“Because He’s got someone out there whose whole purpose is to draw you to Him. You just haven’t met them yet. But you will. Ya never know, it could even be one of those YouTube bakers you fangirl over.”
“Riiiiight,” Lynn said, drawing the word out. “So there’s just... some random person or celebrity out there walking around with a divine mission to convert me?” She rolled her eyes, half-laughing. “Seriously? I mean—news flash—I’ve heard about Jesus. I did the whole Sunday school, youth group, Wednesday night pizza church thing. It’s just not for me.”
Brock just grinned, unfazed. “Yeahhhh, but when the time comes—when you do change your mind… it’s gonna be beautiful.”
He shook his head slowly, like he was already picturing it.
“You’re fiery enough to paddle straight into a storm—and before you even know what’s happening, you’ll come out the other side praising His name.” He nodded once, quiet but certain.
“Yep. When you finally ride His wave? It’s gonna be wild. I hope I get to see it.” With those final words, Brock lifted his hand in farewell and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Lynn standing in the middle of the kitchen, speechless.
A first in her adult life.
In the back yard, the rehearsal dinner had officially wound down. Plates were scraped clean, laughter had faded, and the firepit glowed with little more than soft embers. Only the newlyweds remained, everyone else having already hugged their goodbyes then slipping off into the night.
Beth smiled in quiet contentment as she watched her husband tend to the fire.
Bryce caught her watching him, and with a slow, purposeful stride, crossed to her side. There was a familiar gleam in his eye—one that made her heartbeat quicken before he even spoke.
“Come with me, beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low and warm. “I’ve got something I wanna do with you… and I can’t wait until tomorrow.”
His fingers traced lightly along her spine as he pulled her close. Beth’s eyes widened, her breath catching at the low, suggestive tone.
“Bryce…” she warned, her voice shaky with warning and heat. It wasn’t as easy as it used to be to ignore her physical desires for her husband.
Before she could say more, his lips were on hers—slow, sure, and teasing—before trailing kisses toward her ear. His next words tickled her skin, and the warmth of his breath sent goosebumps racing down her arms.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, Mrs. Jensen.”
With a loud, exaggerated kiss on her cheek, he pulled back and grinned at her expression.
“I’m flattered…” he winked, “... but what you’re clearly wanting to do will have to wait until we’re married properly. Tomorrow.”
Beth let out a half-laugh, half-squeal and smacked him on the chest. “You are the worst!”
“Yet you love me.” Laughing, he snagged her hand and pulled her around to the front of the house and up the porch steps to the front door. And waited.
“You wanted to show me the door?” Beth asked, looking up at him in wide-eyed confusion.
“Look around,” he prompted.
It didn’t take long for her to notice the new swing hanging in place of the old one.
She looked at Bryce.
“You bought my parents a new swing?” Beth asked, still not understanding its significance.
He shrugged, casual but confident, with the faintest hint of a smug grin. “I gotusa new one. I’m not about to spend my wedding day—or the rest of my life—sitting on the swing where another man’s lips were on yours.”
His grin was a blend of jealousy and confidence. Then his arm shot out, pulling her close with possessive flair—staking his claim. Beth’s head fell back in carefree laughter at his words, expression, and entire posture.
It didn’t take long for his lips to find the skin of her neck—slow, deliberate, nibbling softly, teasing his way toward her jaw, until—
“EWwwwwwwww,” the word came out drawn and horrified. “Cooooommmmeeee oooonnnnnn! Scarlett! Rhett! Seriously??? Aggghhh!”
Lynn’s voice rang out from the doorway, her hands dramatically slapped over her eyes as she stumbled back with theatrical flair. “My eyes—oh, my eyes!”
Beth jumped back, heart skipping, heat rushing to her face as embarrassment flooded her. Of course, Lynn would make a scene. She could feel the blush rising before she even turned toward the door.
