Standing in her stunning, sleeveless lacewedding dress, Pippa beamed. “My hair’s almost ready so she’dbetter get here soon before I mess it up.” Denise gratefullygrabbed her offered glass of wine and continued her now one-handedsmoothing and straightening of Pippa’s gown.
Speak of the devil. Freya let in a stunningredhead wearing practical but feminine slacks, heels, and a sleektop. “Hey there. I’m Bree for those of you who don’t know me yet.”She pulled around an expensive looking camera and winked at Pippa.“Don’t move, Pippa, you look amazing. Can I snap a few candids inhere?”
Dazzled, smile wide and genuine, Pippaagreed. “Sophie, when’s my brother getting here? We can start withcouples photos, but I have him planned for a bunch of family andwedding party shots.”
Handing Pippa a glass of wine, Sophie glancedat the time and reassured her, “ETA twenty minutes.”
The ladies finished getting ready. AfterPippa left for photos with Lincoln, Sophie quickly slipped on herdress, including the excessively helpful pushup bra that Lucy hadinsisted on. She tugged a little to hide the hint of cleavage thebra had created. Carefully, so as not to wrinkle the delicate silkdress.
Freya tsk’d. “You’re not used to havingcleavage, are you? Just own it. You look amazing.”
With one last fuss, Sophie managed to stoptugging at her dress. She could use a touch of Freya’sfree-spirited confidence right now. Touching up her makeup andhair, she strapped on her tall heels and checked her reflection.Not bad. Maybe she’d try the fun bra with a few other outfits whenshe was feeling daring.
From behind, Freya handed Sophie heruntouched glass of wine. “Quick, gulp for courage.”
With a chuckle, Sophie took a big sip and setthe glass down on the table. Burning down her esophagus, sheimmediately regretted the bite-you-back swig; wine was generallynot recreationally guzzled for a good reason. After a painful coughand watery eyes, she turned to Freya, “Ready.”
“I hate getting my picture taken; let’s getthis over with.” Freya pushed Sophie out the door of the dressingroom ahead of her.
Freya dragged her feet as she followed Sophieacross the grounds. Toned down from Pippa’s original plans, thesite was charming. Dramatic lighting still established theambience, but with glowing fairy lights rather than trendy paperlanterns. Scattered tables and chairs surrounded the dance floor,topped with simple bouquets of seasonal flowers in country jars.Against the far wall, the buffet table was dressed with plain bluerather than layered translucent tablecloths. Sophie actuallypreferred the modified design.
Venturing outside through the massive, openbarn door, Sophie let the sunshine wash over her bare arms like awarm shower. Most of the wedding party and family members that hadcome early to help with set up were now visiting in small clusterswhile they waited for the official guests to arrive. Freyaabandoned her to mingle with cousins she hadn’t seen in years.Keeping to herself in the background, Sophie observed as thephotographer took the bride and groom to the overlook point to snapsome scenic shots.
They looked so much in love. Relaxed,finally. This was what it was all about. Sophie couldn’t deny thepang of envy that fluttered in her belly as the couple couldpublicly pronounce their love and intentions.
Pippa had better come around quickly. Thesecrecy was pecking away at Sophie’s soul, more with each passingday. She wouldn’t deny the stolen moments with Asher werethrilling, but acceptance would be better.
Out of nowhere, Sophie remembered the daisybouquet Pippa had picked herself that morning. Sophie dashed backto the dressing rooms to grab it for Pippa. She’d want it in thephotos.
Rounding the corner, she ran smack dab intoAsher. Catching her before she toppled to the ground, he laughedout loud. “You ought to take corners a bit more cautiously. Thistime, I was ready for you.”
Melting in his arms, Sophie snuggled intohim, appreciating his reference to their first collision. As he hadthen, he embraced her securely so she wouldn’t get hurt. Sheabsorbed the heat emanating from his body, feeling his heartthundering synchronously with her own.
He was frazzled. His hair was a bit wild buthad been neatly trimmed a few days prior, so it couldn’t becomedisheveled beyond repair. Sleep deprived with dark circles underhis eyes, t-shirt and jeans wrinkled from the flight, he lookedlike he needed a long nap.
Arms still wrapped around her, he leaned hisforehead against hers. “I missed you. Thanks for talking me throughthe night.”
Craving his touch, his kiss, Sophie slid herhands up his chest before pulling his body even more tightlyagainst her, as much so as the laws of physics would allow.Pressing their lips together, the familiarity, the comfort, thethrill it stirred was a perfect triad of everything she needed.Gliding her tongue along his lower lip, she silently begged formore. Unrestrained for a brief, stolen moment in the empty hallway,they lost themselves in the kiss.
A throat clearing behind her quickly broughtthem back to reality. Paul and Denise stood in the doorway; Paulwas blushing but not surprised, Denise looked completely aghast,her face more of a furious beet red. Admonishing her grown child,Denise put her hands on her hips and glowered, “Asher HaroldSutherland. What on Earth are you–”
Paul cut her off with a good-natured smirk.“Dear, I think you know what they were doing. And I’m quite certainthey know what they’re doing.”
“But–”
Asher held one arm around Sophie’s waist andshifted her to his side possessively. “Mom, it’s not like that.Just please, please don’t say anything to Pippa just yet. We’lltell her when she gets back from her honeymoon.”
Her exasperation faded to mild vexation, butthe confused groove between her eyebrows wasn’t going anywhere. Shedidn’t bother to hide the suspicion in her eyes. “Tell her what,exactly?”
Paul gave Asher a wink. “I’ll explain whenyou’re older, dear.” Guiding his wife away, he whispered in herear.
Denise’s response was priceless, her suddenabout-face was adorable. “You mean it? Another wedding?” Sheignored Paul shushing her and laughed aloud with joy.
Blushing, Sophie tried to avoid Asher’s gaze.He turned her toward him with a gentle nudge of her chin, “He maybe getting a bit ahead of things, but I’m looking in the samedirection. I know it’s quick, but, Sophie, I love you.”
Legs turning to overdone noodles, she triedto breathe. “It is soon.” Terrified of the new emotion, the changeit would bring, yet thrilled at the truth of it, the future itmapped out, she locked eyes with his. “I figured it out prettyquick though. I love you too.”
“Yeah? How quick?” Twinkle in his eye, helooked eager to hear her response, his hands still splayed aroundher waist.
