Page 91 of Finding Forever

Beth’s laughter filled his kitchen, and Dave realized how much he liked having her here.

They spent the next few minutes talking about the opening. The number of people who’d come through the doors had surprised everyone. The children’s activities had been a huge success, the gallery had drawn plenty of attention, and even the council members had seemed impressed.

Beth took a sip of her coffee. “Even Walt Harvey said the center looked better than he expected.”

Dave’s eyebrows rose. “From Walt, that’s practically a standing ovation.”

Beth laughed again. “I’ll take it.”

“So you should.” Dave put down his mug. “You did a good job, Beth.”

“We did a good job.”

Beth took another sip of coffee, then placed her mug on the table. “Actually, there was another reason I came over.”

Dave grinned. “And here I thought it was my sparkling company.”

“That too.” She reached into her purse and took out an embossed envelope. “This is for you.”

Dave accepted it and ran his thumb over the thick paper. “This looks fancy.”

“It’s supposed to be,” Beth said softly.

Something in her voice made him glance at her. She looked nervous.

Now he was curious.

Dave opened the envelope and pulled out a cream-colored card. As he read the elegant lettering, he realized what he was holding. An invitation to Kayla and Tyler’s wedding. He looked across the table at Beth.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “If you’re available, I’d love you to come to Kayla’s wedding with me.”

Dave’s gaze dropped briefly to the invitation.

“As my date,” she added.

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Not because he needed to think about his answer, but because he understood what she was asking.

This wasn’t dinner at the café or an evening spent together at one of their houses. Kayla’s wedding would be filled with people who had known her for years. People who mattered to her.

And she wanted Dave beside her.

After everything Beth had told him about losing Jessie and how difficult it had been to imagine building a different life, he knew what a big step this was.

He placed the invitation carefully on the table. “I’d love to come.”

Beth’s shoulders relaxed. “You would?”

“Of course I would.”

Her smile appeared slowly.

Dave pushed back his chair and stood. Then he held out his hand.

Beth looked at it before placing her hand in his. He drew her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I should warn you,” Beth said, resting her hands against his chest. “There’ll probably be dancing.”

“It’s just as well I took lessons, then.”