by Cindy Kirk
She nodded. “You get first and last bite.”
Being with her today felt familiar, but differences stuck out. Jenna left room between them rather than sitting close so their thighs touched. The distance—inches—made him want to invade her space with not-so-accidental brushes of his hand, arm, and leg. If only . . .
“One marionberry cobbler and two spoons.” The waiter placed the dessert and silverware between them. “Enjoy.”
Jenna picked up her spoon but didn’t take a bite. “You first.”
He ate a spoonful. The warm cobbler softened the cold ice cream into a heavenly mix of flavors.
“Delicious.” Though he’d rather have a taste of Jenna. She tasted better than any—Stop. Those thoughts would get him into trouble. This wasn’t a date. Not even close. “Your turn.”
Jenna broke off a piece, then raised her spoon to her mouth. Her lips closed around the bite of cobbler and ice cream. She closed her eyes, chewed, swallowed. A soft sigh escaped.
The memories of her kisses hit like a left jab to his jaw. Talk about pure torture. Her kiss would be sweet, warm, completely filling. The best dessert on the menu. Ash shifted in his seat.
Opening her eyes, she lowered the spoon. Her mouth curved upward. “Yum. This is really good.”
Customers filled other tables, but the conversations and laughter didn’t distract Ash. He was all about Jenna. She was his focus, his world tonight. An alarm blared. A danger ahead sign flashed. If he wasn’t careful, he was going to do something he regretted . . . like kiss her. “We can order another.”
She raised the spoon to her mouth. “This is enough. The calories are going straight to my waist and hips.”
He didn’t see that as a problem, but knew better than to say the words aloud.
Jenna looked at him. “Can I ask you a question?”
He scooped up another bite. “Shoot.”
“I don’t mean to be nosy. Okay, maybe I do, but why are you paying for Amber’s wedding photographer instead of your father?”
Ash choked on the cobbler in his mouth, coughed, drank a sip of lemonade. That helped. Sort of. He drank more.
A concerned look on her face, Jenna touched his shoulder. “You okay?”
He nodded. Her moving closer and touching him felt good, comfortable, right. Pathetic, yes, but he was only human.
“Sorry, must have swallowed wrong.” His throat burned and so did his brain. He couldn’t tell her the truth about his dad not liking her. The only thing that mattered was Ash liked her. “You’d asked about my father.”
“I wondered why you’re paying for Amber’s photography and not him.”
His father refused to pay Jenna. Ash didn’t want to lie about the reason, but he would not hurt her again. “My father paid for the original photographer. Her assistants can shoot Amber’s wedding, so he refused to pay for a different one.”
Namely Jenna.
Ash watched the melting ice cream pool on the plate. He hoped by the time of the wedding his father would be cordial to Jenna. “My dad shocked Amber by giving her a budget for the wedding. She’s gone over, so she is paying for her dress, veil, and shoes.”
Jenna scooped up a spoonful of marionberries. “What else are you paying for?”
“The cake and DJ.”
“Amber’s fortunate to have such a generous brother.”
“Her wedding day should be special.”
Jenna’s fingers went knuckle-white-tight around the spoon. “Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding.”
“Did you?”
She nodded once.
He hadn’t listened to what she wanted. “You wouldn’t have had your dream wedding if we’d married.”
“You would have had yours.” She ate more cobbler.
Would that have been his ideal wedding? He didn’t know. Jenna had suggested eloping, but Ash’s campaign manager and his father believed the publicity surrounding a big wedding would be a boost for the campaign. He’d convinced her that was for the best. She hadn’t put up much of an argument.
His fault. Again. He set his spoon on the cobbler plate. “I owe you another apology.”
“Let’s call it good.” She didn’t sound upset, but she fiddled with the napkin again. “There’s no reason to look back. We can’t change what happened.”
“True, but I don’t want to make the same mistakes again.”
God, you’ve given me so much. But please, could I have a do-over with Jenna?
Ash nearly laughed. A misguided prayer, but he had no one else to help him.
“I’ll be your cashier tonight.” The waiter set a black leather bill folder on the table, then walked away. Ash reached for the check only to find his hand on top of hers. “I’ve got this.”
“I do.”
Her skin was soft and warm. He fought the urge to rub her hand with his thumb. “Please. Let me cover dinner.”
Eyes dark, she kept hold of the folder. “How about we split the check?”
Jenna didn’t look like she would surrender without a fight. That would mess up whatever limited chance he had with her.
He let go of the bill. “That works. I’ll subtract what Toby left, and we can each pay half.”
A satisfied smile graced her lips. “Wonderful.”
Ash missed her hand on his. “You look happy.”
Her grin spread to her eyes, where a twinkle returned. “I am. Thanks to you.”
“I seem to be missing something.”
“This is the first time you’ve let me pay.”
“Ever?”
She nodded. “I never thought the whole man-always-pays thing seemed fair in an equal relationship, but you were always so adamant.”
“Adamant?”
“Very much so.” Her smile didn’t falter. “I didn’t make as much as you. Still don’t. And I appreciated you wanting to pay, but contributing, even a little, makes a person feel like they’re in a partnership, not just being taken care of.”
He hadn’t known she felt that way. “I’ll remember that.”
“A warning. Not all women feel this way.”
But the one who counted did. “Still good to know.”
Especially if he got a do-over.
On Sunday after the youth service, Jenna entered the church hall. Two teens acknowledged her with nods. She gave them a thumbs-up.
After the ropes course and Pastor Dan’s sermon, she couldn’t stop smiling. She kept thinking about the future. Something she hadn’t done in two years. It felt good, normal.
Jenna followed the smell of fresh-brewed coffee to a large pot. She filled a cup, then added a dash of milk. The caffeine would keep her going with another wedding to shoot this afternoon.
“Hey.” Sam wore a white button-down and khaki pants—dressy attire for him. The clothes made him look more his age than his normal shorts and T-shirts. “Guess who’s here?”
“Pretty much everyone we know.”
“True, but that’s not who I meant.”
She sipped her coffee. The scent of something baking in the hall’s kitchen tickled her nose. “Is Mrs. Phillips making scones?”
“Yes.”
Jenna’s stomach grumbled in anticipation. “Just what I need this morning.”
“That’s what Ash said.”
She nearly dropped her coffee. “My Ash?”
“Yours?” Sam’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t think you wanted to date the guy.”
“I don’t. Figure of speech.”
“Yeah, right. And I’m the tooth fairy.”
She ignored him, searched the crowded hall, but didn’t see Ash. “Where is he?”
“At one of the tables by the back door.” Sam’s mouth slanted. “You’d better hurry. I think a few women are calling dibs.”
Jenna made a beeline toward the other side of the room. Laughter drew her attention. Michael, Kerri, Claire, and two women from the singles group sat with Ash. No empty seats remained at the table. The least Jenna could do was say
hi.
She walked up. “Good morning. I’m surprised to see you here, Ash.”
He rose, looking handsome in his blue shirt and slacks. An almost finished scone sat on the plate in front of him. “I decided to attend the service this morning.”
“Enjoy it?”
“Very much.” He sounded relaxed for being in a brandnew place. “Pastor Dan is great. I liked the music. Everyone is so friendly. I’ll be back next Sunday.”
A thrill shot through her. Not that what Ash did should matter. “This is a great place.”
The others at the table agreed. She sipped her coffee.
“You should go to the singles group meeting,” Kerri suggested. “Unless you’re in a relationship.”
“I’m not dating anyone.”
His words squeezed Jenna’s heart like a vise and left her feeling . . . weird.
“The next meeting is on Wednesday,” Claire said.
Ash looked at Jenna. “Will you be there?”
She shook her head. “Photo session.”
“I’ll check my calendar,” he said to the others.
The three single women at the table sat taller, with big smiles. Jenna understood. But the thought of Ash dating one of them—or anyone—made her stomach churn. She didn’t know why. He was no longer her fiancé. They weren’t dating. They weren’t even friends.
“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.”
“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.