Page 59 of Finding Forever

A woman named Melanie greeted them and disappeared into the back to collect Kayla’s dress.

Beth sat on a pale pink chair outside the fitting room while Kayla went inside to change.

“How’s the arts center?” Kayla called through the curtain.

“Good. Busy.”

“Dave still helping?”

Beth narrowed her eyes at the curtain. “Yes.” There was a suspicious pause.

“That’s nice.”

Beth knew that tone. “He’s my friend.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to.”

Kayla laughed.

Beth shook her head, but she was smiling. She hadn’t told Kayla about dinner with Dave. Not yet. It was too new. Too precious, perhaps. She wanted to keep the memory of sitting across from him in the café to herself for a little while longer.

The way he’d held her hand.

The expression on his face when she’d told him she liked him for more than the pie. She’d thought about that moment far too many times since.

“Okay,” Kayla called. “I’m coming out.”

Beth straightened.

The curtain opened, and every thought about Dave disappeared.

Kayla stepped onto the small platform in front of the mirrors.

Beth stopped breathing. The dress was beautiful. She knew that already. But the first time, the gown had been too long and loose in places, held together at the back with clips while everyone discussed hems and seams.

Now it fit her perfectly.

The fabric skimmed Kayla’s waist before falling into a soft, flowing skirt. The square neckline was simple and elegant, and the tiny buttons running down the back made it look timeless. But it wasn’t the dress that brought tears to Beth’s eyes. It was her daughter.

Kayla turned toward the mirror, smoothing her hands over the skirt. “What do you think, Mom?”

Beth opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

Kayla looked at her reflection and smiled. “That good, huh?”

Beth pressed her fingers against her lips, then hunted in her pockets for some tissues.

“Oh, Mom.”

Finally, Beth said, “You look beautiful.”

Kayla’s smile trembled.

Beth stood and walked toward her. “Absolutely beautiful.”

Kayla opened her arms. “Don’t cry, Mom.”