Chapter Seven
Theo
Brushing her red hair off her face, I let Ariel down as easily as I could. “You really are great. Don’t think for a moment that you’re not.”
“But you don’t want me,” she said quietly.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Ariel. But I can’t see myself spending the rest of my life with you. Or anyone, really.”
Her green eyes peered into mine. “You still think you won’t pick any of us to be your wife, Theo?”
“I’m still not ready for marriage with anyone. But this thing has to play out. I know you’ll do just fine without me. You’re a strong woman with lots to offer any man. Just make sure that he’s good enough for you.”
Blinking back tears, she said, “You make sure that whoever you do ask to marry you deserves you, Theo. You’re a good man. I know about your bad boy past. But th
