BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 66

Lucas

As I carry my wife over the threshold of our suite, I can't stop looking at her. Still radiant in her white wedding dress, her eyes glassy with unshed tears and brimming with the same overwhelming love that fills my chest, I send a silent prayer of gratitude—to God, the universe, or whatever force saw fit to bless me with this moment. Here I am, married to the love of my life, stepping into the first night of the rest of our lives.

"Mrs. Holt," I say softly, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "I hope these accommodations are to your liking." I set her down, my heart pounding as I watch her take in the room around us.

The suite is a perfect blend of rustic charm and quiet luxury, like something you'd find in a magazine. Exposed wood beams stretch across the vaulted ceiling, and the crackling stone fireplace casts a warm golden glow that dances along the walls. One side of the room is dominated by floor-to-ceiling windows, their glass offering a glimpse of the night beyond and a promise of a sunrise that will soon reveal a valley ablaze with the fiery hues of autumn. The bed, draped in pristine white linens, is accented with deep red pillows, while a delicate trail of rose petals leads from the door to its edge. Flickering candles bathe every corner of the room in a soft, romantic light, and on a small table nearby, a chilled bottle of sparkling apple cider waits for us, its golden liquid gleaming in the firelight.

I watch my bride take in the room, her lips parting and her eyes widening as she spins in a slow circle. "Lucas..." she whispers, her voice full of awe. Her fingers press to her mouth as her gaze flits from the windows to the bed, the fireplace, and finally, to me. Her expression is everything—pure wonder, a touch of disbelief, and a love so profound it feels like my chest might burst. For a second, I'm frozen, overwhelmed by the joy of knowing I've given her this feeling, this moment.

"Do you like it?" My voice is tinged with hesitation, though her reaction has already said more than words ever could.

"Yes. Oh my gosh, yes!" she exclaims, her laugh ringing out like music. Before I can react, she's in my arms, her lips crashing against mine as her fingers dive into my hair.

It takes a second for my body to catch up, but when it does, I pull her close, deepening the kiss and reveling in the feel of her warm body against me. She's smiling now, her lips curving against mine, and then she breaks into a soft snicker.

"You know," I tease, "a lesser husband might take offense to his wife laughing in the middle of a sexy-as-hell kiss."

"But not you, huh?" She laughs as I trail kisses down her neck. God, that sound. It's everything. When I first came back to town, she was a shadow of the vibrant, beautiful woman standing before me now. Back then, I was so consumed by my own demons it took months for me to see how much she was struggling. But now? Now, she's back to being the light—the same shining star that kept me alive those thirteen years I was in the dark.

"Nope. Not me," I reply, my voice light with affection. I set her back on her feet, and it's like the significance of the day, and everything we've been through hits us both. We fall silent, just staring into each other's eyes.

"Thank you, Lucas," she whispers.

"For what?"

"For the fall wedding of my dreams, for the wonderful reception, for this perfect honeymoon suite. And all of it at Shadow Falls, no less."

"Shane gave us quite the discount, so don't you worry your pretty little head." I grin, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. The words come out teasing, but in truth, I'm hoping to steer her away from another conversation about money—one we've had far more often than I'd like.

"Stop trying to distract me." She presses a hand on my chest, stopping me in my tracks. The knowing gleam in her eyes confirms she's onto me. "Since moving back into town, you've taken care of everything—every bill, every expense. And now the wedding too. I have my own money, Lucas. Before you came back into my life, I supported the girls and me quite comfortably."