Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

“It took a turn in November. I’m now officially based in Charlottesville, Virginia. I never told anyone.”

“Congratulations, Henry.” Bryce shakes his hand.

“I should be telling you the same thing.”

“We’re lucky men,” Bryce agrees.

Henry’s eyes go to Shana and melt when she leans into his side. I reach over and touch her hand. “We got them,” I whisper, and she nods, squeezing my fingers.

“Okay, I hate to be crass, but I’m doing the wedding thing until I can get my bride alone,” Bryce says, leading me away.

“BRYCE!”

Shana and Henry laugh, and she kisses me on the cheek. “Give him control for a bit. Then show him who’s boss.”

I grin in understanding and let him lead me away. We stay attached all night until the DJ announces it’s time for me to dance with my dad.

When I step into his arms, he leans into my ear and talks softly. “Time to give your old man a break.”

“What do you mean?”

“In the last five weeks, you’ve graduated with honors, turned twenty-one, and gotten married. In less than eight weeks, you’ll be covering the Olympics. Think that’s enough for a while. There’s only so much pride a man can have.”

“You got it, Daddy. After this summer, I’ll be a boring daughter. No more extravagance for a while.”

“Love you, Dev.”

“You too.” I squeeze tight, swaying in his arms until the song ends.

“Can I take over?” Bryce steps up, and Dad gives him my hand.

“This time tomorrow, I’ll have you on an island with no sharing for seven days. Clothing is optional,” he whispers and then starts to nibble on my earlobe.

“Optional? Is it a nude beach?” I tease, and he pinches my ass.

“Not funny.”

“Are we going to leave the room at all? What’s the point of going to Bermuda if we’re going to stay indoors? We could have done that here.”

“We’re going far, far away from all these people. I want my wife to myself with no interruptions.”

“I think we can handle that. I love you, Bryce.”

He lifts my face to his, and his fingers rub the compass around my neck. Then he proceeds to fill my heart with more love than I ever thought possible.

“From the very day you walked through my kitchen door with Nate, I’ve loved you. Growing up, all my dreams centered on you loving me back. The moment our lips touched when I was fifteen years old, I was ruined for anyone else. Even through the time when I cut you out of my life, my heart still beat for you. Moving on was never an option. I know that now.

Thank you for not taking no for an answer and giving me the fairytale every girl dreams of. Your love and support are my lifelines, and without them, I’d be nothing. That may sound pathetic, but now that I’ve experienced the depth of your devotion, there’s no going back. I can only hope that you feel the same passion and adoration from me.

My life is intertwined with yours, and I can’t fully breathe without you. All that matters is that we are together. I’d do anything in the world to see your beautiful blue eyes stare into mine right now. Physically and mentally, my heart craves your touch and the sound of your voice.

Bryce Randolph, you’re the bravest, strongest, and most loving man I’ve ever known, and I’ll be honored to be your wife. Please wake up and marry me.”

“You heard me,” I say breathlessly.

“Every word.” He gives me his signature cocky grin. “And I did as I was told. I woke up and married you. Best decision ever.”

I open my mouth to respond but change my mind. Instead, I start to laugh, knowing I have a lifetime ahead of me with this ridiculously, over-the-top man.