Page 71 of Marrying His Brother

Emily’s face shifts, just slightly, a flash of something unreadable crossing her expression before it disappears.

“Oh, I doubt it,” she says, her tone light, but there’s a stiffness to it.

“Still travelling?” I ask, trying to keep it casual, though part of me is curious why her father hasn’t been more involved.

“Yes, he is.” She pauses, glancing away as if studying the hotel entrance.

There’s a flicker in her eyes, almost like a shadow. I can tell she’s holding back, guarding something, and it makes me wonder. Why wouldn’t she share more about her father if they’re close?

“Well,” I say, hoping to ease the tension, “I suppose he’s just enjoying his life. If he’s anything like you, he’s probably trying to see everything, do everything.”

Her gaze softens, a little less guarded. “Yes, that sounds like him. He has this way of throwing himself fully into whatever he does. It’s admirable, really.”

But as she says it, I notice the way her shoulders tense and her voice sounds too cheerful.

“Maybe he’ll surprise you and drop in for the launch,” I offer, but she only gives me a small nod, her gaze dropping to the ground.

Before either of us can say anything further, a loud explosion echoes from the nearby military base, the sound ripping through the air.

My instinct is immediate; my body tenses, hands clenching, heart racing.

I force myself to inhale slowly, counting to four, then exhale just as slowly, focusing on each breath, one by one.

Another deep breath, then another. I can feel my heartbeat gradually slowing, the panic receding like a tide.

Emily’s hand rests gently on my arm, her face filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

I nod. “Yeah. I breathed through it.” I exhale deeply, forcing my shoulders to relax. “The therapist showed me how to handle these moments. It’s helping.”

There’s a flicker of pride in her eyes. “I’m glad. I know how hard you’re working on it.”

My chest swells with the love I feel for her. This wife of mine has seen me at my best and at my worst, and somehow, she’s still here. I’ve opened myself to her like I’ve never done with any other woman.

I trust her more than anyone in this world. Emily is my world, my anchor, the love of my life.

“Thank you.” The words aren’t enough, like nothing could convey how much her presence means to me. “For sticking with me. For understanding.”

A beautiful smile curves her lips. “That’s what I’m here for, Andrew. You’re not alone in this.”

I reach for her hand, intertwining our fingers, and warmth spreads through me that goes beyond relief. It’s love. Real, undeniable love.

Chapter 30: Emily

I wake up to the sound of the shower running and it hits me, excitement coursing through me. Launch day.

A thrill shivers through me as I sit up, stretching out the sleep and letting reality sink in. Today’s the day. Today, the Army Base Riviera finally reopens its doors again.

Andrew comes out of the bathroom in a cloud of steam, towel around his waist, hair damp, and an easy grin on his face.

Heat uncurls in my abdomen. This man will be the death of me. All I can think about when we’re together is having those muscular arms on me. I can’t get enough of him.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” he says, and I smile back.

He comes to the bed and plants a kiss on my lips.

“Good morning,” I say back and swing my legs to the edge of the bed.

Andrew and I have taken to sleeping naked, figuring there’s no point in wearing our night clothes when we make love at least twice every night.

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