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“I was talking to Rob,” Blake hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “He was here for the ceremony, but he had to leave to pick up his girlfriend. She couldn’t fly in until this morning.”
“I can’t wait to see Rob again,” Everly said.
Blake’s smile stretched wide. “I can’t wait for you to meet Renee. I really think you’ll like her.”
“I’m sure I will.” Everly tilted her head. “What’s got you so happy?”
“Nothing. Just excited. It’s a wedding. I’m supposed to be happy, right?”
“I guess so. You look like a kid who just found out he’s going to the fair or something.”
“I’m just happy,” Blake said.
The photographer was stalking toward them, probably gearing up for another round of photos.
“I love you, but I think I’m about to get pulled away.”
Blake pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Have fun, I’ll find you later when Rob and Renee get back.”
Turning away from him, she met the photographer near the table displaying the cake. The four tiers were tall and classic white with pale-purple flowers falling over each layer in a wave of color.
“Hi, Miss Cooper, I’d like to get you and the bride together in front of the cake.” Gold bangles clinked together on the photographer’s wrist as she gestured to the dessert.
“Of course. I’ll get her and be right back.”
Being the coordinator and maid of honor had only doubled her workload for this wedding, but being hands-on for every part of her friend’s big day was worth the effort.
Everly skirted the room around the edges, clinging to the wall instead of blazing a trail through the center of the crowd straight to Megan. When Megan caught sight of Everly, she tilted her head toward the side of the room where the cake was elaborately displayed. Megan headed that way, gathering her flowing dress on both sides and hiking it up.
Where Megan had rightfully chosen the billowing Cinderella dress, Everly would never feel comfortable in something so attention-grabbing. A simple A-line V-neck was more her style. As Megan parted the crowd as she stalked through the middle of the room, Everly didn’t follow, choosing to backtrack around the perimeter.
The photographer greeted them in front of the table, pointing and nudging them into position. Everly moved as she was instructed while sporting a genuine smile for her friend’s happiness.
As soon as the photographer released them from their duties, Megan turned to Everly, “Everything is amazing! I can’t believe you put all of this together. Well, yes, I can. You’re a rockstar, Ev. I’m so happy you’re doing something you love and killing it!”
Everly pulled her friend into a hug. “Thank you. I really do love it. I never thought I’d be a wedding coordinator, but it’s perfect.”
“You thinking about planning a wedding of your own?” Megan said, brows bouncing.
Everly inhaled a deep breath in an effort to mask her reaction. She hadn’t put much thought into a wedding since she and Blake had gotten together, but in an instant, dozens of tiny details fell into place. The A-line V-neck dress, the white roses and greenery from Ava and Jameson’s wedding, and a taco bar. Blake would love a taco bar at their wedding.
“I love Blake, but we just made things official.”
Megan grabbed Everly’s arms. “You’ve known each other for years. You’ve been officially perfect for each other from the beginning.”
As if called by name, Everly looked up and her gaze landed on Blake immediately. He stood close to a dark-haired woman wearing an emerald-green cocktail dress. His face was only inches from the woman’s as he leaned in. The woman’s strong jaw was lifted to him as she hung on his every word.
And his hand… it was clasping the woman’s.
Blood roared in Everly’s ears. Why would Blake stand so close to a woman? Everything from Blake’s profile to the undivided attention the woman gave him mirrored the photos of David and Natasha Franco.
Everly’s chest ached, the pain sinking deeper and deeper like a knife slowly sliding between the ribs that protected her heart.
“Everly, you okay?” Megan asked.
Everly gasped. Had she been holding her breath? “Yeah. Who is that talking to Blake?”
Megan craned her neck to see above the crowd. “Is that Renee Bolton?”
