Everyone was quiet as they listened to Gabe solemnly declare to love and honor Renée. Everyone except little baby William, who chose that moment to announce his presence—and his displeasure. The sound of his cries tore through the church, and they tore through Ben’s heart and soul. Charlotte looked up into his eyes, tears glistening in her own. Why were they here witnessing their friends live the moments, the life that they should have started living years ago? When Megan had quieted the baby, and the pastor finally announced that Gabe could kiss his bride, Ben determined that his and Charlotte’s time needed to come soon—as soon as he could make it happen.
~ ~ ~
They stood outside afterward, chatting with the others and waiting to congratulate the bride and groom. Charlotte smiled as she watched Ben chatting with Smoke and Laura. She hoped with all her heart that it wouldn’t be long before it was their turn.
Chance came to stand beside her. “How are you holding up?” she asked him. “That must have been tough for you.”
He nodded. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy. But nothing worth doing ever is. I’m learning that although it’s easier to hide away and do nothing, it really isn’t better. It doesn’t stop the pain. Nothing can stop the pain. But if you step up and face life, do things you know mean something, then you can still have the joy. It doesn’t take the pain away.” He turned and met her gaze. “You know as well as I do that nothing will ever take the pain away. But I’m discovering that pain doesn’t have to be all there is in life. Happiness is out there waiting if we choose to let it in.”
Charlotte wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. “I know exactly what you mean although I don’t think I would ever have been able to put it into words. Thanks, Chance. I know being able to walk Renée down the aisle today must have brought you some happiness, but I hope someday you’ll be able to find a new happiness of your own.”
He nodded. “I’ve been telling your man there for months, where there’s life there’s hope. I was telling him to help him hang in there. Now I think I may be starting to believe it myself.”
Ben came back to join them and raised an eyebrow at Chance. “Should I be worried? I finally get her back and now she’s hugging on you.”
Chance laughed. “No, you’ve got no worries here, but if I were you I’d hurry up about making her officially yours.”
The way Ben smiled made her wonder what he was up to. “Oh, I’m working on it.”
She and Chance looked at him, but he just smiled again. “Here they are! Time for us to congratulate the bride and groom,” he said as Gabe and Renée approached.
When they’d finished chatting with the happy couple, Chance tipped his hat at them. “I’ve reached my fill of people time for one day. I’m going up to see my dad.”
“How long are you going to be here?” asked Ben.
Chance shrugged. “I wasn’t planning on staying too much longer. I’ve done everything I came to do.” He raised an eyebrow and gave Ben a smirk. “But I could be persuaded to stay a little longer if there was something important I need to be here for.”
Charlotte looked from Chance to Ben and back again. Did they mean what she thought they did? How could they?
Ben smiled. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
As they watched him walk away, Ben put an arm around her shoulders. “We should make our way over to the Boathouse. I think pretty much everyone is heading over there for the reception.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Charlotte wandered around at the reception chatting with everyone. There were many old familiar faces she hadn’t had chance to catch up with yet. Many of them were interested in her business. It seemed like online marketing had not yet reached the Lake, but every small business owner was interested in learning about and taking advantage of it—with help. It seemed she would have a thriving business in no time. She was also starting to piece together a plan in her mind whereby she could maybe teach some of the women at the center how to work with her.
She caught sight of Ben talking with Smoke and Laura. It was a good thing she wasn’t a wallflower or the kind of woman who needed to tag along with her man. He was kept busy talking to everyone and occasionally popping behind the bar to help or solve any issues that arose. She caught sight of Angel sitting at a table by herself and went over to join her. “Are you having fun?”
Angel looked up and smiled. “I am, thanks. Are you? Every time I see you you’re on your own. Where’s Ben?”
Charlotte laughed. “He’s around. We were never the kind to be joined at the hip.”
“I can see that. I’m realizing more and more that what I liked about him was my idea of what he was. Not what he really is. I think I’m needier than you. I like my man to stay by my side.”
Charlotte smiled. “We’re all different, I suppose. But I do feel a little relieved hearing you say that. Ben wouldn’t be any good for you if that’s what you need.”
Angel nodded. “Yeah, I can see that now.” She smiled. “It makes me feel better and I was wondering, would you have a problem if I stay?”
“Not only would I not have a problem, I’d like it.”
“Thank you.”
Charlotte looked around. She was glad to finally feel completely at peace with Angel, but she didn’t want to spend all the time sitting here with her. She was hoping to spot Ben and maybe get a minute with him. He was no longer talking to Smoke and Laura. Smoke was talking to Jack and Laura was nowhere to be seen. She was glad when Angel got up to leave before she did. “I’m going to have a word with Luke.”
“Luke?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Who’s he? I don’t know him.”
Angel smiled. “I don’t know him too well yet either, but he seems nice. He’s one of the student pilots over at the flight school.” She pointed over to a group of good-looking guys Charlotte didn’t know.
