"For what?"
"For reminding me how important it is to stay connected to those who truly care about you even when you feel overwhelmed by fear or sadness."
He chuckled quietly. "I did that?"
She nodded.
His easy demeanor reassured Beverly that life could still be enjoyed in all its complexity and beauty even when it didn't turn out as they had planned.
He nodded to her mom and smiled at Beverly before turning his attention to the front of the church.
She felt a flutter in her chest as she realized that maybe he was exactly what she needed. A friend. Someone who understood her and accepted her just the way she was, flaws and all.
The service began soon after, and Beverly found herself thinking of her father quite a bit during it, as she had expected, but there was something different now too. It wasn't just sadness that overwhelmed her but a sense of calmness too, knowing that he would want them to move forward with their lives no matter what.
She could feel her mom looking at her every now and again as if checking to make sure she was okay, but inside, Beverly felt almost a sense of joy that surprised and delighted her.
Throughout the service, she kept stealing glances at him and noticed how often he also glanced back at her with an understanding smile on his lips.
Pastor Abernathy's sermon was inspiring and uplifting, reminding them to never give up hope in life's struggles despite how difficult they may be.They could all rise up, just as their Savior had.
By the end of it, Beverly felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a newfound hope for life's possibilities.
The three of them headed out of the service, and when her mom turned to talk to a friend she hadn’t seen in the longest of times, Beverly decided to take a chance.
She turned to Roy. “I know you probably have plans with your family, but do you think you could come with me to the grotto? Just for a little be?”
Roy smiled down at her. “I would be honored to.”
ChapterTwenty-Three
Seeing Beverly here, on this day, with the beauty of the grotto all around them... Roy didn't want to risk ruining things, but he also didn't want to lose her.
"I don't mean to pressure you," he murmured. "That's the last thing I intend to do, and if you say no again, I won't ask again, but... Beverly, I think we're meant to be more than friends. I think we bring out the best in each other, and I've never felt more alive than when I'm with you. You bring me so much happiness, and the days and weeks we've worked together... No one can deny that we make a good team."
Beverly smiled and touched his arm. "I feel the same way," she said softly. "The days we've spent together have been some of the best weeks I can remember. After everything with my father... you became my anchor. At first, I thought it was just because of work, and then that I... I wanted to make sure I wasn't using you to replace my father. I'm not."
Roy couldn't help but smile and he reached out to take her hand in his. His heart was bursting with joy, and he felt as though he could fly up into the sky with happiness.
"You've made me so happy," he said, squeezing her hand gently, "and I'm so grateful for that."
Beverly looked up at him. "I didn't want to rush into anything," she whispered. She took a deep breath. "I really do like you. More than just a friend."
Before he could say anything, Beverly leaned forward and kissed him sweetly on the lips. Roy melted into her embrace, feeling his own emotions bubbling up inside of him. In that moment, nothing else mattered besides Beverly and their budding love for each other. All the hard work they had put into this project seemed to pale in comparison to what he felt for her at this very moment.
They held each other until they finally pulled apart, their hands intertwined as they shared a smile filled with love and admiration for each other. Well, maybe not love, not yet at least, but he certainly felt that he could love her and only her for the rest of his life.
Roy smiled, feeling as if his heart might burst from happiness. He stepped closer to her and took her hands in his own.He pressed his forehead to hers.
"I'm glad," he said softly.
She smiled at him before reaching up and touching his face tenderly with the tips of her fingers.
"So... does that mean we're dating now?" she asked.
He laughed and drew back. "Do you want to make it official? Do I need to ask?"
She giggled. "No. You already know the answer, and I know the perfect date."