by Lily Thorn
“All right,” Aubrey said at last. “What happened?”
Tess took a deep breath. “I left my job. I couldn’t stay there, but I don’t know where to go. I don’t want to be alone right now.”
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. I wish I could be there. Where are you?”
Tess let out a hiccupping sob. “I’m outside your door. I’m sorry, I forgot you were at work.”
“Well, there’s a key under the mat. Let yourself in. Make yourself a drink, lie down, watch a movie. I think there are some lemon bars in the pantry. I’ll be home as soon as I can, okay?”
“Okay.”
“I’ll be there soon. Just a few hours. Hang in there.”
“Thanks, Aubrey. I’ll try.” She hung up before she could distract her friend any more. The last thing she needed was to get Aubrey fired.
Tess lifted the corner of the mat to get the key. Trudging down the stairs, she retrieved her belongings, or at least the ones she’d been able to grab. Tess sighed. She might have left some things at Bearview, but she wasn’t going back for them. Cade could keep them, or burn them for all she cared.
Once her things were inside, Tess shut the door behind her. Though the apartment wasn’t hers, the place still felt like a sanctuary. She would be safe here.
Rummaging through the cabinets, Tess did as Aubrey suggested. First, she made a drink. Even for an emergency of this magnitude, it was still too early for wine. Besides, Tess didn’t trust that she wouldn’t drink Aubrey’s entire supply.
Taking a glass of ice water and a pan of lemon bars to the couch, Tess settled in. She turned on the television, though her eyes glazed over and she didn’t really hear anything the talk show host said.
She was pretty sure multiple hosts had come and gone as the shows blended together. Time seemed to have lost all meaning. Tess curled up, pulling Aubrey’s afghan over her legs. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this miserable. Losing her father, of course, but that was like a black hole that nothing could compare to. This was almost worse, because although Cade hadn’t died, her opinion of him had.
No one could be as perfect as he had seemed to be.
Tess closed her eyes, trying not to think about how terrible she felt. Where was Aubrey? She needed her.
Tess awoke to the sound of a key in the latch.
“Here I am,” Aubrey said. “Had to stay late, sorry. A customer came in at the last minute wanting three birthday cakes.”
“Three?”
“She has triplets. Three adorable little boys, so I didn’t mind.”
Tess sat up, retrieving the empty pan she’d shoved under the couch. “I’m glad you’re here. And don’t hate me, but I ate all your lemon bars. I meant to save you half, then three, then one, but… it didn’t go according to plan.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Aubrey took the pan from her, depositing it in the sink. “I can always make more lemon bars. Or huckleberry popsicles. Or plum tarts. Or mint white chocolate mousse cake.”
“Stop it. You’re making me hungry.”
“Well?” Aubrey grinned. “Just tell me what you want. I’d have to run out and get some huckleberries, though.”
“Could you possibly make some of your triple chocolate cupcakes?”
“For you?” Aubrey threw on her apron like it was a superhero cape. “Anything.”
By the time the cupcakes were in the oven, Aubrey had coaxed all the details out of Tess.
“You think I did the right thing, don’t you?” Tess asked. “I couldn’t have stayed there, right?”
Aubrey seemed much more intent on her task of drying the mixing bowl than she needed to be.
“Aubrey?”
Her friend sighed. “I don’t know, Tess. You might have jumped the gun a bit.”
Tess felt like she might be sick. “What? Why?”
“From what you told me, Cade sounds like a really nice guy. Maybe even a perfect guy.” Aubrey looked up at her. “Did he actually ask you for money?”
“But he—”
“Tess, did he ask you or not?”
Her heart beat uncomfortably against her ribs. “He just told me that he didn’t have ten grand to pay for the permits. But he knows that I have a lens worth five grand, and the five grand he gave me. Just because he didn’t ask right then doesn’t mean he wasn’t going to.” Tess slumped onto the counter. “My mom was right.”
“Was she really? Your mom has a cynical streak a mile wide when it comes to men. All men. And how has that worked out for her?” Aubrey set the mixing bowl on the counter. “Do you really think he wanted ten grand more than he wanted you?” she asked gently.
Tess’s stomach dropped. She had accused him of wanting her money, then walked out on him. Cade was a good man, the best kind of man. But she had taken the happiness they’d shared and smashed it, and now it was broken beyond repair. He deserved someone far better than her.
“Oh, Aubrey.” Tess buried her face in her hands. “What have I done?”
Crossing the kitchen, Aubrey stroked her back. “It’ll be okay. Why don’t you talk to him after you photograph the wedding tomorrow?”
“What? Aubrey, I can’t go back there. He’ll hate me.”
“He’ll only hate you if you don’t go. Tess, if you care for him at all, you have to photograph that wedding.”
“I guess.” Tess gazed at the cupcakes baking in the oven. She wasn’t feeling so hungry anymore.
Aubrey put her hands on her hips. “Tess Holt. Look me in the eye and promise me you’ll photograph that wedding.”
“Why?” Tess asked dully.
“Because if you don’t, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life. And I’m the one who’ll have to hear you complain about it.”
“All right, all right. I’ll go. But I’m not going to talk to him.”
Aubrey stowed the mixing bowl and other dishes in the cupboard. “Suit yourself. As long as you take those photos.”
Tess resisted the urge to slide off her stool and onto the linoleum floor. Going back to Bearview would be awful. Even if she didn’t have to speak to Cade, how could she possibly face him?
There was only one way she could bear it—if it was the last time she’d ever have to see him.
Taking a breath, Tess made up her mind. After the wedding, she would sell her father’s telephoto lens. But instead of using the money to fly to Africa, she’d use it to get a fresh start. Somewhere on the East Coast might be nice, where she could gaze at waves instead of mountains.
Getting away from Yonder was paramount. Everything else could wait, even her photo trip. She would miss Aubrey terribly, but they could stay in touch. Tess just couldn’t live here anymore.
There were too many memories.
Chapter Sixteen
CADE STOOD IN the lobby, trying to pretend that he didn’t want to die.
“This is so lovely,” the mother of the bride said. “Kristen is so happy she chose Bearview. Just one thing, where is the photographer? Kristen’s about to get ready, and I thought those photos were part of the package.”
He had to tell her. This had gone on long enough. There was nothing to be gained by waiting any longer—the only question was just how bad the fallout would be.
“I have some bad news about the photographer,” Cade said, bracing himself for what could be a meltdown of nuclear proportions. “She’s—”
The double doors swung open. To his infinite relief, Tess strode in, camera bag over one shoulder. “Sorry I’m late,” she said. “There was a traffic jam on the road up.”
“I didn’t know there was much traffic around these parts,” the mother of the bride said, clearly miffed.
“Unfortunately, it was an elk traffic jam. They’re known to be incredibly inconsiderate of people’s schedules.” Tess held out her hand. “I’m Tess Holt, and I’m honored to photograph the wedding today.” She smiled. “You must be the mother of the bride.”
The woman’s reserve seemed to be melting
. “How could you tell?”
“You have a glow about you. It’s contagious. Could I get a picture?”
The woman blinked. “Just of me? Right now?”
“Yes, please. You look gorgeous.”
“All right, if you insist.” The mother of the bride beamed as Tess snapped a photo.
Cade marveled at how she’d mended everything with a few words.
“Could you take me to the bride?” Tess asked. “I don’t want to miss her getting ready.”
“Of course,” the woman said. “Right this way.”
He watched them go. Somehow, a few steps down the hall, Tess already had the mother of the bride gushing about her daughter.
Cade shook his head in wonder. He had work to do, and they had a long way to go before this wedding was over.
Grabbing his suit jacket, he headed out back. It was going to feel like a very long wedding indeed, as he hadn’t slept at all last night.
Still, at least she had come.
Though he had to run around out of sight of the guests, he prepared everything in time with a little help from Ethan. The two of them exchanged a thumbs up as the bride walked down the aisle.
The ceremony went flawlessly, and the reception began. Cade directed the catering staff, and even helped them carry some trays to the tables. He wove through the crowd beneath the tents, incognito in his suit and tie, listening for any complaints. He heard none, which pleased him.
Then again, how could anyone complain about Bearview? The night was cool but not cold, the sunset over the mountains was spectacular as always, and the lanterns spread throughout the glade looked like twinkling stars. It was magical.
Cade looked toward the gazebo, remembering what it had been like to hold Tess during their photoshoot. He shook himself, trying to jostle the memory from his mind. It was over between them. He might as well forget it had ever happened.
Since his work was done until the tents needed to be taken down, Cade wandered among the tables. One of the bridesmaids asked him if he’d join her for a drink, her eyes promising much more. Cade politely declined. She was pretty enough, but his heart wanted someone else.
Unfortunately, it was someone he couldn’t have.
Cade picked up a champagne flute from a caterer’s tray. He should feel angry, insulted about what Tess thought of him, but he couldn’t bring himself to feel anything but sorrow. Besides, he still wasn’t sure that he hadn’t done something wrong.
Light flashed outside the tent. Cade ducked out to see Tess directing the bride and groom in a photoshoot. She was making them laugh one minute, and coaxing tender poses from them the next. Her smile was like a knife through his heart.
Tess was flawless, but he couldn’t watch her work any longer. Cade didn’t know what bothered him more—the sweet sound of her voice, or the knowledge that the two of them would never experience what the happy couple had shared today.
That was when the knife in his heart twisted. Cade realized that he hadn’t just loved Tess—he’d wanted to marry her.
His bear reared within him, fighting to surface. The beast wanted to shift now, to claim his mate before it was too late. He didn’t want to lose her.
Cade didn’t either, but he didn’t appreciate the fur that rippled over his arms. At least it was dark. It took all his strength to force his bear down.
Shifting won’t help! he told the stubborn animal.
She’ll be lost. Within him, the bear paced, making Cade feel nauseous. Do something, or we’ll lose her. We can’t lose her. She’s our mate.
Cade grimaced. Maybe that wasn’t for them to decide.
The couple came back under the tents for the toasts. Cade didn’t hear a word. He was fixated on Tess. And she, of course, was fixated on her camera.
Cade clenched his fists as the audience applauded the final toast, everyone raising their glasses. He emptied his in one swig. There was nothing here to celebrate.
Tess swung her lens around, following the couple as they retreated to their seats for dinner. He ached to talk to her, but now was not the time. He didn’t want to bother her or cause a scene.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” The mother of the bride leaned against his arm, steadying herself. She seemed a bit tipsy.
“Yes,” Cade said, staring at Tess.
“I knew my daughter would be a beautiful bride, but I never imagined just how dazzling she would be.” The woman dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.
“Oh. Yes, she’s a lovely bride.”
She looked up slyly. “That photographer’s a lucky lady.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I’ve seen you staring at her, young man. And though she’s rarely taken her eyes off her camera, whenever she does, she looks for you. It’s obvious you’re in love.” She paused, gazing at Tess. “Though perhaps you’re the lucky one.”
One of the bridesmaids came to tug the mother of the bride to the dance floor, saving Cade from having to continue the conversation. Could it be true that Tess kept glancing at him? The mother of the bride might have been tipsy, but she had seemed awfully sure.
Cade turned his head toward Tess, and met her gaze for a split second. Then she blushed, looking down at her camera.
His bear roared inside him. Walking quickly, Cade left the tent. The beast was determined to burst out, and Cade had lost the will to stop him.
He ran into the woods. Shucking his clothes, he unleashed his bear. He felt himself grow as muscles swelled and sinews lengthened. He dropped to all fours, and found his paws ready to carry him anywhere.
Digging his claws into the dirt, Cade went up the mountain. He spurred himself to run as fast as he could, far away from the clinking of glasses and the murmurs of laughter. He tried not to think about what he was leaving behind him. Paws pounding against the earth, Cade sought out the quiet heart of the mountain.
He needed to be alone.
***
It took about thirty minutes before Tess dared to look for Cade again. Then another hour to stop denying the fact that he seemed to have disappeared.
Tess forced back the welling tears. It was time to work, not to cry. She had been repeating the litany to herself for hours now. Just focus on this next shot, she told herself. Then the next, and the next…
At first, she thought that seeing Cade out of the corner of her eye was the worst thing in the world. Now that he was gone, she knew she had been wrong.
How could she leave him forever?
Lining up a shot of Kristen and Scott cutting the cake, Tess squared her shoulders. She had to leave. It wasn’t like he’d want her around here anymore.
At last, the dance floor and tents began to empty. Tess couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this exhausted. All she wanted to do was throw herself on Aubrey’s couch, but unfortunately she had to drive down a mountain first.
Tess rubbed her bleary eyes. Maybe she’d just sleep in the woods.
“Hi, Tess!” Despite hours of partying, Kristen was still as bubbly as the bottle of champagne in her hand. “Is it time to take the star pictures yet?”
Tess wanted to groan. Cade had definitely told her that a star shoot would be requested, but she’d forgotten. “Whenever you want!” she told Kristen, trying to match her enthusiasm. It was difficult. It had been a very long day.
“Come on, Scott!” Kristen called. “Just tell us where we should pose.”
“Hmm. By that stream, maybe?” Tess hoped Kristen would go for it. She didn’t want to trek to the lake again.
“Ooh, how about by that lake like in the other picture? That’s not too far, is it?”
“No.” Tess tried to keep smiling. “Not too far.”
“Great! I’ll get our hiking boots.”
Tess had to give it to Kristen—the girl had come prepared.
Somehow, she managed to lead the bride and groom to the lake. The whole way, Kristen regaled her with tales of the salsa class the two of them were taking.
“I was wonder
ing if we could pose with some of our salsa moves,” Kristen said when they reached the dock. “Maybe a dip or something. What do you think, Tess?”
“Whatever you decide on, you’ll have to hold the pose for ten minutes. Can you manage that?”
Scott flexed his biceps. “I’m strong,” he said.
Kristen giggled.
“All right,” Tess said, “I’ll set up my tripod over there, and give you a shout when I’m ready.”
Fastening her camera to the tripod, Tess triple-checked the settings. These photos would take long enough that none of them would want to reshoot anything.
“Ready?” she called. “Go!”
Scott dipped Kristen low, one hand on her waist and the other at her shoulder. The bride’s head was tilted back, her hair streaming out below her.
Tess had been skeptical, but she had to admit that the pose would make for quite the dramatic image. As long as they pulled it off.
From the direction of the dock, Tess heard giggling, but neither of her subjects moved. She started counting the seconds under her breath. They just had to hold the pose a bit longer.
At last, the shutter clicked.
“We got it,” Tess called. She jogged over to the couple.
Scott helped Kristen up. “That wasn’t so bad,” he said. “I was only shaking a little by the end.”
“Or a lot,” Kristen said, massaging his arm.
“Okay, maybe a lot,” Scott conceded.
“You don’t want to dip me again?” Kristen teased.
“How about you dip me this time?”
The two of them laughed.
“Fine,” Kristen said, “we don’t have to do any more dips.”
The three of them decided on two more poses, one where the couple faced each other, hands clasped, and another where they embraced. Tess had them pose in the same place so that she’d only have to take one star trail photo.
“That’s great,” she said as the shutter clicked for the last time. “I just have to take one more photo. It’ll probably take a few hours, so I don’t think you want to stay here for this.”