Bryce’s expression shifted instantly. “You’re the best.”
He kissed her cheek and walked off—completely forgetting to say goodbye to Eric.
Eric watched him go, then turned back to Lynn. “So...Lynn, was it?”
She didn’t miss a beat. “Nooooppppeee.”
With that, she turned on her heel and walked away without a backward glance.
CHAPTER 42
The reception was still going strong when Bryce and Beth snuck off. Their wedding night would be spent at a boutique hotel before catching a late afternoon flight. Destination Unknown. At least, to Beth.
She stepped into the room first, her eyes scanning the sleek, modern lines—the soft glow from the fireplace, the freestanding tub, the hint of mountain twilight visible through the partially raised glass garage-style door leading to a private balcony. It was beautiful. Her fingers idly played with the lace at the edge of her dress as she lingered just inside the door.
Behind her, Bryce watched her with quiet affection.
“Did you enjoy today?” he asked, voice low, his presence grounding.
Beth nodded, still facing the room. “I did. It was a lot of fun.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him, a smile tugging at her lips. “Did you?”
“I did,” he said, taking a slow step closer. “How are you feeling?”
Beth hesitated, her fingers brushing lightly against the edge of the tub. “Nervous,” she admitted softly, chewing on her bottom lip.
Bryce chuckled, the sound deep and familiar. “Clearly,” he teased gently, “but that’s not what I meant. I meant physically—any morning sickness today?”
Beth turned slightly toward him, her brows rising. “Ohhh,” she breathed. “No. Still nothing. Honestly, it’s kind of strange. It’s made it easier not to say anything before the wedding.”
He gave her a curious look. “Because you don’t feel pregnant?”
“Exactly,” she said, sheepish. “Sometimes I even forget.”
Her honesty stirred something tender in him.
“Come here, let me help you out of that thing.”
Beth blinked, cheeks coloring. She hesitated before turning to offer her back. Her shoulders were drawn tight and her hands trembled slightly at her sides.
Bryce reached for the zipper but paused. He didn’t touch it right away. Instead, he let his hands settle gently on her hips, grounding her with the quiet steadiness she’d come to rely on.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his voice low, steady.
“There’s no rush.”
He felt her exhale—slow and shaky—like she’d been holding more than just her breath.
“You look beautiful.”
Beth’s breath caught at his words. At his nearness. Her eyes fluttered closed for a beat. The nerves were still there—but now they were wrapped in desire. The love, the devotion, the patience Bryce had shown her since their wedding—the way he kept putting her needs first, going at her pace—quieted that instinct to run and replaced it with something almost like anticipation.
Bryce pressed a kiss to the back of her neck as he stood behind her, his fingers grazing the fabric of her dress.
“I mean it—there’s no rush,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “But you might be more comfortable in sweats. Are you okay with me helping you out of this?”
His lips brushed her earlobe once he finished speaking, soft and reverent.
