“Oh, that’s great!” Caitlyn turned to Branson with a grin. “You can’t avoid taking photos with me this time!”
“Can’t Bryson just stand in for me?” he joked weakly. “He has a better smile.”
Caitlyn shook her head. “No one in the world has a better smile than you.”
I really hoped those two could go the distance. I’d plannedweddings for a lot of couples that didn’t make it past year one. But Caitlyn and Branson really loved each other.
“I don’t know,” Bryson said. “I can think of another smile that’s pretty amazing.”
My gaze flicked to him in surprise, and I realized he was watching me smile at Branson and Caitlyn.
I turned sharply to Nadia. “Let’s get this tour started, shall we?”
“Yes, of course. Follow me.”
We trailed after Nadia as she headed for the banquet hall where the reception would be held. As luck would have it, Bryson fell into step beside me.
“I hope it’s okay that I’m here,” he said quietly.
“I guess that depends on why you’re here.”
“Not to push,” he said quickly. “I’m the best man, and Caitlyn wanted me to come along in case Branson…”
He trailed off, as if uncertain what to say.
I smirked. “Needs you to stand in for him?”
He laughed. “No. God no. I hate taking photos too.”
“Not photogenic?”
He shrugged. “More like, too restless. I hate standing still and putting on a fake expression. I prefer candid photos that capture real emotion.”
There were those words again.Fake. Real.Was that comment aimed at me?
Nico overheard. “I take a range of candid photos during the reception, as well. Not everyone photographs well in posed settings. But I will do my best to put the wedding party at ease and make it fun.”
“Nico does amazing work,” I added. “We’ve done a lot of weddings together.”
Nico sent me a flirty look. “Some of myfavoriteweddings.”
We reached the banquet hall and entered, spreading out as we did. Bryson stuck close to me, I noticed.
“What was that?” he muttered. “You and Nico?”
“Ancient history.”
“Someone should tell him that,” he grumbled.
Wow. Was Bryson actually jealous even after I’d said nothing could happen with us? I’d hooked up with Nico after a few weddings, but it had always been casual for both of us.
I should probably be annoyed by Bryson’s reaction, but the silly flutters in my stomach said otherwise. It was nice to have someone care about me that much.
“As you can see, we’ve got enough seating for four hundred guests without a dance floor, or three hundred with the dance floor. Do you have your guest list finalized yet?”
“Almost,” Caitlyn said. “I want us to have a wedding dance, so?—”
“You do?” Branson said, voice a little panicked. “I don’t exactly know how to dance, babe.”
