Who would have believed eight short months ago—when he’d been convinced love wasn’t in the cards for him and he’d end up spending the rest of his life alone—that he’d be here today, honeymooning in these ancient hills with a woman who filled his life with sunshine and laughter?

Pressure built in his throat as gratitude welled up inside him.

Her eyes softened. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

“No. It’s been at least two hours.”

“I’ll let actions speak louder than words.” She leaned over and kissed him.

Thoroughly.

Only after a passing car offered a quick honk of encouragement and the driver shouted “Viva amore!” did she back off with a soft flush.

“Whoops. I keep forgetting there are other people in the world—and you may take that as a compliment.” The corners of her mouth rose, and she traced a finger along the line of his jaw.

“I shall.” He captured her hand in his. “But if you keep that up, I’ll be tempted to thank you in ways not suitable for public consumption.”

She waggled her eyebrows. “In that case—why don’t we find a nice, secluded spot to enjoy the picnic lunch the inn packed?”

“Secluded is perfect—and I am hungry.” He winked at her.

“You’ve turned into a real flirt, you know that?”

“Complaining?”

“Nope.” She gave a saucy toss of her head and mounted her bike. “First one who finds a spot for a picnic gets a prize.”

Pushing off, she pedaled down the road.

Brent gave her a head start, more for his benefit than hers. What a joy to watch her so happy and carefree and healthy after all she’d been through. It had taken months for her stamina to recover after the shooting—and she still struggled with nightmares, as he’d learned this past week.

But Olivia was gone, along with the basement control center that had launched countless attacks nationwide—and while the infamous Al had recovered from his wounds, he was facing a very long prison sentence.

That threat was over.

As for any new challenges that lay ahead—he’d be by her side through those too.

A spot he intended to occupy all the days of his life.

For the Scripture passage read at their wedding summed up his feelings to a T. The value of a worthy wife was far beyond jewels.

And as he pushed off to follow her toward a line of tall, stately poplars in the distance, he gave thanks for the unexpected happy ending that had graced his life and filled all the dark places with the light of love.

“Do you want another grape?” Eve dangled a cluster in front of her husband.

Husband.

Still hard to believe, even though they were halfway through their two-week honeymoon.

How on earth had she lucked out and found a guy like Brent?