Chapter 163
Evelyn POV
"There's mama," Sophia cooed to him, adjusting her hold as I approached.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the breakfast table in a warm glow. Fresh flowers sat in a crystal vase at the center, surrounded by plates of pastries, fruit, and a carafe of coffee.
I took Oliver from Sophia, pressing a kiss to his soft cheek before settling into the chair beside Ryan. Oliver gurgled happily, his tiny hand wrapping around my finger with surprising strength.
This was what mornings should feel like—warm, safe, filled with quiet joy. Nothing like the tense, silent breakfasts I'd endured with Bryce and his family, where every word felt measured, every gesture scrutinized.
"So," Sophia began, a mischievous glint in her eye as she poured coffee for Daniel. "Did you two enjoy your wedding night?"
Ryan nearly choked on his coffee, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks.
Daniel cleared his throat. "Sophia, please. Let them have some privacy. Everyone deserves to experience love and be loved without an audience."
"Thank you, Dad," Ryan said, shooting his father a grateful look.
Daniel waved his hand dismissively. "I've already spoken with the office. Everything's been taken care of for the next few days. No need for you to come in."
"I appreciate that," Ryan replied, his hand finding mine under the table, his thumb stroking my palm in a way that made me want to rush back upstairs. "Truth be told, I wouldn't be able to focus anyway. I'd just be thinking about getting back to Evelyn."
Oliver made a series of happy sounds, as if joining the conversation. I smiled down at him, adjusting his position in my arms.
"The wedding was absolutely perfect," Sophia said, her eyes growing misty. "I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful bride or a happier groom. The way you two looked at each other under that arch..." She placed a hand over her heart. "That's what true love looks like."
As the conversation flowed around me, I found myself observing the easy way they all interacted. Daniel's quiet strength, Sophia's nurturing energy, Ryan's relaxed confidence—all of it creating a tapestry of family life that I'd longed for but never experienced.
Before, I'd been living in the shadow of Bryce's cruelty, afraid to speak, afraid to hope. Now, I sat here with my son in my arms and my husband at my side, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for me.
The contrast was stark enough to make my chest ache. Life could change so drastically, so completely. What once seemed impossible was now my reality. I had found people who valued me for who I was, not what I could provide. People who saw me not as something to be fixed, but as someone to be loved.
And with Ryan and Oliver, I had found what I'd been searching for all along—not just a house, but a home. Not just a family by name, but by love and choice.
After breakfast, Ryan suggested we take a walk through the garden. With Oliver cradled against my chest, his warmth and weight a constant reminder of the miracle he was, we stepped outside. Ryan's arm settled around my shoulders, drawing us close as we walked toward the back gardens.
The morning sun bathed us in its golden light, illuminating the path ahead. In that moment, I knew with absolute certainty that whatever challenges life might bring, I had finally found where I belonged. With Ryan and Oliver, I was home.
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The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the garden as Ryan and I lounged on the patio, enjoying the peaceful aftermath of yesterday. The gentle warmth had replaced the morning's brightness, and the garden had taken on a golden hue that made everything seem touched by magic.
Oliver was napping upstairs, giving us a rare moment of quiet together. I rested my head against Ryan's shoulder, still admiring the way the sunlight caught my wedding band.
"I could get used to this," I murmured, letting my eyes drift closed. The gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers from the garden, and somewhere in the distance, birds were singing.
Our peaceful moment was interrupted by Sophia's enthusiastic arrival. She hurried onto the patio, her eyes bright with excitement.
"There you are, you two! I've had the most wonderful idea," she announced, settling into the chair across from us. "Since the weather is absolutely perfect, we should all go for a picnic and camping by the river this evening. As a little celebration for your marriage!"
Ryan straightened beside me, raising an eyebrow at his mother. "Camping? Tonight?"
"Yes! Daniel is already in the garage sorting through the camping equipment." She turned to me, her expression eager. "What do you think, Evelyn? Wouldn't it be lovely? Oliver would adore seeing the stars, and it would be such a special memory for your first day as a married couple."
I glanced at Ryan, who gave me a subtle nod. The idea was appealing—a family adventure under the stars did sound magical.
"I think that sounds wonderful," I replied. "Though I haven't been camping since I was a child."
"Perfect!" Sophia clapped her hands together. "Daniel will handle all the equipment, and you two just need to help with the food and Oliver's things." She stood up, already heading back toward the house, then paused to add with a wink, "The riverside at sunset is so romantic."
After she left, Ryan pulled me closer, his arm around my waist. "Sorry if that wasn't what you had in mind for our post-wedding day," he said.
I shook my head. "No, I love the idea. Besides," I added with a smile, "your mother looked so excited, I don't think we could have said no if we wanted to."
Ryan laughed, pressing a kiss to my temple. "That's true. Once Mom gets an idea in her head, resistance is futile." He stood, offering his hand to pull me up. "We should start packing Oliver's things. He'll need extra clothes in case he decides to explore the river."
As we headed inside, I noticed a meaningful glance pass between Ryan and Daniel, who was emerging from the garage with arms full of camping gear. Something about their exchange made me suspect there was more to this impromptu camping trip than a simple family outing, but I decided not to question it.