Beth nodded through a yawn. “Yeah. Another ten-hour shift. I leave early.”
She offered an apologetic shrug, followed by a sheepish smile. “Sorry. Long day. And tomorrow’s probably going to be just as crazy.”
“No worries. Get some sleep,” Brock said, catching the cue and giving them space as he wandered toward the couch with a root beer in hand.
“I’ll walk you up,” Bryce said, already beside her, holding the trail of items she’d scattered across the loft earlier. The memory alone was enough to make her blush again, causing both brothers to smirk, for an entirely different reason.
Brock chuckled from the couch. “Don’t take too long saying goodnight. Or do. Newlyweds, and all.”
Bryce rolled his eyes and placed a hand at the small of her back, guiding her toward the stairs. Neither of them said a word as they slipped into the soft quiet of the loft’s second level, moving together toward the room she slept in.
Bryce set her belongings down just inside the door and took his time closing the door. Beth watched him, her body still and quiet.
When he leaned back against the door and lifted one finger to beckon her forward, she hesitated—just for a moment. Then she crossed the room and walked into the circle of his open arms, resting her head against his chest.
“Good night, babe,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.
He didn’t move. Didn’t let go. He simply stood there, gently rubbing her back. Beth tilted her face up to look at him—and found him already watching her.
There was a vulnerability in his eyes she hadn’t expected. A depth of pain she hadn’t considered. She’d been so focused on how his past affected her... she’d forgotten that he had to live with it too. That he felt shame over it.
“Will you readPsalm 25 before you go to bed?” she asked softly, her fingertip tracing the edge of his jaw.
Bryce caught her hand and held it to his cheek, leaning into her palm. His stubble scratched lightly against her skin as he nodded.
“Elizabeth, about earlier—”
Beth slid her hand across his face and pressed it gently over his mouth, silencing him.
“You don’t have to apologize again,” she whispered. “I know you take our vows seriously. I believe you.”
He kissed her palm, smiling. “I’m glad you know that. But that’s not what I was going to say.”
She dropped her hand, puzzled.
“Elizabeth…” He paused, his smile turning playful. “About earlier—before we talked about my past. Holding you on the couch. Touching you. Kissing you. Hearing you say you loved me... that was the best moment of my life.”
He met her eyes, voice turning quiet again.
“Right before you asked to finish the conversation, I was thinking how amazing it felt to not only have you—but to hold you. Freely. As my wife. I’m praying we can work back to that again. To that kind of ease. That kind of closeness. I look forward to the day you’ll say those words again.”
“Oh, Bryce,” she breathed. “Our conversation didn’t change that. I may not have liked what I heard... but I don’t fall in and out of love that easily. You’re it for me.”
Bryce pulled her in tight, holding her with a fierce
tenderness.
“Do you want to do something to celebrate our pregnancy?” he asked softly after a beat.
“Oh. I don’t know,” Beth said honestly. “Right now, I just want to celebrate with a good night’s sleep. I’m having a hard time thinking beyond that. I don’t want to announce it—even to our parents—until after the wedding.”
“Fair enough. I’ll plan something small for just us, and keep it quiet until later.” Bryce smiled gently. “Are you excited?”
“Overwhelmed would be a better word for what I’m feeling right now,” Beth admitted.
“In that case,” he said, brushing her cheek with his knuckle, “will you read Psalm 61 before bed?”
“I will,” she promised.
