Page 102 of Finding Forever

“I know that, too.”

Ryan swallowed. “He’d be so proud of you.”

Kayla’s eyes glistened and Beth squeezed her hand.

“Uncle Ryan?” Kayla said.

“Yeah?”

“I’m really glad you’re here.”

Ryan blinked several times. “So am I, kiddo.”

Kayla looked from him to Beth. “And this is how I want to walk down the aisle. With both of you.”

Beth cleared the emotion from her throat. “Then that’s exactly what we’ll do.”

The music changed and ahead of them, the double doors opened, and everyone stood.

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass window, casting soft patterns across the floor. Paris had decorated the ends of the pews with flowers and greenery, and another arrangement stood near the altar.

Beth saw Tyler’s parents and his sister and brother-in-law. Rosalind sat beside Peter near the front. Laurel, Julie, Maria, Rachel, and Susan were there, too. Kayla and Tyler’s friends sat on both sides of the aisle, looking back at them.

And Dave.

He stood near the aisle in a dark suit. His gaze found Beth’s, and he smiled. It was only a small smile, but warmth moved through her.

Then Kayla gripped Beth’s hand.

“What is it?” Beth whispered. She followed her daughter’s gaze toward the front of the church. Tyler was waiting beside Pastor John.

The moment he saw Kayla, his expression changed. His smile gave way to such open emotion that Beth’s throat tightened.

Tyler blinked hard and wiped his eyes.

Kayla gave a tiny gasp. “He’s crying.”

Ryan chuckled. “Good man.”

Kayla laughed, although tears were gathering in her eyes.

Beth squeezed her hand. “Ready, sweetheart?”

Kayla never looked away from Tyler. “Absolutely.”

Together, they started down the aisle.

Beth concentrated on walking slowly, matching her steps to Kayla’s. But somewhere between the first pew and the second, the years seemed to fold in on themselves.

Kayla on her first day of school, turning at the classroom door to wave. Driving lessons that had tested every ounce of Beth’s patience. Leaving for college. And the first time she’d mentioned Tyler, then tried far too hard to sound casual about him.

So many ordinary days had brought them here.

Beth looked at the woman walking beside her and wondered how twenty-six years could have passed so quickly.

When they reached the front of the church, Tyler stepped forward. His eyes were still fixed on Kayla.

Ryan looked at his niece before holding out her hand to Tyler. “Take care of each other.”