Bryce let out a low whistle. “Your mom handled that with a ridiculous amount of grace.”
Beth nodded. “She cried her eyes out later that night, though. Then when Lynn turned eighteen, she got DNA and genetic testing done… which, of course, proved she was Dad’s daughter. She never apologized for the accusation. Instead, she just got wilder.”
Bryce was quiet for a beat. “Almost like an affair was her last hope of fitting in.”
Beth turned slightly, surprised by his words. His insight was sharp and unexpected. She studied him, feeling something shift between them.
Bryce noticed.
She wasn’t as guarded with him as she had been. Her walls weren’t down completely, but they were lowering, brick by brick.
Beth blinked, realization settling in. “I’ve never thought of it that way, but… I think you’re right.” His insight caused the heaviness to lift, replaced by something lighter.
Something new. Something that, for the first time, didn’t feel so complicated.
They started walking again, finishing the hike while discussing easier topics—like the crazy Colorado weather and
their favorite restaurants.
In many ways, the conversation flowed between them like any couple connecting on a typical first date.
CHAPTER 16
Reaching the lookout point at the highest point on the trail, Bryce again stepped behind her—allowing Beth to once more feel the warmth of his presence. This time she leaned back, enjoying when his hand came to rest lightly on her hip, as they enjoyed the view from the mountain top.
After a moment, Bryce asked, “Are you hungry?”
Beth nodded against him but didn’t turn around.
“Stay. Enjoy the view, I’ll get the picnic set out.” He gently kissed her temple before removing his hand and made quick work of spreading out a blanket and setting out food.
At one point, Beth laughed, pointing at a pair of squirrels darting around a tree. “I’ve always thought they look like giant rats with fluffy tails.”
Beth heard his deep chuckle and turned to look at him. Her smile froze on her face when she saw Bryce on one knee holding out a single white rose.
Capturing her hand, Bryce lifted it to his lips and pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her left ring finger, just like before.
Beth’s pulse skittered.
Their eyes met, and in that charged, silent moment, he knew she remembered.
Remembered the way he had kissed her finger that night in Vegas, the teasing smirk, the recklessness wrapped in laughter. The moment they had sealed their fate based on nothing more than too much tequila and the desire to be together.
Today, there was no laughter. No alcohol. No impulsive rush into the unknown. Just Bryce—certain, intentional.
“Elizabeth Jean Stoner,” he said, his voice steady, rich with something she wasn’t sure she was ready to name. “Will you marry me?”
Beth’s breath hitched, her heart hammering so loudly she wondered if he could hear it.
She swallowed. “I already did,” she whispered, an attempt at lightness.
Bryce smirked, a whisper of the same teasing grin from that night—but instead of cockiness, there was tenderness.
“True,” he admitted. “But this time, I’d like a ceremony we both remember.”
The words were playful, but the meaning beneath them was anything but.
Bryce squeezed her hand, his expression turning serious with a hit of playfulness.
