Tami kissed her cheek, and together they walked toward the foyer, where their husbands were waiting.
Pastor Steve gathered them one last time, offering a quiet prayer over their next steps, their marriage, and the story still unfolding.
Beth didn’t have it all figured out. There were still a hundred unanswered questions swirling in her mind.
But as she looked up and saw Bryce’s head bowed beside her in prayer, one thing had settled in her spirit.
She wanted this marriage.
Not to cover up a mistake. Not to save face. Not because it was the easiest option.
She wanted it because she believed God could redeem even this—and maybe even use it for His glory.
Beth wanted to be brave enough to discover how He would do that.
CHAPTER 8
Well… that was… something,” Beth said, glancing up at Bryce with a soft, uncertain smile.
He returned it with a quiet breath. “You okay?”
She nodded slowly, then added—more to the sidewalk than to him—”Thanks… for sharing all that. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
Bryce’s voice was steady. “It wasn’t. But it was important that you knew.”
She looked up at him then—really looked—and for a split second, her heart stuttered.
Because forthe first time, she saw the man who could’ve walked away was choosing her, choosing to stay.
She held out his travel mug. “Ready for round two?”
He took it, brushing her fingers with his. “Lead the way.”
As they stepped outside, the silence stretched—not heavy, just… full.
Beth breathed in the crisp air, still not sure if she should say more or just let the quiet stand.
But ready or not, life had a funny way of moving forward.
“Alright then—Mom’s making her Saturday lunch specialty: CST wraps.”
“CS-what?”
“CST. Cucumber, sprout, and tofu. We may want to hit a drive-thru on the way.”
He gave her a look. “You eat tofu?”
Beth laughed. “Only when I’m home. We were raised on it, but… let’s just say it’s not a personal favorite.”
Until today, Beth had never realized how massive and intimidating her parents’ front door was. She felt like a taller, darker Alice in Wonderland—and half-expected the door to open and swallow her whole. Although, maybe it would be better if the floor did open up, then she wouldn’t have to introduce her husband to her parents.
How awkward.
Perhaps that’s why the door looked so sinister.
“So, are we going to knock, or stand here hoping someone notices us and lets us in?” Bryce asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Right. Here we go.” She opened the door without knocking and stepped inside.
