Page 49 of Finding Forever

“That’s good to know.” Beth took a few steps, then turned around. “And Dave?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks. I know you’ve got enough to do without sorting out the plumbing invoice.”

His smile came easily. “Anytime.”

Beth headed back toward the office and Dave watched her go. Again.

Behind him, Hank made a thoughtful sound.

Dave turned around. “I’ll call the store. They made a mistake and sent the full invoice to Beth instead of the original one. They’ll correct it.”

“And then?”

“And then nothing.”

Hank shook his head, still smiling as he returned to the doorframe. “Lovesick.”

If Dave was a betting man, he’d place everything he owned on Hank being right. So, instead of saying anything, he picked up the piece of trim and held it against the doorway.

Forty-three inches. At least this time he remembered the measurement.

Behind him, Hank started sanding again, but Dave’s thoughts stayed with the invoice. He’d have to call the plumbing store before Beth did anything else with it. It wasn’t a problem. The renovation budget would only be charged for the faucets Beth had originally ordered, and Dave had already paid the difference.

Just like he’d paid for the sturdier hinges. And the extra timber. And the heavy-duty shelving for the storeroom.

None of it had seemed like much at the time. He wasn’t trying to take over the project. He simply saw things that needed doing and did them. If spending a little of his own money meant the arts center ended up better because of it, he didn’t see the harm.

And the faucets were different anyway. Those had been for Beth.

Dave picked up his pencil and marked the trim. He could already imagine her expression when she eventually realized the faucets she loved were staying.

Hopefully, by then, she’d be too happy to ask any more questions about how they got there.

Chapter 29

The Lakeside Grill was busy when Beth arrived, but Laurel was already at her favorite table. “You beat me,” Beth said as she slipped out of her coat.

Laurel smiled. “Only by about two minutes.”

Beth sat opposite her and looked across the lake. The water was a deep blue beneath the pale sky, with the mountains rising beyond it. She’d seen the view hundreds of times, but it still had a way of making her stop.

“This will be beautiful for Kayla’s wedding,” she said softly.

Laurel followed her gaze. “Are you having their dinner in the main dining room or in one of the private function areas?”

“In a private room.” Beth pointed toward the far end of the restaurant. “We’re using the one on this level. It has the best of both worlds. The windows all face the lake, and it has direct access to the veranda.”

“How many people are coming?”

“Twenty-four.”

Laurel smiled. “It’s small enough that you’ll get to spend time with everyone.”

Beth nodded. “That’s what Kayla wanted. Just the people who really matter to her and Tyler.”

“It sounds perfect.”