Page 87 of Finding Forever

Conversation and laughter filled the main room. Children were crowded around the activity tables while Rachel and Julie moved between them, helping with paint, glue, and the occasional stubborn apron. In the gallery, visitors stopped in front of paintings and photographs, reading the cards beside each piece.

Through the front windows, Beth could see the balloons dancing in the breeze.

She stood beside the reception desk and tried to take it all in. After months of meetings, budgets, construction problems, and last-minute disasters, the arts center was open.

More importantly, people were enjoying it. Even Beverly from the historical society had been over the moon with the changes they’d made. Beth glanced at the original tin ceiling, gleaming above the pendant lights. The historical society committee had called that one feature the crowning glory of the entire remodel, and Beth had to agree with them.

“Mom!”

Beth barely had time to turn before Kayla wrapped her arms around her. “You made it.”

Kayla pulled back and laughed. “Of course I made it. I wouldn’t miss this.”

Her daughter looked around the room, taking in everything. When she turned back, the excitement in her expression had softened. “This is incredible, Mom.”

Beth felt the first warning tightness in her throat. “You really think so?”

“I know so.” Kayla reached for both her hands. “I’m so proud of you.”

That nearly finished her. Beth pulled her daughter into another hug. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She held on for an extra moment before letting her go. The last thing she needed was to start crying before Natalie had even given the official welcome.

Kayla glanced over Beth’s shoulder. “Where’s Dave?”

“I saw him near the gallery a few minutes ago.”

“Good. I want to congratulate him, too.”

Before Beth could answer, Laurel hurried toward them.

“There you are. Natalie wants everyone near the front in five minutes.”

Beth frowned. “Why does she need me?”

Laurel’s expression became far too innocent. “The speeches.”

“I know about the speeches.” Beth narrowed her eyes. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

Laurel linked her arm through Beth’s and started steering her across the room. “And you’re wasting valuable time interrogating me.”

Kayla laughed as she followed them.

Susan, Rachel, and Julie were waiting near the front.

Susan immediately pulled Beth into a hug. “You did it.”

“We all did,” Beth corrected.

Julie shook her head. “You’re not getting away with that today. You worked harder than anyone.”

Rachel slipped an arm around Beth’s shoulders. “And we’re allowed to be proud of you, so don’t argue.”

Beth looked at the women who had helped her through months of planning and uncertainty. They’d painted, organized, made phone calls, moved furniture, calmed her down, and turned up whenever she needed them. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Laurel squeezed her hand. “Luckily, you never had to.”