Chapter Forty-Two
Quinn
S trong arms wrap around me from behind, and I stiffen, dropping the shirt I was unpacking back into the suitcase. Bram buries his face in my hair and my neck. His breath is hot against my skin, and my rebellious body warms at his touch, even as part of me tries to hold on to the hurt and anger.
“Please, Q. Let’s work this out. Talk it over. I won’t hide anything else from you. Ever again—” His voice breaks, and I realize he’s holding back a sob. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m sorry I failed you as a husband.”
I squeeze my eyes closed against the pain as my hands come up to grip his arms. His hold on me tightens as hot tears fall onto my neck. I can feel the sobs shaking him and the wall I’d been trying to keep in place comes crashing down before it’s even halfway up.
Turning in his arms, I inhale a fortifying breath.
God, help me. Help me to forgive him.
“Did you and Lois ever kiss?” I know Lois told me they hadn’t. But I need him to tell me, too.
Bram keeps his arms around me, leaning back slightly so he can look into my face. He shakes his head. “Never.”
Biting my lip, I nod, relief trickling through me. “And did you mean what you said earlier? About . . . about being in love with me?”
His eyes soften and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Yes. Every single word, sunshine.”
Placing my hands on his chest, I feel his erratic heartbeat. How can I refuse to show him forgiveness? Yes, finding out like this hurt. A lot. But he’s constantly showing me his true heart. By choosing to love me. And now, I’ll do the same.
Peace washes over me. Our situation is unique. But Bram loves me. I love him. And we serve a God who is an expert at mending broken hearts.
I press a hand against his cheek. “I forgive you.”
His eyes close, and he tilts his head back for a moment before meeting my gaze. “I will spend the rest of my days proving to you how much I love you.”
I finally let my smile break through. “Promise?”
Tugging me closer, he places his forehead on mine. “I promise.”
“I love you, husband,” I reply softly, wrapping my arms around his neck and yanking him down until his lips meet mine in the purest kiss I’ve ever known. It tastes of mint and salty tears—mine or his, I’m not sure.
“I love you too, wife,” he whispers against my mouth. Despite our unique beginning, God brought us together for a purpose. And no matter what trials come our way, as long as we hold tightly to Him and one another, are willing to forgive, and choose to love—even in the difficult times—we will make it through.
Together.