Page 103 of Finding Forever

Tyler nodded solemnly. “We will.”

Beth loved Ryan for saying it that way. Not take care of her. Take care of each other.

Kayla turned toward Beth. Tears glistened on her cheeks.

Beth leaned forward and kissed her softly. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

Beth stepped away. Ryan offered her his arm, and together they moved to their seats.

Pastor John waited until everyone had settled before he started the service. “Welcome. We’re here today because two people have decided that whatever the future brings, they want to meet it together.”

He smiled at Kayla and Tyler. “A marriage grows through friendship, patience, laughter, forgiveness, and all the moments that become a life shared.”

The words touched something inside Beth. Without meaning to, she glanced toward Dave. He was already looking at her. Their eyes held briefly before Beth turned back to the ceremony.

Pastor John asked Kayla and Tyler to face each other.

They’d chosen simple vows, and Beth was glad. There was something beautiful about hearing them make promises that countless couples had made before them.

Tyler took Kayla’s hands. “Kayla, I take you to be my wife. I promise to love you, encourage you, respect you, and stand beside you through whatever life brings us.” His voice caught near the end.

Kayla smiled and squeezed his hands. Then it was her turn. “Tyler, I take you to be my husband.” Her voice was clear and certain as she made the same promises. “To love you, encourage you, respect you, and stand beside you through whatever life brings us.”

When Pastor John asked for the rings, Tyler’s hands shook enough that Kayla laughed softly. “You okay?” she whispered.

Tyler gave her a crooked smile. “Ask me later.”

A ripple of laughter traveled through the church.

The rings were exchanged, and Pastor John looked at them both. “Kayla and Tyler, you have made your promises in the presence of God and the people who know and love you best. May you carry those promises through all the years ahead.”

He paused and smiled at each of them. “By the authority entrusted to me, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. Tyler, you may kiss your bride.”

Tyler didn’t need to be told twice. He leaned forward and kissed Kayla.

Applause filled the church.

Beth laughed through her tears as Kayla wrapped her arms around her new husband.

Beside her, Ryan sniffed.

Beth gave him some of the tissues she’d brought with her and slipped her arm through his.

At the front of the church, Kayla and Tyler finally separated.

Kayla turned toward their guests, and her eyes found Beth’s. The happiness on her daughter’s face was so complete that Beth sighed.

Last night, they had stood together in the darkness beside Jessie’s grave. Today, his daughter stood in sunlight beside the man she loved.

Beth touched her fingertips to her lips and blew Kayla a kiss. Kayla caught it against her heart.

Then Tyler took Kayla’s hand, and together they walked back down the aisle.

Husband and wife.

Beth had spent years wanting to make sure Kayla was safe, loved, and happy. Watching her daughter walk out of the church with Tyler, Beth knew she was all three.