Chapter 46
The first notes of the wedding music drifted through Pastor John’s church, and Beth felt Kayla’s hand tighten around hers.
On Kayla’s other side, Ryan drew a long breath.
Beth glanced across her daughter at him. “You okay?”
Ryan nodded, although the brightness in his eyes told her just how emotional he was. “Ask me again when we get to the other end of the aisle.”
Kayla gave a nervous laugh. “You two do realize that I’m the one getting married?”
“We know,” Ryan said. “That’s the problem.”
Beth smiled, grateful for the moment of humor.
They stood together at the back of the church, waiting for the doors to open. Kayla was between them, holding her bouquet, and looking beautiful.
Only a few hours ago, Beth had stood behind her in the spare bedroom, fastening the tiny buttons on her wedding dress. Her fingers had started trembling halfway through, although she’d tried to hide it.
Kayla had noticed anyway.
They’d laughed when Beth struggled with the last button. Then she’d arranged a loose curl beside Kayla’s cheek, straightened her dress, and wiped away a tear before it could ruin her daughter’s makeup.
Such small things, but Beth would remember them forever. Now there was nothing left to straighten or prepare. It was time.
Ryan shifted beside Kayla. “Your dad should be doing this,” he said quietly.
Beth’s heart tightened.
Kayla turned toward him. “I know.”
“I just wanted to say it.”
“I know that, too.”
Ryan swallowed. “He’d be so proud of you.”
Kayla’s eyes glistened and Beth squeezed her hand.
“Uncle Ryan?” Kayla said.
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad you’re here.”
Ryan blinked several times. “So am I, kiddo.”
Kayla looked from him to Beth. “And this is how I want to walk down the aisle. With both of you.”
Beth cleared the emotion from her throat. “Then that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
The music changed and ahead of them, the double doors opened, and everyone stood.
Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass window, casting soft patterns across the floor. Paris had decorated the ends of the pews with flowers and greenery, and another arrangement stood near the altar.
Beth saw Tyler’s parents and his sister and brother-in-law. Rosalind sat beside Peter near the front. Laurel, Julie, Maria, Rachel, and Susan were there, too. Kayla and Tyler’s friends sat on both sides of the aisle, looking back at them.
And Dave.
He stood near the aisle in a dark suit. His gaze found Beth’s, and he smiled. It was only a small smile, but warmth moved through her.
Then Kayla gripped Beth’s hand.
“What is it?” Beth whispered. She followed her daughter’s gaze toward the front of the church. Tyler was waiting beside Pastor John.
The moment he saw Kayla, his expression changed. His smile gave way to such open emotion that Beth’s throat tightened.
Tyler blinked hard and wiped his eyes.
Kayla gave a tiny gasp. “He’s crying.”
Ryan chuckled. “Good man.”
Kayla laughed, although tears were gathering in her eyes.
Beth squeezed her hand. “Ready, sweetheart?”
Kayla never looked away from Tyler. “Absolutely.”
Together, they started down the aisle.
Beth concentrated on walking slowly, matching her steps to Kayla’s. But somewhere between the first pew and the second, the years seemed to fold in on themselves.
Kayla on her first day of school, turning at the classroom door to wave. Driving lessons that had tested every ounce of Beth’s patience. Leaving for college. And the first time she’d mentioned Tyler, then tried far too hard to sound casual about him.
So many ordinary days had brought them here.
Beth looked at the woman walking beside her and wondered how twenty-six years could have passed so quickly.
When they reached the front of the church, Tyler stepped forward. His eyes were still fixed on Kayla.
Ryan looked at his niece before holding out her hand to Tyler. “Take care of each other.”
Tyler nodded solemnly. “We will.”
Beth loved Ryan for saying it that way. Not take care of her. Take care of each other.
Kayla turned toward Beth. Tears glistened on her cheeks.
Beth leaned forward and kissed her softly. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
Beth stepped away. Ryan offered her his arm, and together they moved to their seats.
Pastor John waited until everyone had settled before he started the service. “Welcome. We’re here today because two people have decided that whatever the future brings, they want to meet it together.”
He smiled at Kayla and Tyler. “A marriage grows through friendship, patience, laughter, forgiveness, and all the moments that become a life shared.”
The words touched something inside Beth. Without meaning to, she glanced toward Dave. He was already looking at her. Their eyes held briefly before Beth turned back to the ceremony.
Pastor John asked Kayla and Tyler to face each other.
They’d chosen simple vows, and Beth was glad. There was something beautiful about hearing them make promises that countless couples had made before them.
Tyler took Kayla’s hands. “Kayla, I take you to be my wife. I promise to love you, encourage you, respect you, and stand beside you through whatever life brings us.” His voice caught near the end.
Kayla smiled and squeezed his hands. Then it was her turn. “Tyler, I take you to be my husband.” Her voice was clear and certain as she made the same promises. “To love you, encourage you, respect you, and stand beside you through whatever life brings us.”
When Pastor John asked for the rings, Tyler’s hands shook enough that Kayla laughed softly. “You okay?” she whispered.
Tyler gave her a crooked smile. “Ask me later.”
A ripple of laughter traveled through the church.
The rings were exchanged, and Pastor John looked at them both. “Kayla and Tyler, you have made your promises in the presence of God and the people who know and love you best. May you carry those promises through all the years ahead.”
He paused and smiled at each of them. “By the authority entrusted to me, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. Tyler, you may kiss your bride.”
Tyler didn’t need to be told twice. He leaned forward and kissed Kayla.
Applause filled the church.
Beth laughed through her tears as Kayla wrapped her arms around her new husband.
Beside her, Ryan sniffed.
Beth gave him some of the tissues she’d brought with her and slipped her arm through his.
At the front of the church, Kayla and Tyler finally separated.
Kayla turned toward their guests, and her eyes found Beth’s. The happiness on her daughter’s face was so complete that Beth sighed.
Last night, they had stood together in the darkness beside Jessie’s grave. Today, his daughter stood in sunlight beside the man she loved.
Beth touched her fingertips to her lips and blew Kayla a kiss. Kayla caught it against her heart.
Then Tyler took Kayla’s hand, and together they walked back down the aisle.
Husband and wife.
Beth had spent years wanting to make sure Kayla was safe, loved, and happy. Watching her daughter walk out of the church with Tyler, Beth knew she was all three.
Ryan squeezed her hand. “Are you ready?”
Beth’s eyes filled again, but this time she didn’t bother reaching for a tissue. Instead, she slipped her arm through Ryan’s and smiled. “Let’s go.”
And together, they followed Kayla and Tyler outside.