In Savaria, a breeze drifted by as Steve picked up a custom-made wedding ring and slid it onto Irene's ring finger.
The moment the ring settled in place, he suddenly remembered Claire. Five years ago, he had done the same—sliding a wedding ring onto her finger.
"The groom may now kiss the bride."
As the priest's words faded, cheers broke out from the crowd.
Irene tilted her head up, eyes closed, waiting for Steve's kiss. But Steve hesitated as he stared at her face.
When Irene had beaten Claire yesterday, he'd instinctively counted thirty blows in total, each one heavy. So heavy that in the end, the burlap sack had been stained red with blood.
After it ended last night, he'd immediately flown Irene to Savaria while leaving orders for someone to take Claire to the hospital.
He had tu
