He added, “I understand why you felt you needed to do it.”
Brynleigh blinked. Of all the things she expected him to say, that wasn’t one of them.
“You mean, when I planned on…” The thought was so horrible that she couldn’t even form the words.
“Killing me?” A morose laugh escaped him. “Yeah. Though I will admit, I’m glad you decided not to follow through. I rather enjoy being alive.”
Forming words was proving to be troublesome, so she nodded.
“I am sorry your family is gone,” Ryker murmured. “I know apologies can’t bring back the dead, but still, I’m sorry.”
Her heart cracked.
“Me, too.” A tear coasted down her cheek. “They would’ve liked you.”
Several minutes passed in silence before Ryker drew her closer to him. The storm clouds were long gone, and the sun shone through the windows again.
“I’m the one who should be begging for your forgiveness,” he said gruffly. “I never should’ve let them take you to The Pit. I’m so sorry for what was done to you.”
Brynleigh hadn’t realized how badly she needed to hear him say those words until that moment. They sank deep into her soul, the broken pieces of her heart coming together and forming a new creation. Her chest warmed, and hope blossomed like a flower within her.
Thiswas why she had gone to Horizon, why she fought the Crimson Shade, and why she was ready to do whatever it took to stop the rebels.
Ryker was looking at her like she was his entire universe, and she couldn’t imagine a world where they weren’t together.
Her next words flowed like water from her lips.
“Forgiven. I just want you. The past is over. We both mademistakes. I want to look forward and rebuild what we had.” Brynleigh squeezed his hands. “Just us. Me and you.”
And Marlowe, who had moved to the couch and was now snoring like he owned the place.
At least one of them was relaxed.
Had time dragged on before? It was nothing compared to how she felt now, waiting for his response. They were on the precipice of something massive, and his next words could either propel them forward or forever destroy them.
Eventually, he exhaled. His lips melted in a smile. For the first time since their wedding, his dimples appeared.
She bit the inside of her cheek.
“Thank fuck.” Ryker lowered his head, his breath warming her lips once again. “I want to kiss you.”
Those words were the sweetest symphony, and that flower of hope burst into an entire field.
“I want that more than anything else.” Brynleigh’s core twisted, and those butterflies made a reappearance.
It had taken her a long time to reach this point, but she loved him. She’d given him her heart and finally accepted that there was nothing wrong with that.
Ryker groaned, and his hand tightened around the back of her neck, reminding her of its presence. He lowered his lips, and her heart raced in her chest.
Every inch between them felt like a mile until finally—fucking finally—they kissed.
Oh gods.
His mouth captured hers, and it was everything she had ever wanted.
This wasn’t the passionate embrace of their wedding, nor was it comparable to the feverish kisses they’d shared that night.
This was a gentle exploration, a mutual apology, and a promise never to break them again. It was a second chance, a flower blooming after a long winter, and a fresh start.