Page 98 of Finding Forever

Beth smiled at her brother, grateful for him.

By ten o’clock, everyone began leaving.

There were hugs and reminders about times and directions, although Beth suspected every person there had already received tomorrow’s schedule at least twice.

Peter kissed Kayla’s cheek, then hugged Beth.

Rosalind wrapped her in a tight hug. “Try to sleep tonight.”

“I intend to,” Beth told her.

Rosalind pulled back and gave her a knowing look. “No, you don’t. But try anyway.”

Beth laughed. “Good night, Rosalind.”

When the door finally closed, Beth rested her forehead against it. Silence. Beautiful, wonderful silence.

Behind her, Kayla laughed.

Beth turned.

Her daughter was leaning against the wall, looking tired and happy.

“Did you survive, Mom?” Kayla asked.

“Barely.”

Kayla crossed the hall and hugged her.

Beth closed her eyes and held on. Tomorrow, her little girl was getting married. And for the first time all day, Beth let herself stop organizing long enough to enjoy the moment.

Chapter 45

Half an hour later, Beth and Kayla sat at opposite ends of the sofa with cups of coffee. The dishwasher was softly humming. The remaining food was in the refrigerator. The doors were locked. The wedding dress was hanging safely in the spare bedroom. And Beth’s phone was face down on the coffee table. Kayla had insisted on that.

For several minutes, neither of them spoke. After the dinner, Beth was content with the quiet.

Kayla rested her head against the sofa and closed her eyes. “I can’t believe my exams are over.”

Beth smiled. “You survived.”

“I did.” Kayla opened her eyes. “I was stressed beyond words. Whoever decided final exams and a wedding should happen in the same month was an idiot.”

“You chose the wedding date,” Beth reminded her.

“I know. That’s why I can say it.”

Beth laughed.

Kayla tucked her feet beneath her. “There were days when I had recipes running through my head while I was trying to remember wedding things. Then I’d be studying and suddenly wonder whether we’d confirmed the flowers.”

Beth looked at her daughter. “You did.”

“Because you confirmed everything, Mom.”

Beth lifted her mug. “I’m not discussing my organizational habits.”

Kayla chuckled. “They’re exceptional. At least my exams are finished. Now I only have graduation to get through.”