Page 68 of Finding Forever

Beth laughed and opened her notebook. It was good having everyone together. They’d spent so many months talking about the arts center that sometimes it was hard to believe the opening was almost here.

Maria had planned to join them, but someone had called in sick at work and she needed to work extra hours. She’d sent Beth a message apologizing and promising to help with whatever they decided.

Beth looked around the table. “Okay. We need to get this done. No more new ideas.”

Laurel raised her hand.

“No,” Beth said firmly.

“I haven’t said anything yet.”

“You have the face you make when you’re about to complicate my life.”

Susan smiled. “She does have that face.”

Laurel dropped her hand. “Fine. But if anyone wants to hear my idea later, I’m available.”

Beth picked up her pen. “On the day of the arts center’s grand opening, the doors open at ten.”

Rachel nodded. “And the official welcome?”

“Ten-thirty. That gives people time to come inside and look around before the speeches.”

Julie tapped the schedule in front of her. “Is anyone from the council speaking?”

“I don’t know yet,” Beth replied. “I thought I’d leave ten minutes for the welcome. That time can be divided between whoever speaks.”

“Good.” Susan leaned forward. “That’ll keep the speeches short. People will want to explore the building.”

“What about the music?” Julie asked.

“A local musician is playing his acoustic guitar in the main events room from ten until two,” Laurel said. “That way, it doesn’t matter if it’s too cold outside or rains.”

Beth checked each schedule to make sure they said the same thing.

“And the gallery wall will be ready?” Julie asked.

Beth looked toward the far side of the building.

The gallery wall had become one of her favorite parts of the center. Months ago, it had been little more than an idea. Now she could picture it filled with paintings, photographs, and drawings.

“It’ll be ready.” Beth turned back to the table. “Owen’s loaning us some of his display cases so we can exhibit his handblown glass bowls in the middle of the room. I didn’t put them against the gallery wall because I don’t want people thinking it’s only for professional artists. The center is for everyone.”

“That should go in the welcome speech,” Julie said quietly.

Beth glanced at her.

Julie smiled. “I’m serious. That’s what the center is really about.”

For a moment, Beth forgot about the schedule, the decorations, and the decisions that needed to be made. She looked around the room, then at her friends. “This is for everyone,” she repeated.

Rachel nodded. “Exactly.”

Beth wrote the words in her notebook so she’d remember to tell Natalie.

Susan turned one of Laurel’s schedules around. “Now, the children’s activities.”

Beth looked at her notes. “We have painting, clay modeling, and the craft tables.”