Page 71 of Finding Forever

Something in her voice made him look at her. “No.”

Her eyebrows rose. “I haven’t asked you anything yet.”

“You don’t have to.”

A smile tugged at her mouth. “You’re going to be in the photograph.”

Dave put down the schedule. “I built some walls and fixed things.”

“You did considerably more than that.” Beth stepped closer. “When something went wrong, you found a way to fix it. You worked nights and weekends when you didn’t have to.” Her hand settled lightly on his forearm. “I want you there,” she said quietly.

Four words. That was all it took.

He sighed. “All right.”

Her face brightened. “Really?”

“But only one photograph.”

Beth squeezed his arm. “Thank you.”

The warmth of her hand stayed with Dave after she stepped away. He opened the oven before he gave in to the urge to pull her into his arms.

“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help?” Beth asked.

Dave looked around the kitchen. “You could put the plates and cutlery on the table?”

While Dave made sure the chicken was cooked, Beth found the cutlery and glasses. It should have felt strange having her moving around his kitchen, but it didn’t.

For years, his home had been exactly what he needed. Comfortable, familiar, and quiet. Tonight it felt better, as though each wall had been waiting for Beth to arrive.

He carried their meals to the table, and they sat down to enjoy dinner together. Beth cut into the chicken and took a bite while he waited for her reaction.

She chewed slowly. “I’m reconsidering everything I thought I knew about you.”

Dave laughed. “It’s chicken.”

“Very good chicken.”

“I’ll take that.”

They ate for a while, talking about Kayla, Mark, and the arts center, before Beth reached for her water.

“How was Ryan today?” she asked.

Dave groaned, making Beth laugh.

“What did he do?” she asked.

“He wanted to know what my intentions were toward you.”

Beth put her glass down too hard and the water almost sloshed over the rim. “He didn’t.”

“He did.”

She briefly closed her eyes. “He promised he wouldn’t make things awkward.”

Dave smiled. “On that count he failed.”