Page 117 of Final Approach

“I know, but I was terrified I’d crash, so I’ll dream I crashed it.”

He shook his head, then reached for her hands. “Are you okay? Tell me what I can do.”

She sighed and bit her lip, then blinked back tears. “No, I’m not okay,” she said, “but being with you makes me a lot more okay than I would be if you weren’t with me.”

“Then I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. But there’s something else going on. What is it?”

“I still haven’t found my mom’s letter to me. Dad said he burned it. Maybe he really did.”

“I’m so sorry.”

She shrugged. “I would love to have it, of course, but seeing the one she wrote my dad is comfort enough. I’m grateful for it.”

“You’ve been through every single paper in the house?”

“Pretty much.” She smiled. “I’m going to be okay, Andrew. In time.”

“I know. I believe so too. And time is one thing we both have. As long as God allows anyway.”

“I’m okay with that. Now change the subject, please.”

“Sure. Where do you want to go on our first date?”

“Second,” she said with a laugh. “Because I don’t have my wallet with me so you’re going to have to buy my dinner. And I want cheesecake.”

“Cheesecake. Of course. Two slices?”

She sighed and batted her lashes at him. “I may love you.”

His heart stuttered, but he simply smiled. “That’s the plan.” He leaned down and kissed her, long and sweet and solid.

She blew out a low breath when he lifted his head. “Honestly, that’s about got cheesecake beat.”

“About?”

She shrugged and snuggled closer. “You’ll just need to keep working on it.”

He laughed. “Happy to oblige.”

TWENTY-SIX

TWO AND A HALF MONTHS LATER

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Kristine, Jesslyn, Lainie, and Steph stood around a glowing Kenzie and helped her get her bridal veil pinned to her upswept hair. Once it was finished, they stepped back, and Kristine swallowed a rush of tears at her friend’s beauty.

Kenzie’s ninety-eight-year-old Grandma Betsy sat in the plush wingback chair overseeing everything, her aged hands resting on the top of her cane. Tears sparkled in her eyes. “Darling, I don’t think I’ve seen a more stunning bride.”

Kenzie went to her grandmother and carefully knelt in front of the woman. “You did when you looked in the mirror all those years ago. Trust me. I saw your wedding pictures.”

Grandma Betsy laughed, a lovely, light chuckle that Kristine wanted to lean into. “I was sure a looker in those days.” She sighed. “I miss my George every day, but what a reunion it’s going to be in heaven one day. Probably pretty soon too.”

“Not too soon, please,” Kristine said. “We like having you here.” She hoped the woman would still be around for her wedding, because she just plain wanted her there. Betsy winked at her and Kristine leaned over to give her hand a gentle squeeze.

Kenzie rose, pulled in a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “It’s about time, don’t you think?”

Kristine and the others gathered around her with Grandma Betsy in the middle. “Ready for a prayer?”