Page 63 of Unforgotten

“I’m not even sure. I just do.” She winked. “I guess I have a gift for telling people what to do.”

“Should we ask our moms what they think?” Bethanne asked as they headed outside.

“No way. If we involve them, it will be an hour’s discussion.”

Candace did have a good point. “Our mothers do like to discuss things to death.”

Standing up, Candace walked along the rows of tables. “Next thing we know, they’ll start tackling seating charts and decide we need napkins rings.”

Looking at her cousin fondly, Bethanne chuckled. “I’d forgotten all about that.” When she and Candace were kids, their families had hosted Thanksgiving, and at nine in the morning, their moms had decided everyone should have ribbons with fake leaves wrapped around each napkin. She and Candace had to stop playing school and start folding napkins. It had taken them hours. Then Candace had cried when most of the people just tossed the ribbons to one side.

After walking toward the back of the yard, she returned to Bethanne’s side. “Okay, decision made. When everyone arrives, they can put gifts on the back table your mother set up and get something to drink, and then your mom can tell everyone to sit down. After we say prayers, you will be in charge of calling each table to the buffet.”

“I can do that. You better not ever move away, Candace. I couldn’t do this extended family stuff without ya.”

“Since I’m not planning on it, you don’t have to worry about it.”

“Yeah, right.”

“No, I’m serious.” Wrapping one of her hands around her forearm, Candace lowered her voice. “I think I’m here to stay.”

“What about all your big plans?”

“I’m beginning to think that I can achieve all my dreams by staying here.”

Bethanne was shocked. For years now, Candace had talked about earning multiple degrees. “What changed?”

“I think I’ve fallen in love,” she whispered.

Her face was dreamy and sweet and showed everything Bethanne would ever want for her cousin. It was still confusing, though. “Who?”

“Ryan.”

“I don’t know...” She wracked her brain. “Is he one of your second cousins over in Indiana?”

She scowled. “Absolutely not. I would never fall in love with a cousin.”

“Then what Ryan is it?”

After peeking over her shoulder, she lowered her voice. “He’s the police officer who’s been escorting me to my Crittenden County events.”

“Candace, you’ve fallen in love with your policeman?”

She nodded happily. “I think so. At the very least, I know I’m on my way to falling in love.”

Bethanne didn’t know whether she should hug her cousin or give her a good shake. Or maybe burst into tears. Candace’s proclamation was outlandish. “I hope you haven’t told your parents.”

“I haven’t. But that’s okay, because I think my mom already knows. She saw me when I came inside the other night. I know I was flushed.”

“Why?”

“Well, he kissed me on my forehead.” Grinning, she added, “And he might have kissed me when we stopped at the park to talk too.”

“Candace!”

“I know!” Grinning wildly, Candace reached out her hands.

“So ... it was good?”

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