“It’s perfect for you.” Jenna raised her camera and clicked off shots.
Amber worked hard to present a rich-girl image. She traveled across the Cascades to shop at the top Seattle department stores and boutiques. This dress was stunning, not as high fashion as Jenna would have imagined, but the whimsical, fairy-tale design truly suited the bride-to-be. The elaborate lace veil topped by a rhinestone tiara was a perfect match. “I love it.”
“Thank you!” Strands of hair artfully fell from Amber’s updo, softening her face. Just beautiful.
“Let’s get some shots using your reflection in the mirrors.”
Amber struck a pose. “I hope they turn out.”
“They will.”
A knock sounded at the door. “May I come in?”
“Ash!” Amber squealed. “He was in a meeting so I left a message. I didn’t think he’d make it.”
The door opened. He looked at his sister and froze. “Wow. Just wow.”
The expression on his face was half stunned, half amazed. Jenna took his picture, liking the contrast between his tailored gray suit, white dress shirt and red tie, and his look of awe.
Amber swished the skirt of her dress. “You like?”
“I love. You’re beautiful. Stunning.” Walking farther into the room, he wiped his eyes. “I can’t believe my little sister is going to be a bride. Seeing you in the dress makes it real.”
The raw emotion in his voice brought a softball-size lump to Jenna’s throat, but she maintained her composure and took a picture of Ash and Amber hugging.
Amber’s gaze returned to her reflection. No doubt she wanted another glimpse of herself in the dress. “The saleswoman said having my brother here wasn’t normal, but I told her you were my best friend and I wanted you to see it first. Well, second, after Jenna.”
“First.” She lifted her camera. “I’m the photographer. I don’t count.”
“Yes, you do,” Ash said. “I’m happy to be here with both of you.”
Jenna stood taller, a silly reaction, but something about him, in spite of everything, got to her. If Cupid was shooting arrows, his aim was getting better—and that worried her. Time to get out of here before she took a direct hit.
“Well, I’ve taken enough pictures.” She took her camera apart as if defusing a ticking bomb, carefully, but quickly. “I’ll get out of your way so you can have time alone.”
Amber’s smile disappeared. “Oh, I was hoping you could join us for lunch.”
“I’m sorry,” Jenna said. “But a client is picking up photos at noon.”
Amber’s brow arched. “Are you free later in the week? I’d like to show you the church and reception site so you can get ideas for group shots.”
Jenna glanced at the calendar on her cell phone. “I have time on Thursday or Friday.”
“Great, I’ll text you.” Amber’s smile returned. “Thanks for taking the photographs.”
“Least I can do for one of my brides.” Jenna glanced at Ash, only to find him looking at her. A spurt of anticipation was her cue to leave. “I’ll see myself out.”
She escaped so quickly she hoped no one noticed. But she had to do something. Ash was already on her mind. She couldn’t allow him back into her heart.
Ash stood outside Westside Christian Church on Thursday morning. Amber’s wedding was a week from Saturday. He hoped the weather would improve.
The gray stone church seemed to disappear into the overcast sky. The weather resembled wintertime, but rainstorms were not unusual in June. The air had changed since he’d arrived at work earlier. He smelled rain. A downpour was on the way. The question was when. Sooner or later?
Maybe he should cancel.
He rolled his shoulders, trying to loosen tight muscles. Amber had gone Bridezilla. A slight exaggeration, but the wedding was affecting her brain and thought process. Otherwise she would have never asked him to meet Jenna where he’d broken up with her.
Big mistake. Then and now.
He should have said no to his sister. He would have, except he wanted to see Jenna. Badly. A few minutes after church on Sunday or at the bridal salon earlier in the week hadn’t been enough. He would have never agreed to brunch if he’d known she wasn’t going. He’d skipped the singles group meeting since he knew she wouldn’t be there.
Ash checked his cell phone. Almost time. Too late to back out. He tapped his toe, the knot in his stomach growing by the second.
“Hey.” Lines creased Jenna’s forehead. “Where are Amber and Toby?”
“Neither could make it. They asked me to show you around.”
“Oh.”
The one word didn’t tell Ash much. The tight lines around the corners of her mouth did. She wasn’t happy with the change of plans. He didn’t blame her.
“Don’t you have to work?” she asked.
“I put in enough hours that my boss doesn’t mind if I take a morning off. Ready?”
She nodded.
Ash opened the door to the church. “Westside hasn’t changed much.”