Page 93 of Finding Forever

Maria returned carrying the entire plate of cheese and crackers. “Kayla sounds exactly like her mom.”

Beth smiled. “That’s what everyone says.”

Their laughter filled the dining room, and some of the tightness inside Beth eased. She wished Susan and Rachel could have joined them tonight, but looking at her friends who were here, Beth felt extraordinarily lucky.

There had been years when their friendship meant a quick conversation in the grocery store or promising to catch up when everyone had more time. Somewhere along the way, they’d stopped waiting for more time and started making it.

Laurel finished a perfect bow and slid the box toward the completed pile.

Beth studied it. “How do you do that?”

Laurel looked up. “Do what?”

“Make every ribbon exactly the same.”

Laurel glanced at the uneven bow Beth had been wrestling with. “Patience.”

Maria lowered herself into the chair beside Laurel, still holding the plate of crackers. “Don’t listen to her. It’s magic. Laurel wiggles her nose and wonderful things happen.”

Beth smiled as she tucked two pieces of fudge into another box. “Including fixing Kayla’s seating plan after three guests canceled and two others unexpectedly confirmed. Laurel is a miracle worker.”

Laurel touched the tip of her nose and gave it a wiggle. “That’s for some extra special magic for Kayla’s wedding.”

Julie grinned and pushed another finished box into the growing collection. Instead of reaching for more fudge, she folded her hands on the table.

Beth noticed immediately.

Julie was looking at the three of them with an expression Beth couldn’t quite read.

Maria noticed, too. She slowly put down her cracker. “What have you been up to?”

Julie blinked. “Nothing.”

“That is absolutely not a nothing face.”

Julie laughed. “I don’t have a nothing face.”

“You do,” Maria insisted. “That’s your I-have-something-to-tell-you face.”

Beth leaned her elbows on the table. “She’s right.”

Julie looked at Maria, then Laurel, before finally meeting Beth’s gaze. A smile slowly spread across her face. “Cole and I have chosen a date.”

Beth’s hands stilled above the open favor box.

Maria gave an excited squeal. “Finally!”

Beside her, Laurel sat straighter. “When?”

“August.”

Beth stared at Julie. “This August?”

Julie laughed. “That’s more or less what Cole said when I suggested it.”

Maria’s mouth dropped open. “That’s only three months away.”

“I know.”