Page 114 of Until We Weren't

“I had a party at the retirement center and that’s all I needed,” Mrs. Baker said. “The few friends I have left and my family got to dote on me, but this is a real gift. You two mean more to me than you’ll ever know. I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon, but I think I can leave you two alone and you’ll be all right.”

“No we won’t,” Faith protested. “We need you!”

“I’m not going anywhere just yet,” Mrs. Baker said with a smile.

“This is for you,” Destiny said, handing Mrs. Baker a glass of wine. “And one for you, my love.”

Faith took the glass. “Here’s to you, Mrs. B. Happy birthday.”

They clinked their glasses together and took a drink.

“Oh, that is good,” Mrs. Baker said. “You’re not drinking beer?”

“Not today,” Faith replied. “We’re celebrating with you.”

“This is really nice.” Destiny sat next to Faith on the small couch.

“What have you added to this beautiful garden?” Mrs. Baker asked. “Oh, look! There’s a butterfly.”

“Isn’t it pretty?” Faith said. “The pink sorrels attract them.”

“It reminds me of your wedding,” Mrs. Baker said. “That was the best wedding I’ve ever been to.”

Destiny laughed. “You only say that because you married us.”

“That’s not the only reason,” Mrs. Baker replied. “Who gets married in a butterfly garden?”

Faith chuckled. “We did.”

“Who has an old woman officiate the ceremony?” Mrs. Baker laughed.

“You had to be the one to do it,” Destiny said.

“It was my honor.” She smiled at them both. “I watched you two fall in love and even though you had your ups and downs your love remained steadfast. It’s what got you through and always will.”

“A constant reminder from a dear friend didn’t hurt either,” Faith said.

Mrs. Baker chuckled. “Your hearts knew the whole time. I just helped your heads along.”

Faith looked over at Destiny and for a moment she lost her breath. She could see the strength of their love in those soft brown eyes, but she also saw the tenderness and warmth.

“I know that look,” Mrs. Baker said, taking another sip of her wine.

“What look?” Destiny asked.

“You’re thinking that this is one of the best moments of your life,” she replied. “Like the day you proposed.”

“That was such a surprise to us both,” Faith said.

“Yeah,” Destiny added. “You knew we were both planning to propose but you didn’t tell either one of us.”

Mrs. Baker chuckled. “Wasn’t it a wonderful day? I’m sure you were thinking that was the best day of your life,” she said.

“I remember thinking that,” Faith said, taking Destiny’s hand in hers.

“Until your wedding,” Mrs. Baker said. “That was another best day.”

“Oh, how it was.” Destiny glanced at Faith with a sweet smile.

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