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“It’s gorgeous work, Maddie,” Rick said softly, his appreciation filling me with warm, happy pride .
When I locked my phone screen, I saw the notification of the message I earlier ignored, deciding not to distract myself from how much I wanted to enjoy today.
My time was running out here, after all.
“Cake looks great.”
I turned from the cake table to see Ralph, Rick’s cousin, walking towards us, resplendent his robust form all clean lines in immaculate black tie, his hair neatly combed, beard trimmed into a neat goatee, a sprig of lavender and a rose tucked into his buttonhole.
He offered Rick the same flowers on a little pin.“Here you go, cuz.”
“You didn’t tell me you were in the wedding!”I said to Rick.
He shrugged.“I’m not.I’m just doin’ a reading.”
“You didn’t tell me that, either!”
He ducked his head, looking little-boy-shy.“Public speaking ain’t my forte, darlin’.Still not convinced I won’t make a fool of myself.”
I reached for his hand and squeezed it.“You won’t.And hey, if you do, you’ll look so handsome doing it, that no one will care.”
Rick chuckled and squeezed my hand back.“I guess there’s that.Ralph, can we do anythin’ for you?”
“Nah.I don’t think so.We got at least fifteen minutes before guests arrive, an’ that’s if they’re hella early.Feel free to explore the gardens.They’re real pretty.”
I agreed that they were, and was about to congratulate Ralph on his choice of venue when one of the florists snagged his attention for something, and he gave us a distracted goodbye.
“Garden?”Rick asked.“Gotta take every chance I get to have that dress alone.”
“Oh, sweetie, I don’t think it’ll fit you.”
He laughed.“Smartass.”
We walked through the manicured gardens that surrounded the barn and curved around its big back doors at the head of the building, positioned so they would open behind where the bride and groom said their vows.What a gorgeous backdrop.
“Swing?”I asked.“We’ve got to go on it before everyone arrives.We’ll never get a look in afterwards.”
“Sure.”
I led him towards it and we sat down together.The wood was warm from the sun, and smooth, and Rick curled his arm around me.The bright sunshine kissed the water fountain and the flowers and made everything look so happy.
I reached for my little purse.“Can we take a photo?”The only things I’d taken pictures of so far were cakes, it seemed.I could have been taking pictures of Rick this whole time!Icouldn’tpass up the chance now.Not with how he looked in the tux.
After all, maybe the pictures would be all I’d have left after I flew home.
The thought made me unbearably sad, and I pushed it away.
“‘Course we can.”
I passed him my phone after opening the camera app and flipping the viewfinder to face us.“You take it.Your arm is longer.”I unashamedly snuggled against him as he positioned the phone.
“Done.I took a few.You wanna see if they’re okay?Jenny always wants to look.”
“Nope.I’ll enjoy them later.”I clicked the screen off and dropped it back into my bag.“Thank you, so much, for taking me as your date.I love weddings.And I get to be withyouwhen you look likethis.”
“Well, lap it up.I’ll be back to normal tomorrow.”
“Lucky me, because I love that look, too.”
