“Here,” he said with a soft smile. “You look like you could use some carbs and kindness.”
Beth gave a tired laugh and took the bottle. “Thanks.”
He didn’t crowd her, just leaned against the counter beside her, his voice low and easy.
“Just remember—you don’t have to hold your breath through this. You’re not alone in the deep. God’s with you, even when the water’s murky… and when my brother’s being a complete idiot.”
Beth blinked, caught off guard by the gentle truth of his words and the silly little dig at his brother. “Thanks, Brock.”
He grinned and bumped her shoulder lightly. “Anytime.”
Behind her, Bryce shifted quiet but present. The faintest smile tugged at his lips as he watched the two of them, grateful for a brother who knew when to speak truth, and when to just hand someone a slice of pizza.
CHAPTER 32
Taking a long pull of the root beer Brock had handed her, Beth relished the way it fizzed and tickled her throat. She hadn’t realized how hungry—or thirsty—she was until that first sip. Leaning against the counter, she took another satisfying drink and let her gaze drift to the two brothers.
They shared the same chocolate-brown eyes, though Brock’s were a shade darker. His hair was longer, darker, and just as wavy. Where Bryce carried a quiet intensity—even in his most playful moments—Brock radiated something lighter. Easy. Warm. Like sunshine after a storm.
Beth grabbed a slice of pizza and chewed thoughtfully, choosing to listen instead of join in.
“…I swear it was at least an eight-foot barrel,” Brock was saying. “Dropped in clean, carved left, and just rode it all the way through.”
Bryce chuckled. “No one saw it, right? Convenient.”
“Dude, come on,” Brock laughed. “I’ve got the GoPro footage. I’ll show you later.”
Their voices blended into the hum of the loft—easy, rhythmic, the kind of brotherly banter that didn’t ask anything of her. Beth leaned her hip against the counter, the cool surface grounding her, the warm pizza settling the last bit of unease in her stomach.
Bryce reached past her for another slice, his arm brushing hers. His fingers grazed the back of her hand, and then, without pause, he pressed a soft kiss to her temple absentmindedly. He didn’t say anything, just took his spot beside her and leaned on the counter, letting Brock’s surf camp story wash over them.
She didn’t catch all of it—something about jellyfish and a runaway board—but Bryce chuckled under his breath, and the sound vibrated through her shoulder where they touched.
Without meaning to, she leaned into him.
The realization came quietly even earlier, when she’d been upset—hurt, really—and his presence had steadied her. Even though he was the one who caused the ache, he still kept her from unraveling. When he’d offered to check into a hotel, the idea had shaken her more than she expected. She meant what she’d said—she believed in marriage. In forever. Not working things out hadn’t even crossed her mind.
Somewhere between Brock’s laughter and Bryce’s quiet warmth, her body began to give in. His arm slipped around her waist, pulling her closer, and her head found his chest.
“You’re about to fall asleep on your feet,” Bryce murmured near her ear, voice low and affectionate.
Beth gave a slow nod, her eyes already drifting closed.
Bryce turned back to his brother, but Beth gave herself a small shake and eased out of his arms.
Stepping forward, she wrapped Brock in a quick hug.
“I’m really glad I got to meet you, Brock.” She stepped back with a grin. “Even if the best literary minds would struggle to put into words just how incredibly awkward it was.”
They laughed—easy, shared relief breaking the last of the tension.
“Awkward or not, hashtag worth it,” Brock said with a wink, slinging an arm around his older brother’s shoulders and giving him a playful jostle. “I’ve prayed for years that God would send a godly woman into this guy’s life to knock him back on course. Stoked I finally get to meet the answer to those prayers.”
Beth’s smile widened, her cheeks tinting pink when her gaze collided with Bryce’s.
“Will you be able to stick around for a while?”
“Nah, I’ve gotta jet in the morning. But I’ll be here for the wedding. Wouldn’t miss it. You work tomorrow?” he asked.
