Beth shot him an indignant look as he moved to the kitchen. “Excuse you, I do not survive on pizza alone.”
Bryce chuckled, cracking eggs one-handed into a bowl and whisking them with effortless precision.
Beth settled onto one of the barstools, watching as he moved around the kitchen. It was strange, this quiet domesticity between them. She was so nervous about being here, in this space alone with him, but this… this felt comfortable.
“You have the place set up nicer than I expected,” she admitted.
“I hired an interior decorator,” he said, grabbing a pan. “Your place was cozier. I hope you’ll change and add things—make it yours. Maybe we could hang some of your pictures.”
Beth grinned. “Nah, I think I’ll just sneak pictures in for you to find.”
Bryce chuckled, glancing over at her. “How many did you find?”
Beth narrowed her eyes. “Fifteen,” she declared dramatically, spinning on her stool to glance at the living room.
He laughed, flipping the omelet effortlessly.
“How?! How did you sneak in so many in a week?!”
“I’ll never tell.”
Beth shook her head, amused, before her gaze drifted to the exposed brick walls. “Is it even possible to hang stuff on that?”
“It’d be easier to do a big multi-frame instead of a dozen little ones, but we can make anything work.”
“Curtains would be nice,” she mused. “Especially in the bedroom. I don’t like the idea of people watching me sleep.”
Bryce smirked, plating her omelet. “The windows are treated—you can see out, but no one can see in.” His eyes gleamed with mischief as he added, “So I’ll be the only one watching you sleep.”
Beth gave him a flat look.
He laughed. “What? In a completely romantic, non-creepy sort of way.” He set the plate in front of her. “Bon appétit.”
Sliding onto the stool beside her, Bryce took her hand, bowing his head for a quick prayer.
When Beth opened her eyes, a small square jewelry box sat beside her plate.
She blinked in surprise, her heart stuttering as she turned to Bryce. “What’s this?”
“Open it.”
She carefully lifted the lid and nestled against the satin was a wedding band—simple, beautiful. White gold, just like her engagement ring, but with a channel of alternating diamonds and sapphires running smoothly around the band. It was practical, the stones set flush so they wouldn’t catch on gloves at work.
Her throat tightened.
“Bryce, it’s beautiful.” She looked up at him, eyes wide. “You didn’t need to get me another ring. I love the one you gave me.”
“I know.” He reached out, gently running a finger along the edge of her engagement ring. “I also know sapphires aren’t either of our birthstones, but they remind me of your eyes.” His voice dropped slightly, more serious. “As for not needing to get it…I already told you, I’m a little territorial.” His lips quirked. “You’re not working without a ring.”
Beth swallowed hard, warmth spreading through her chest. She took off her engagement ring just long enough to slide the wedding band on first, smiling at how perfectly they fit together. Then she leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, and I’m going to ignore the caveman-like comment.”
Bryce chuckled, but his gaze remained on her hand, a quiet satisfaction there.
Her smile faltered slightly. “Wait… when’s your birthday?”
“April 27.”
Her jaw dropped. “No way. We’re birthday month buddies! Mine is the—”
