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Roman and Scotty? I froze for an instant, remembering the other guests I’d photographed at Wells and Connor’s wedding, and I thought I finally understood the need for added security. “When you say Roman and Scotty, do you mean…?”
Before I could finish my sentence, the lobby door opened… and a horse casually strolled in, like it had all the time in the world. Like someone had manifested it for me.
I blinked, then quickly snapped a few pictures. Oscar would not believe this unless I gave him photographic evidence.
“Just passing through!” a male voice called. A youngish man appeared in the doorway, grunting, “Move your ass, Nugget,” as he pushed against the horse.
The horse took a lazy step to the side.
Ana Lucia blocked the way with her palms out. “Scotty, what did I tell you about horses in the lobby?”
He shot her a hopeful grin. “That it was totally fine because it’s our wedding weekend and anything goes?”
Ana Lucia raised an eyebrow. “Does that sound like something I’d say?”
His shoulders fell. “No. It’s just that I promised Nugget a walk on the beach, and this is the easiest way to get down there, so I figured?—”
Ana Lucia cut him off. “No. No horses in the lobby. Nugget, shoo.”
The lobby door opened again, and a familiar, deep male voice called out, “Honey, Ana Lucia will set your ass on fire if she catches you sneaking Nugget through the lobby again… Oh.” Roman Burke stepped out from behind the horse and gave Ana Lucia the charming smile that had captivated millions of moviegoers. “Well. This is awkward.”
I sucked in a deep breath. I’d met Roman Burke briefly at Wells and Connor’s wedding, but being the photographer at his wedding… that was something else entirely. A professional coup. And inevitably, I found myself wanting to tell Oscar?—
“Again?” Ana Lucia said scathingly, and it took a second for me to realize she was repeating what Roman had said instead of judging my thoughts.
Roman’s smile went megawatt. “Sorry, Ana Lucia. We’ll get out of your way. Get a move on, girl.” He slapped the horse on the rear and only seemed to realize after the horse had begun moving that there was nowhere for her to exit. “Shoot. Could someone open the back door?” he yelled.
I tucked my camera under my arm and scrambled toward the far side of the lobby, opening the door just in time for the horse to trot out onto the large patio. She stopped abruptly at a flower bed on the edge of the bluff and sniffed a few flowers before plucking one with her lips and chewing it delicately.
“Thanks,” Roman called, lifting a hand to me in greeting. “Easy-peasy.”
Scotty snorted. “You can charm anyone. It’s like a dastardly superpower. Thanks for handling the dragon lady for me.”
“Anything for you, baby.” He leaned in to sneak a kiss.
James and I exchanged a look, and I had to bite my lip to hold back a smile. Roman’s eyes went a little glassy, and Scotty’s back foot came off the ground a little.
I grabbed my camera to capture the moment.
“I love you,” Roman whispered softly. “So much I’m thinking about maybe marrying you tomorrow…”
“Hmm,” Scotty breathed. “Solid plan.”
It took Ana Lucia a few tries to pull my attention back to the reception desk, where she patiently checked me in and gave me the key to my room.
After that, the day seemed to fly by. I was grateful for every moment of the picturesque setting and engaging wedding party to help keep my mind far too occupied to feel the bone-deep envy that would normally consume me when witnessing such a happy couple celebrating their lifelong commitment.
Someday, it’ll be your turn, I told myself. I refused to succumb to any negative thoughts or to dwell on my conversation with Abby. Just believe.
If only it was as easy as mind over matter.
* * *
Photographing the rehearsal dinner was effortless—the scenery was beautiful, the temperature perfect, the breeze soft, and the golden-hour light falling just right. It didn’t hurt that the guests were incredibly photogenic or that the grooms were clearly in love. Every shot I took was magic, and I was in my happy place. In fact, the only hitch was that several guests, including some of the wedding party, had been seriously delayed due to traffic.
As dinner ended and the sun started to set, the party moved from the grassy lawn down to the beach, where a bonfire had been set. One of the waiters popped champagne, and everyone took a glass. I waited for the toasts to begin, but instead, everyone gathered to watch as the sun sank into the ocean.
I approached Brant and his wife, Karlie, who held their sleeping baby in a wrap. “What’s going on?” I whispered.
