Beth let out a laugh, the tension in her chest gone, replaced with something different.
“I thought you were terrified of cooties?”
“I’m willing to risk it.”
He leaned in—slowly, reverently, giving her every chance to pull away.
She had never really been kissed before. Not like this. Not by someone she was insanely attracted to, engaged to, married to.
Her heart pounded so hard she swore he could feel it.
But she didn’t pull away.
Instead, she let her eyes flutter shut as Bryce closed the space between them, his lips brushing hers so gently it sent a shiver down herspine. It wasn’t rushed, wasn’t overwhelming—it was a quiet, steady promise.
Beth exhaled against him, her fingers curling slightly in his shirt as warmth spread through her, slow and sure, chasing away the last of her fear.
Bryce kissed her like she was precious, like he understood what this moment meant.
A sigh escaped her lips before she could stop it, and his hand came up, cupping her face with aching tenderness, his thumb grazing her cheek in a touch so light it nearly undid her.
Beth wasn’t sure how long they kissed, wrapped in something fragile yet unshakable, but when she finally pulled back, breathless, she didn’t step far.
Eyes closed, she let her forehead rest against his chest, her heart still racing.
Bryce let out a soft breath, his thumb still tracing slow, reverent strokes against her skin. “You okay?” he whispered.
Beth let out a shaky laugh, nodding.
“More than okay.”
Looking at her hand on his chest Beth’s eyes widened.
“How did you know?” shock laced her voice.
Bryce tilted his head. “Know what?”
“This is my ring.”
“Yes,” he said slowly, amused. “I know. I just gave it to you.”
“No, you don’t get it.” Beth looked up at him, stunned. “This is my ring. The one I’ve always wanted from the DiamondFactory in Castle Rock. I never told anyone—not even. Kim. How could you have known?”
Bryce chuckled, his thumb running over the back of her hand. “Truthfully? God. When I saw it, it practically screamed your name. I had to guess at your ring size, but there was no uncertainty on which ring to get you.” She lifted her hand, admiring the way the sun played over the diamond.
“It looked just like the watch you always wear to work.”
Beth’s jaw dropped. “I bought the watch because it looked like this ring.”
Bryce grinned.
Beth laughed, shaking her head in wonder. “I can’t believe this.”
He tugged her closer, tucking her against his side. “Believe it.”
She snuggled into him, again watching as the sunlight danced off the diamond. As a little girl, she had dreamed of this moment, of a proposal filled with love, laughter, and the promise of forever.
Somehow, despite the chaos of how they started, despite all the uncertainty still ahead—Bryce had given her that moment.
