Page 20 of Bridesmaid to Bride

“Thanks, West. Paige always wanted something memorable for her wedding album.” Eva powers ahead with purpose. “But another couple? That’s one hell of a photo bomb.”

“What exactly is the plan here?” I catch my breath. “No hard feelings, but we were here first?”

Eva snorts. “Kind of, yeah.”

Together we stride toward the invaders, ready to save the wedding.

10

Clear the Air

EVA

After bringing the manager to the beach location and having a brief talk with the other wedding party, we got it worked out. Is the other couple happy? No, but we booked it first, and we’re a televised event that has spots already marked for camera placements. If I had to, I could’ve called in the show’s director, but it didn’t get that far.

I have no idea how the location got double-booked, but after this and the doggie photo mess, I’m starting to wonder if this hotel doesn’t have it as together as everyone says.

But, honestly, I’m grateful for this break from the madness… and glad Skye caught wind of the double-booking mess. Honestly, I was also happy she stepped into the middle of whatever was happening between West and Brielle, that awesome woman I met on the plane. She told me she was going to a wedding, but I thought it was a different one because I hadn’t seen her on the guest list. As it turns out, she’s a college friend of Zach’s and he added her last minute. Brielle’s pretty and cool, and West looked like he was having just a spiffy old time with her. Which irks me even though it shouldn’t. I know it’s not my place, and I really like her, but I don’t think she and West mesh. Just from what I’ve seen from her so far, which isn’t much. But she seems like a natural caregiver, and West seems to want someone he can care for. Not a good fit.

As West and I head back to the resort, I’m walking fast, always on a mission, when I find myself a little short of breath.

“Do you have your inhaler?” West stops walking.

“Yes! Just a sec.” I take it out of my pouch and take a puff.

“You should slow down, Eva,” West says. “You have a little time to enjoy this walk? It’s so nice.”

I have earned a little time for myself, and it is so nice. At least walking beside the water is. Going in it, now that’s another story. “You’re right. Let’s enjoy.” We take our shoes off so our feet squish into the cool sand, and I decide not to bring up Brielle—I know he has to flirt on camera, so I’m sure that’s what he was doing.

West reaches into his suit pocket and holds out a puff pastry wrapped in a napkin. “I snagged this for you. I figured you were so busy you wouldn’t have the chance to eat.”

“Thank you! I didn’t. And you know the way to my heart.” I’m so glad he got me one—it’s all I’ve been able to think about since the sweet, buttery smell permeated the air of the patio.

“It’s the least I can do—since you eat all the Brazil nuts out of the cans of mixed nuts for me.”

I touch his shoulder. “Aw.” West hates those, so I eat them for him.

“We make a good nut tag team.” He sighs. “So how’s it going? With Foster?”

“Good.” I walk slower, and West falls in step beside me. “And if I don’t land him, I’ll definitely be up for maid of honor of the year award.”

“You got that in the bag.” His lips tick up. “But seriously. It’s been nuts. Are you okay?”

“I am now.”

He flashes me that dimpled smile that’s my happy place.

It’s so nice to have no cameras or people, and I love this view of the ocean set against the evening sky of mango and shades of blue. “It’s so pretty. And the air is so fresh.”

I look around and inhale the smell of sea salt, deciding to use this time for some much-needed conversation with my best friend. “Okay, West. Tell me something real.”

“Oh, boy—give me a second.” He blows out a puff of air that makes his lips flap.

“Sure.” The waves crash behind us as a cooling breeze hits.

“Okay, this is something I’m too embarrassed to tell anyone, but I’m gonna tell you now.”

“Really?” My eyes go wide. “I’m honored.”

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