“We’re going to brunch,” Kerri said to Jenna. “Ash suggested a place downtown. Join us.”
She’d eaten dinner with him last night. Brunch today wouldn’t be the smartest move if she wanted to keep her distance. But a part of her wanted to spend time with him.
The other women stared at Ash like a new pair of shoes they wanted to try on. Which would he fit? Probably better that she wouldn’t be around to watch Sweetwater Community Church’s G-rated version of The Bachelor. “Thanks for the invite, but I have a wedding to shoot.”
“You had one on Friday,” Ash said to her.
“Busy month.”
Jenna shouldn’t have said the word wedding in front of Claire, but considering what she’d been going through, Claire didn’t seem to mind. She looked good. She’d chopped off inches of hair and added coppery highlights. Her eyes were bright, not a hint of red or swelling.
The alarm on Jenna’s cell phone beeped—a reminder to head home and pack her photography gear. “Have fun at brunch.”
Ash smiled at her. “Good to see you.”
Her heart bumped, not much, like she was driving over a cattle guard at the O’Donnell ranch west of town. Of course, she knew not having a reaction to Ash involving that particular organ would be better. Safer.
She should reply. “You too.”
Seeing him was good.
Except she had no idea what that meant or how she wished she could go to brunch or why she felt . . . jealous.
Tuesday at eleven, Jenna parked her car in downtown Sweetwater. Camera bag bumping against her hip, she headed to Bridal Sweets. The high-end wedding shop catered to wealthy clientele or brides wanting to splurge on a gown. She’d never been inside.
Her dress hadn’t been expensive, but it was perfect. Too bad no one except Amber and two friends had seen Jenna wearing it. Would Ash have liked the gown she’d chosen?
Ack. She was losing her mind thinking about Ash. She wasn’t the only woman, based on the chatter at the espresso cart and texts wanting to know more about the handsome man who’d attended service and gone out to brunch. Even Sam had been asking questions.
That didn’t make pushing Ash out of her mind any easier. He’d taken up permanent residence in her brain. No matter the time of day, he was there, a mishmash of a relationship-gone-wrong memories and new feelings developing.
Not that they were. At least not on his part, or he would have contacted her, texted or called, right?
She didn’t want to know the answer. She needed to get him out of her head. This wasn’t middle school or the youth group. She was too old for drama.
Jenna entered the bridal salon. Luxurious gold, pink, and white décor greeted her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Her feet sank half an inch in the plush carpet. The scents of vanilla and lavender filled the cool air—not to mention the smell of money.
Out of her price range, out of her league.
“Welcome to Bridal Sweets.” A thirtysomething sales clerk dressed in a cerulean-green fitted jacket and matching skirt smiled warmly. She looked like she’d stepped out of a wedding reality TV show. Chunky, stylish silver chains hung around her neck. Her high heels seemed to have been dyed the same color as her suit. “May I help you?”
“I’m Jenna with Picture Perfect Photography. I received a call from Amber Vance to meet her here.”
“Oh, yes, Amber. Such a delightful, glamorous bride.” The woman motioned to a gold velvet curtain. “She’s in one of the dressing areas. Follow me, please.”
Jenna did, and had to keep herself from staring at the couture dresses on display. The kind of gowns seen in bridal magazines.
Behind the curtain, an exotic scent—a mix of jasmine and sandalwood—wafted in the air. Perfume or potpourri? Classical music played, a quartet doing their version of the quintessential wedding music, Pachelbel’s Canon in D. She expected to hear a cork pop and the clink of crystal champagne flutes.
So not her world, and that was okay. She enjoyed this glimpse into how others lived.
The woman knocked once on a door. “Your photographer has arrived.”
“Make sure Jenna has her camera ready.” Amber sounded as if she’d forgotten how to breathe.
“Putting the lens on now.” Jenna stood at the door. “I’m ready.”
“Come in,” Amber called.
Camera in hand, Jenna opened the door and stepped into a large room with two loveseats. Heavy gold curtains cut the room in half. The elaborate dressing room decor fit Amber’s personality perfectly. “I’m inside.”
The curtains opened.
Amber stood on a carpeted platform in front of three floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Her sleeveless wedding gown was Westminster Abbey–worthy. Intricate beading and lace covered the dress. The skirt’s cathedral train cascaded down two steps.
Jenna’s breath caught. “You look like a princess bride.”
Amber spun with her arms out. The action made her look like a little girl, not a woman about to say I do. “I feel like royalty in this dress.”