Patrick had promised not to play the recording without Beth’s permission, but as the years passed, he convinced himself that leaving it alone was kinder.
“I kept waiting for the right time,” he admitted. “Then I realized I’d been waiting because I was afraid.”
Beth looked at Janet.
“Did you know?”
Janet nodded.
“I couldn’t listen to it. After a while, I didn’t know how to tell you.”
Beth took a long breath.
“I want to hear it. But not here. Not with everyone waiting for us.”
Patrick handed her the case.
“Whenever you’re ready.”
She held it tightly.
For the first time that day, she wasn’t crying.
She was deciding what she wanted.
We returned to the reception, where Bryce was looking for his bride.
Beth told him what had happened.
He wrapped his arms around her and listened without interrupting.
The rest of the celebration continued.
