short relationships. Her face was warm, and thankfully, the darkness hid her embarrassment.

Gage brushed a hand over his beard then looked up at her. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t save myself for marriage.”

That was what she’d expected him to say, but the revelation stung just the same. “I kind of assumed you’d say that.”

He rested his hands on the tailgate on either side of her and hung his head. “I’m sorry. I wish I hadn’t done any of it. I wish I could take it back. I wish it was you.”

Tightness strangled her at the sadness in his voice. She hadn’t done half the things in her life that Gage had in his, but she knew about regret. It wasn’t something she’d wish on anyone.

Resting her hands on both sides of his face, she lifted his head until his gaze met hers.

“I’m sorry.” His whispered words were almost carried away by the night wind.

“I believe you, and that’s enough for me.”

“I’m so sorry, but there’s nothing I can do to fix it.” He sighed. “I hate this.”

She lowered her head until their noses almost touched. “I forgive you.”

Gage narrowed his eyes and studied her. “How can you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Just say I’m forgiven like it’s done.”

“Because I know in my heart when I’ve forgiven, and when I tell you, I mean it.”

“But you’re going to resent me.”

“For things you did before we even met? For things you did when you were raised in a family who never taught you to value yourself? For things you did before you knew that God intended sex to be shared between married couples? It’s in the past, and we’re both different now than we were before we met each other. You said you were sorry, and I believe you.”

Gage hung his head again. “I’m not sure I deserve your forgiveness for anything.”

“That doesn’t change my ability to give it to you, though I do wish you’d accept it.” She leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. Was it possible that she could be even more drawn to him after their conversation? Knowing they were on the same page and that Gage not only respected but understood her stance only made her appreciate him more.

Gage stepped around her and hoisted himself onto the tailgate. Stepping behind her, he spread out the blankets and pillows before offering her a hand.

Gage lay on his back, and she took the spot beside him. Staring up at the inky-black sky with thousands of stars spread over it, she wrapped the biggest blanket over them and rested her head on his outstretched arm.

This was peace. This was happiness. They’d made it through another relationship level, and they were stronger on the other side.

Gage’s chest swelled, and he let out a content sigh. “So, no hanky-panky.”

Hadley laughed. “Sorry. No hanky-panky.”

“Good. I don’t do the hanky-panky,” Gage deadpanned.

Her laughter grew, and she playfully swatted his chest. “I’m serious.”

“So am I. Hanky-panky doesn’t sound like something I would do.”

“You’re right. It doesn’t. I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

Gage curled the arm behind her head, bringing her closer to him until her head rested on his chest. “We are on the same page. It’s not something you need to worry about. It’s actually something I’ve been struggling with since I’ve been talking to Mr. Chambers.”

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