She passed the hot brew into Beth’s hands before settling beside her on the couch.
“So?” Kim grinned. “Tell me everything. Was it dreamy, or did one of you fall overboard?”
Beth laughed softly. “Both, actually.”
She stared into the steam curling from her cup. “It wasn’t without its challenges. Bryce got sunburned the first day, and we missed half the stuff he planned. But... it ended up being exactly what we needed.”
Kim raised a brow. “How so?”
Beth hesitated, her fingers tightening on the cup. “There was one night... he asked me if I was happy. If I regretted marrying him.”
Kim’s face softened. “And what did you say?”
Beth’s lips curved. “That I don’t. That I never have. I told him I might regret how we got married, but never who I married.”
Kim didn’t say anything—just waited, sensing there was more.
Beth exhaled slowly. “It wasn’t what we expected. But something shifted, and I think… I think that’s when I felt myself let go of the shame I had carried since Vegas.”
“There was this night on the boat,” Beth said, her voice going soft as she stared into her coffee.
“He was still sunburned and in a mood. I was annoyed. And tired. And hungry.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
“I’m sorry,” Bryce muttered. “I guess after vomiting for three days from sun poisoning I’m a little grumpy.”
Beth arched a brow. “A little?”
“You don’t think so?”
“Nope. I’d say you’re a big fat crab.”
Bryce stared at her, stunned.
“Well,” he shot back, “you’d be crabby too if you weren’t some sun-kissed goddess who never burns.”
Beth fought a smile. “I’d like to think I’d be grateful I married someone in the medical profession who knew how to care for me instead of barking at said person and sending them out of the room every five seconds.”
Bryce groaned. “Fine. You might be right.”
“Might?”
“Don’t push it.”
He gently rolled onto his side. “This just isn’t how I planned our honeymoon. Even after I feel better, I can’t have too much sun exposure.”
Beth softened. “So… make new plans.”
“I liked my original ones,” he said, sulking.
“So did I.” Her voice quieted. “But that doesn’t mean the new ones aren’t still good.”
He blinked at her, uncertain. “Are we still talking about the trip?”
Beth stood, grabbing her cover-up. “Figure it out. I’m going to dinner. I’m starving.”
“You’re not eating in here with me?”
