When he finally looked back at her, she held his gaze. She was usually far more prone to talking than he was, but in that moment, she just held onto his hand silently. When he reciprocated and took her hand, she felt a spark of hope.
Her feelings for him had been there far longer than she'd realized. They'd been close, family, for a good long while. But it hadn't been until after she'd lost Maggie that Beth had come to recognize them for what they were. And now that she had, she'd keep on standing here with him one way or another until she knew if he felt the same or not.
And then he actually did it. Even as Beth returned the kiss, she couldn't help the feeling of surprise. It was the best kind of surprise, though. She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the feel of his touch.