As a youngest son, Jag Martin has eagerly walked a life-long path toward the priesthood. Then his once-great family falters under a mountain of debt. Their only hope -- marry Jag off to an appropriately wealthy suitor.<br><br>Brace Rivers desperately wants more than just a short fling. However, his economic and political reality makes finding an appropriate male partner next to impossible. When the Martin family offers Jag's hand, it's a dream come true. But he fears the young man is being forced into an unwanted marriage.<br><br>Following tradition, Brace offers Jag a pearl ring valuable enough to save his family's fortune. Jag has twenty-four hours to accept the gift and turn his back on Brace, or return the gift and accept Brace's hand. Brace only hopes he will convince Jag that a life together is worth more than all the pearls in the sea.

If All the Sand Were Pearl

A person did not have to be a virgin to take the vows. He could have his wedding night, then turn the ring over and continue his life as planned. It seemed like a reasonable plan, but the thought disgusted him. It tangled him up inside. It was dishonorable. Not the sort of behavior befitting a priest of the Goddess.


The light caught the shine on the pearl, and he stopped brushing long enough to study it once again. Its beauty made his chest hurt. How could something look so strong and so delicate at the same time? He wondered if the ring was like Brace at all.


He could meet the man. He could give Brace a chance. That would take nothing from either of them. Jag just wanted to do the right thing. For all of them. 2


Chapter 5