Pierced by Love

by Laura L. Walker

  “By ‘this,’ do you mean us?”

  “Actually, I meant the wedding and bridesmaid thing.”

  She took a deep breath and raised her chin boldly. “With you by my side, I can.”

  “So what about us?”

  After a pause, she declared, “The jury’s still out on that verdict.”

  He sighed in resignation. “Fair enough.”

  TWENTY-ONE

  THEY BOUGHT SOME Spanish food from a local restaurant and then drove past the recently dedicated Gilbert Temple. The white edifice stood magnificently against the pale blue sky, reminding Pierce of his and Noelle’s excursion to the Snowflake Temple. At the time, he’d just been trying to do Noelle a favor, but the unexpected events of the past few weeks had brought them much closer since then. He wouldn’t mind sharing that sweet experience with her again sometime soon.

  He drove Noelle to her parents’ house and parked the Explorer. “So, is anyone home?”

  “My dad should be. He mentioned this morning that he had some yard work to do before the barbecue.”

  Pierce nodded, feeling relieved. After what had happened with Kasey and then being accused of taking advantage of Noelle by Melody’s fiancé, he didn’t want to get caught in a similar trap.

  They went inside and put their leftovers in the refrigerator, then Noelle led Pierce out to the backyard. “Dad?” she called, opening the sliding glass door.

  Her dad unbent his medium frame from a hedge he’d been trimming. Noelle and Pierce walked from the patio into the yard where he worked. He wiped his brow with a handkerchief and smiled at them. “Hi, Noelle.” He nodded to Pierce. “Hello again, Pierce.” A perplexed frown appeared on his face. “I thought you were with your mother.”

  “I was, but I . . . well . . .”

  “She wasn’t feeling well, so she called me to come and get her,” Pierce explained.

  Noelle sent him a grateful look.

  “What’s the matter, sweetheart? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, Dad. I just needed some fresh air. I was feeling claustrophobic in the bridal boutique, that’s all.” She gestured toward the lawn mower behind him along with the hedge clippers in his hand. “You’re keeping busy, I see.”

  “I’ve had a heavy caseload lately. I haven’t had time to come out here and take care of the yard.”

  Noelle said cheekily, “Knowing Mom, I’m sure she wanted everything to be perfect for the family get-together too.”

  Her dad grinned in return. “I can’t deny it.”

  “Would you like some help?” Pierce inquired.

  Samuel Jensen watched Pierce closely, apparently deciding that his offer was valid. “Sure. I’d appreciate it.” Noelle quickly ran inside to change into work clothes. When she came back out, Pierce decided that she looked every bit as gorgeous as when she’d been dressed up.

  Noelle swept the patio and gazebo while Pierce raked in the pecans that had fallen from the pecan trees. While they worked, Samuel and Pierce conversed comfortably about everything from the Suns’ playoff hopes to the pros and cons of Samuel’s career. Practicing family law had been an eye-opening experience for him through the years. Now that he was older and ran his own law practice, he was able to pick and choose his cases a little more cautiously. “I don’t mind handling divorce cases when, as far as I can tell, the husband and wife are amiable with each other. However, in those cases, I can’t help but wonder why they’re splitting up to begin with.”

  The subject took a decided turn for the worst when Samuel looked Pierce in the eye and said, “I understand from my wife that your parents are divorced. She and Noelle had a talk last night regarding the two of you dating. My wife raised some concerns about your family background.”

  Pierce had always known that this would be a hurdle in finding a woman to love. No, he did not come from a fairy-tale family and because of that, he knew the risks of dating someone who apparently did. “We’ve had our ups and downs.” He understated it, hoping to head his questions off.

  If anything, it only served to fuel the fire. “Care to explain that to me?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  Samuel shrugged. “I’ve got plenty of time. But we’re about through here. Why don’t we go inside and pour some glasses of lemonade and relax for a while? It’s getting rather warm.”

  Pierce looked around. Not seeing Noelle, he decided that she must have done the same thing. “All right.”

  They found their way to the kitchen where Noelle had just placed two tall glasses of chilled lemonade on the table. “Thank you, sweetheart,” Samuel said.

  “You’re welcome, Dad. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.” With an airy “See ya,” she winked at Pierce and fled the room. Pierce narrowed his eyes at her retreat. Interesting. She must have known that her dad wanted to talk to him.

  “So what happened between your parents?”

  Pierce chuckled, raising a brow. “You don’t pull your punches, do you?”

  “I like to get straight to the point. I’ll admit that it can be a hindrance to my work at times when I’m trying to counsel my clients. Sometimes they need time to ease into the crux of the matter.”

  That described how Pierce was feeling perfectly. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, then he began telling Noelle’s dad about his difficult childhood when he’d wanted to be noticed by his dad and then his teenage years when he wanted his dad’s approval but never received it. He also told him about his dad’s years of inactivity and recent reactivation as well as Noelle’s part in helping the two of them to reconcile.

  Samuel grinned, obviously pleased to hear this bit of news. “She’s a good girl. Has a heart of gold. But because of that, it has a tendency to get broken easily. I’ve heard bits and pieces from Melody about you dating girls only once or twice before moving on to someone else. Is that true?”

  “It was, sir. Not anymore.”

  “And why is that?” Her dad’s nonchalant face revealed nothing, but Pierce had the uncanny feeling that his future with Noelle was riding on the way he answered the question.

  “You can probably understand better than anyone else why I’ve avoided relationships in the past. My parents were unable to keep their marriage intact. I’ve learned recently that it was due to a serious lack of communication when they went through a rough time as well as stubbornness on both of their parts. The fact of the matter is that they divorced while I was serving my mission.”

  “Is that right?” The casual question put Pierce at ease as he went on to explain how he felt that event had curtailed his effectiveness as a missionary.

  “I can see how that would happen,” Samuel concurred, waiting for Pierce to continue.

  A lawyer’s trick. Silence. When it became too uncomfortable, Pierce said, “I was distraught when my parents divorced. But when I think of all those years they were unhappy together and I see how happy they are now, I’m glad that each of them has found a new life. And then I feel guilty because divorce isn’t a part of God’s plan of happiness. So what is the answer? I’ve come to terms with their decision to divorce because neither of them were progressing in the gospel until that happened, but I still feel unsettled about how their marriage affects my future. I don’t want to make the same mistakes my parents made.”

  “Then don’t,” Samuel said succinctly.

  Pierce regarded him skeptically. “Is it really that simple?”

  He shrugged. “The Lord programmed us to learn from our mistakes, or others’ mistakes, as the case may be. Just because your parents’ marriage ended up that way is not a guarantee that yours will. The leaders of the Church have told us that any marriage whose partners are dedicated to each other and the Lord is one that will last throughout eternity.”

  “So you’re saying that I’m overanalyzing my views on marriage?”

  “Possibly. Granted, you have some valid concerns. But remember that ‘men are that they might have joy.’ The Lord wants us to be
happy. I’m an optimist. Obstacles can be overcome with faith and prayer and a good dose of humility mixed in. A sincere apology can go a long way in softening another person’s heart. I think that if half of my clients had been willing to apologize to their spouses, they would still be married.”

  It was Pierce’s turn to be silent as he contemplated Samuel’s words. He’d given him a lot of food for thought.

  Samuel spoke again. “I may be jumping the gun here, Pierce, but I want to let you know that it’s been hard for me to see the friction between my two daughters. My heart nearly broke that day when Brenda and I travelled to NAU to see them. Noelle was beside herself. Normally, she’s a fun-loving and spirited young woman. I’ve seen glimpses of the real Noelle surface with you here and I like what I’ve seen. You’re good for her.”

  Pierce could count the number of times in his life he’d received praise of this magnitude on one hand from his own father. His chest swelled with love and respect for this compassionate man. “Thank you, sir. I think the Lord must have had a hand in placing me in the right place at the right time. Noelle and I have known each other for a few years but never really spent much time together. When Chase broke it off with her, I couldn’t stand to see her so miserable.” He still couldn’t, but he wasn’t going to admit that Noelle was still struggling to her dad. “She was beating herself up pretty badly over the whole thing. Through my experience with my parents, I was able to help her see things in a different perspective.”

  “I hope that you’ve been able to help her see that Chase is not the man for her. If he had been, he would have proposed to her a long time ago. Although I haven’t been pleased with the situation, I can see that Chase and Melody make a much better match. Noelle needs someone who won’t try to stifle her zest for life.” Samuel looked pointedly at Pierce.

  Pierce laughed softly. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  An hour later, Brenda and Melody came back from their lunch to find Samuel, Noelle, and Pierce involved in a game of Settlers of Catan. From across the room, Brenda caught Pierce’s eyes, conveying her disapproval of him with one look. Thankfully, because of the conversation he’d had with Noelle’s dad, Pierce was able to overlook it. He’d have to find a way to make her see that he wasn’t such a bad guy after all.

  The doorbell rang and Brenda left to answer it. A moment later, Chase walked into the kitchen. Melody hopped out of her chair and hugged her fiancé before kissing him. Noelle and Pierce exchanged a charged look. Pierce wondered if she was thinking about their kisses or wishing that she was in Chase’s arms instead. He really hated not knowing.

  Chase exchanged pleasantries with Samuel and Brenda before Melody explained that after the family barbecue, the two of them were planning on attending the annual Easter pageant that was being held on the grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple that night. Melody asked if anyone else wanted to come. Noelle shook her head. “Maybe another time.”

  That was fine by Pierce. As it was, he was finding it difficult to be in the same room with the creep. Melody grabbed Noelle by the arm. “Oh, Noelle, I forgot to tell you. Mom and I found a pair of fabulous shoes that will go with your bridesmaid dress. Do you want to see them?”

  Noelle let out a long-suffering sigh but graciously agreed. “All right.”

  The sisters left the room with Melody raving about the style and color of the “fabulous shoes.” Chase glanced at Pierce. Still angry with him, Pierce glowered. Ever observant, Samuel looked first at Chase, then Pierce, and said casually, “My wife and I will be outside if you need us. You two look like you have some catching up to do.” He then led his wife to the backyard, telling her what they had accomplished.

  The silence that pervaded the kitchen was uncomfortable, to say the least. Even knowing that Kasey was the culprit behind the rumor at NAU did nothing to appease Pierce. Chase cleared his throat and began, “Thank you for bringing Melody down, Pierce, since I was unable to come sooner.”

  “You’re welcome,” Pierce answered in a clipped tone.

  A longer silence ensued. Pierce had just about decided to leave the room when Chase declared smugly, “You and Noelle managed to stun the majority of the institute population with your sudden ‘couple’ status. How are her parents taking the news?”

  Pierce’s eyes narrowed. “Actually, they’re fine with us being together. It seems that there was a little misunderstanding due in part to a certain person or persons spreading vicious lies about us.”

  Chase swallowed, but then seemed to quickly regain his composure. “Well, I’m glad to hear that,” he said in a falsely cheerful voice. “And for the record, I never really believed it was true, anyway.”

  Pierce couldn’t believe this guy. How could Noelle have possibly been attracted to someone so pompous? His ire steadily mounting, a sudden burst of inspiration struck him. He smiled placidly and replied, “Thanks, Chase. That means a lot. Noelle is a wonderful woman and I have you to thank for making her available.”

  The smirk slid right off of Chase’s face. Pierce couldn’t resist digging the knife in a little deeper. “We might even become brothers-in-law someday, huh? We should try to get along sooner rather than later.”

  To Pierce’s surprise, Chase took the bait. “You’ve already proposed to her?” The shock on his face was priceless.

  Pierce grinned mischievously. It wasn’t every day that a person could pull one over on the mighty Chase Dunlop. “No, but the idea is worth considering, especially if it gets a rise from you.”

  Chase scowled, then sighed heavily and said, “Look, Pierce. I didn’t mean to come off sounding so arrogant last week. I just want to see Melody and Noelle happy again. I think it’s time for us all to bury the hatchet and see if we can smooth some ruffled feathers.”

  The guy obviously liked his clichés. “You know, Chase, I can agree with you on that except for one thing. I still don’t like the way you implied that Noelle and I had engaged ourselves in misconduct. We were with my family in San Diego, as you should have known from Melody’s account of the story.”

  Chase stared at the floor, apparently contrite. “You’re right. And I’m sorry. I was a little angry that a guy like you had picked on a sweet girl like Noelle. I felt that it was my duty to warn you off.”

  How Chase could apologize for one insult while flinging another astounded Pierce. This guy was a piece of work. “No offense taken,” he said grudgingly.

  Chase nodded seriously. “I’m glad we see eye to eye. Treat her well.”

  Pierce snorted. “Not that you have any say in the matter, but just for your information, I plan on doing that.” Chase gave a self-satisfied nod. “Better than you,” Pierce muttered under his breath.

  “Good.” The self-righteous tone was back. Wow! Pierce thought. Noelle really was fortunate to have escaped his clutches. He almost felt sorry for what Melody would have to put up with.

  Almost.

  The rest of the Jensen clan arrived shortly after that. Noelle introduced Pierce to her two older brothers, Ryan and Blake, and their wives. She then disappeared into the kitchen to help her mom finish making preparations for the barbecue. Peering out the kitchen window, she saw Pierce and her brothers grilling hot dogs for the kids along with steaks and chicken kabobs for the adults.

  Noelle came outside with a potato salad while her sister and sisters-in-law carried other trays laden with salads and fruit. Soon they all gathered and offered a blessing on the food. Pierce and Noelle set up their chairs next to Blake and his family. Noelle enjoyed listening to the easy banter between her brothers and Pierce. Once in a while, Chase would insert a timely comment and Pierce would offer a gentle rebuttal, but for the most part, Noelle felt encouraged by the rapport that Pierce seemed to have established with her family.

  Melody and Chase took off for the Easter Pageant as soon as they were finished eating. Once again, Noelle followed her mom to the kitchen to help with the clean-up. Several minutes later, she peered out the window and saw Pierce and her brother
s engaged in a game of flag football. Noelle joined them soon, encouraging her sisters-in-law to play as well. Reluctantly, they did. Then the kids became involved and the game mellowed out. Pierce and Noelle had teamed up with Ryan’s four-year-old son, Collin, and Blake’s two-year-old daughter, Amy. Noelle caught the football and handed it to her niece. “Here, Amy, run!”

  And run she did. Unfortunately, she ran the wrong way. Pierce trotted behind her and scooped the child up in his arms and pivoted, making a beeline for the goal line. The adults stopped running to give them room. When they reached the goal, Pierce raised his hand and waited for Amy to give him a high-five before gently setting her down. She scampered away and called, “Mommy! Mommy! Did you see me make a touchdown?”

  Noelle’s heart tugged at the tender scene. She’d seen genuine affection reflected on Pierce’s face. For that moment, all the tears and frustration they’d been experiencing melted away as she saw the real Pierce—one who simply enjoyed life to the fullest and wanted to be a part of the lives of those he cared about.

  He’d told her that he cared about her. But could he ever love her the way that she wanted to be loved? Could she trust him to always love her? It was easy to envision him in this setting with their own children. He would be a fun-loving dad. But would he allow his career to take precedence in his life the way his own father had? These questions weighed on her heart more than she cared to admit.

  Pierce came over to her, tossing the football in his hands. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. Just thinking about something.”

  He stared at her intently before Noelle’s brother ran by, tugging the football from his hands. “You in the game, Logan?”

  Pierce nodded at him distractedly. “Yeah, just a sec.” Turning back to Noelle, he tried again. “You sure you’re all right?”

  Pasting a carefree smile on her face, she said, “Yes. I was thinking too seriously for my own good. But now I’m okay.”