Page 105 of Finding Forever

They reached a wooden bench overlooking the lake. Beth left her shoes beneath it before wandering closer to the narrow strip of sand.

Dave watched her lift the hem of her dress. “You’re not planning on going in there, are you?”

“Maybe.”

“It’s May,” Dave reminded her. “The water will still be freezing.”

Beth glanced over her shoulder, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I’m only putting my feet in.” She stepped forward just as a small wave rolled onto the shore.

Her squeal made Dave laugh. “I did warn you.”

Beth had jumped away from the water. “You weren’t convincing enough.”

“I’ll work on my delivery.”

Beth came toward him, and something inside Dave shifted. Maybe it was the wedding or the peaceful evening after a day filled with people and celebration. Or perhaps it was simply the sight of Beth standing barefoot beside Flathead Lake, looking happier and more carefree than he’d seen her in a long time.

Whatever the reason, he wanted more moments like this. Not special occasions or carefully arranged plans. He simply wanted more time with her.

Beth’s smile faded as she studied him. “What are you thinking about?”

Dave considered giving her an easy answer, but he’d never been particularly good at dressing up the truth. At sixty-five, he saw even less reason to start. “I was thinking about how much I like being with you.”

Her expression changed.

Dave moved a little closer. “Not because we’re working on something or because there’s somewhere we need to be. I like being with you when there’s absolutely nothing happening.”

Beth looked toward the lake before turning back to him. “I like that, too. Do you know what I kept thinking during the service?”

Dave shook his head.

“Kayla wasn’t afraid. She was nervous, but that wasn’t the same thing. She knew exactly what she wanted.”

Dave heard the wistfulness in her voice. “You envy that?”

“A little.” Beth gave him a rueful smile. “Certainty seems easier when you’re young.”

Dave sighed. “I’m not sure it is. When you’re young, you think you’ve got forever to fix a bad decision. At our age, we’ve learned that decisions matter.”

Beth gave him a doubtful look. “That isn’t especially comforting.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be.”

She laughed and gave his arm a playful nudge.

Dave caught her hand before she could move away, holding it gently against his chest. “I don’t need you to be certain about everything,” he said.

Beth’s amusement disappeared as she held his gaze. “What do you need?”

He considered the question before answering. “The truth.”

Beth stepped closer, resting her free hand against his shoulder. “I can give you that.”

Dave waited.

“I missed you today,” Beth whispered.

That wasn’t what he’d expected to hear. A puzzled smile tugged at his mouth. “I was there.”