We both stand and I pull her into another hug, completely losing it again. The tears come hard, hot, relentless. Clara simply holds me, one hand rubbing my back.
“Shh,” she whispers. “It's okay.”
After a minute, I finally manage to pull myself together enough to step back. I scrub at my eyes. “I'm okay.” It's a lie, but it's the best I've got.
Then I hold out my hand to Spence. “Let's go see our girls.”
His eyes soften immediately. He doesn't hesitate, not even for a second. He just takes my hand, firmly, strong, supportive, sure. Exactly what I need.
Clara watches the exchange. A smile finally breaks through her sadness. She waves a hand between us. “This.” Her voice wobbles. “This makes my heart want to explode.”
I lean over and kiss her cheek. “Mine too.”
Then I take a deep breath, tighten my grip on Spence's hand, and together, we walk toward the community room to see the remaining Bettys.
I push the doors open to the community room and I can feel the weight of the loss hanging in the air. Everyone is gathered in small clusters, some sitting at tables nursing cups of coffee, others standing with hands clasped over each other's shoulders. Quiet conversations drift through the room, memories and stories, people trying to comfort one another while grieving a friend they've known for years.
My eyes find Betti and Bette. Sadness is etched into both of their expressions. They're standing beside their usual table, Betti's hand wrapped tightly around the back of Betty's chair. Her chair. The sight nearly undoes me all over again.
I walk straight to them. Neither woman says a word. I don't either. I just wrap both arms around them and pull them into a hug at the same time. They fold into me immediately.
“Oh, Ryan,” Bette says softly, her voice cracking.
“I'm so sorry,” I whisper, squeezing them gently.
I feel both women nod where they're tucked against my chest. For a moment, none of us move. Then I reluctantly loosen my hold and step back.
Betti rubs my arm. “I'm so happy you're here,” she says. “She loved you so much.”
A lump forms in my throat. I offer a small smile. “I loved her too.” I glance toward the empty chair. “Who's going to give me a hard time now?”
Both women laugh. The sound is wet with tears but genuine. Betti points toward Spence. “Oh, I don't know.” Her eyes twinkle. “Seems you found someone to keep you on your toes.”
Spence smiles and shakes his head.
I chuckle and reach back, finding his hand immediately. I tug him closer until he's standing beside me. “I'd say he gives her a run for her money.”
The ladies laugh again. Bette wipes beneath her eyes. “You know,” she says, “she wouldn't shut up about the two of you after you first brought him by.”
I smirk. Of course she didn't.
Betti nods enthusiastically. “Yep. She's doing a told-you-so dance somewhere right now.”
I let out a laugh, because she's probably right. Betty had clocked us before either of us were willing to admit what was happening.
“I'm not sure if you knew, Ryan,” Bette says quietly. The humor leaves her face. “Betty didn't have any family left.”
My brow furrows.
“You were her only visitor.”
The words hit me like a punch. My eyes instantly fill again. “What?” I blink rapidly. “No. I didn't know that.”
Betti reaches up and pats my cheek. “Yes, dear.” Her smile is gentle. “She always looked forward to your visits.” She glances at Spence. “And Tyler's too.”
Spence and I exchange a look.
“We only brought him by the one time,” Spence says.
