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I want to ask about their relationship, but it’s not my place to question it and it’s definitely not thetime.
I can’t resist saying, “If it makes you feel better, Aiden’snervous.”
Her smiles fades, and she looks younger all of a sudden. “Really? I’ve never seen Aiden nervous as long as I’ve knownhim.”
That clearly unsettles her, though I can’t tell if she’s pleasedunderneath.
“I got the concepts you sent for the resort promotions,” she says. “They were great and I actually wanted to use them for something personal.” Her lips curve mysteriously. “You’d becompensated.”
“Of course. I’m thrilled you can get some utility from them.” I’m curious what she means, but before I can ask, the camera crew descends onus.
When guests filter into the hotel, it’s a five-hundred-person-strong A-list of New York society, old money and new, all of it ondisplay.
The wedding is breathtaking, and emotion wells up in my throat. I didn’t bring tissues. I didn’t think I’d get emotional atthis.
His face is stoic. The only hint of what’s underneath is the way his finger twitches before he clasps his hands behindhim.
I can’t help but think of the man I’d want waiting for me down that aisle if I ever took that walk. In less than a week, I miss the hell out of him. Miss his laugh, his smile, his mind, histouch.
God, I got used to histouch.
I love Ben more than I thought I could loveanyone.
I give myself a moment to imagine how it would feel to marry my best friend, to promise him everything Camila’s promising Aiden with no reservations. To have him pledge the same inreturn.
The ache in my chest isbittersweet.
It’s going to be okay, I promise, swallowing.Itwill.
The ceremony proceeds, then we’re on tophotos.
The ballroom hosting the evening event is twice the size of the ceremony room, the crown jewel of the most exquisite property under the Vane name. Pure white, it’s decorated solely with its own architecturaldetails.
The head table is a rectangular expanse spilling over with white flowers and pale green foliage trimmed into sculptural shapes to mimic the style of the hotel. It’s timeless and striking atonce.
In one corner near the entry, the magazine crew has set up as unobtrusively as possible. Though Camila offered to have me seated at one of the tables—and indeed, there’s a spot available with my name on it—I said I’d probably lurk near the camera crew for most of theevening.
Before the couple enters, screens lower. Images and video of properties around the world are displayed. I thought I knew every detail, but it’s my turn to be surprised as the voiceover I commissioned for Vane’s campaign pitch talks about how love means something different to everyone. That no matter who you love and how, there’s a place for you to celebrate it and experience it. It ends on the shoot with Aiden and Camila in theVineyard.
My throat tightens as I watch. Judging from the buzzing of the crowd, they like ittoo.
When the double doors open wide and the bride and groom enter, the focus is back on them. Their hands are linked. Camila looks resolved and flushed, Aiden looks confident onceagain.
I wonder if they talked while they werealone.
That thought lingers with me through the dinner and dancing, while I see off the camera crew and make sure the Vanes have their privacy for the rest of theevening.
It’s late when I bump into Richardoutside.
“The video was compelling. You made it for the resorts,” hesays.
“I did. You have a wonderful opportunity in this market. Thank you for giving me this time to spend with Aiden andCamila.”
He nods, but before he can leave I add, “My company may not be the size of yours, but I assure you I’m thinking of the samethings.”
Vane narrows his gaze. “Tell me—what?”
“Helping people have better relationships. Showing businesses how to connect with customers. Making it easier for my staff to grow as people, to provide for their families by doing work they’re passionate about. With a hotel chain, you must see that every day. The personal moments, the privateones.”
