Page 106 of Finding Forever

“I know, and that’s what makes it ridiculous.” Beth laughed softly. “Every time something happened, I wanted to find you and tell you about it. Then I’d remember you’d seen it, too.”

Dave liked hearing that more than he could say. “I think that’s my favorite truth so far.”

A faint flush appeared in her cheeks. “I thought you might.”

There was more. He could tell. “What else?” he asked.

Beth glanced toward the restaurant before meeting his gaze again. “I kept wondering when we’d have a minute alone.”

Dave didn’t need anything more than that. He slid an arm around her waist and drew her closer. Beth came willingly, her hands settling against his chest as he lowered his head.

Their lips met gently at first. Then Beth leaned into him, and the kiss deepened.

Dave held her closer as her hands moved to his shoulders. There was none of the uncertainty that had accompanied their first kisses, no sense that either of them was wondering whether they should stop.

For those few moments, the rest of the evening disappeared. When they finally drew apart, Beth remained in his arms.

Dave rested his forehead lightly against hers and smiled. “You’ve affected my vocabulary. I can’t think of anything intelligent to say.”

“That would explain the silence.”

He laughed and kissed the corner of her mouth. Beth turned her head and caught his lips again, surprising another laugh from him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this happy simply being with someone.

Eventually, Beth eased back and glanced toward the restaurant. “As much as I’d like to stay here, I think they’re getting ready to lock us out.”

Dave followed her gaze. Several of the lights had already been switched off. “That might be a problem,” he said. “Especially since you left your purse and phone inside.”

Beth walked over to the bench and retrieved her shoes. “At least I remembered where I left these.”

“Good thing one of us is responsible.”

She straightened and gave him a pointed look. “And where did you leave your jacket?”

Dave opened his mouth to answer, then stopped. His jacket was still draped over the back of his chair inside the restaurant.

Beth’s smile widened. “That’s what I thought.”

She slipped her hand into his. “Come on. We’d better rescue our things before they lock the doors.”

Dave laughed and fell into step beside her.

As they crossed the lawn, he looked down at their joined hands. A few months ago, he couldn’t have imagined Beth becoming such an important part of his life. Now, having her beside him felt surprisingly natural.

He didn’t know exactly where their relationship was taking them, and for once, he didn’t need to.

Beth squeezed his hand and smiled up at him.

Dave smiled back. Whatever came next, he was looking forward to finding out with her.

Chapter 48

Beth woke slowly, warm beneath her quilt, with sunlight slipping through the narrow gap in the curtains. For several seconds, she stayed exactly where she was.

Then she remembered. Kayla was married. Her little girl had walked down the aisle yesterday and promised to spend the rest of her life with Tyler.

A smile spread across Beth’s face.

She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. The house was unusually quiet after the whirlwind of the previous few days. No phone ringing. No last-minute questions about flowers or seating arrangements. No Kayla calling from another room because she’d misplaced something she’d been holding five minutes earlier.