Page 40 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

"Tasteful, Frances," I repeated, trying to hold back a laugh. She relented with a dramatic sigh and a playful wink.

"Very well," she said, "I suppose we can compromise."

As we began setting up for the shoot, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. I caught Trevor's eye across the room, and he gave me a wink, his expression full of love and encouragement.

I arranged my most elaborate floral displays around the shop, creating a vibrant backdrop for the photoshoot. As I positioned a particularly large and unwieldy arrangement, Trevor came over, his strong hands reaching out to help.

"Here, let me give you a hand with that," he said, his voice warm and close to my ear.

Our fingers brushed as we maneuvered the arrangement into place, and I felt a familiar flutter in my chest. Even though it wasn’t the first time we touched, his touch still had the power to make my heart race.

"Thanks," I murmured, feeling a blush creep into my cheeks.

Trevor grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Anytime. You know I'm always happy to lend a hand... or two."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips. "Down, boy. We've got work to do."

We had just finished with the setup when the bell above the shop door jingled, announcing the arrival of the firefighters. They filed in, some looking eager and others clearly uncomfortable with the idea of being in front of the camera.

Frances pounced on them immediately, her voice rising with excitement. "Welcome, gentlemen! Oh, this is going to be fabulous. Now, who wants to go first?"

The firefighters exchanged nervous glances, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. I knew all too well how it felt to be on the receiving end of Frances's enthusiasm.

"Why don't we start with Trevor?" I suggested, giving him a sly smile. "After all, this was his idea."

Trevor shot me a look that was half exasperation, half amusement. "Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Amelia."

"Anytime," I quipped, echoing his earlier words.

Frances began directing him with gusto as Trevor stepped in front of the camera. "Yes, perfect! Now, hold that bouquet a little higher. Tilt your head just a bit... fantastic!"

I watched, amused, as Trevor awkwardly posed with my floral creations. He looked like a fish out of water, but there was something endearing about his willingness to put himself out there for the sake of our fundraiser.

The other firefighters looked on, their earlier nervousness giving way to good-natured ribbing. "Looking good, Trevor!" Frank called out, eliciting a round of laughter from the others.

Trevor took it all in stride, flashing them a grin. "Laugh it up, boys. You're next."

As the photo shoot progressed, curious townsfolk gathered outside the shop, drawn by the commotion and the promise of a behind-the-scenes look at the calendar in the making. Their excited chatter filled the air, mingling with the click of Frances's camera.

I quickly set up a table near the entrance, displaying pre-order forms for the calendar and raffle tickets for the floral arrangements. The response was overwhelming. People eagerly lined up to place their orders and try their luck at winning one of my creations.

"I'll take three calendars," Mrs. Landry said, her eyes twinkling. "And put me down for a dozen raffle tickets. Those arrangements are too gorgeous to pass up."

I couldn't help but beam at her enthusiasm. "Thank you so much. Your support means the world to us."

As I processed the orders, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to find Mayor Tom standing behind me. He wore a bowtie with little fire trucks on it.

"Amelia, my dear!" he boomed, his voice carrying over the crowd. "I simply must be a part of this magnificent event. Point me to the camera!"

I laughed, gesturing towards Frances. "She's the boss, Mayor Tom. I'm sure she'll find a spot for you."

The mayor wasted no time inserting himself into the photo shoot. He insisted on being part of a group shot with the firefighters, but unlike the others, he kept his shirt firmly buttoned.

Frances, ever the professional, captured the mayor's enthusiastic poses alongside the more reserved firefighters. The contrast was comical, and I stifled a giggle as I watched the scene unfold.

Throughout the day, familiar faces continued to arrive. My parents, Trevor’s mom, who looked slightly embarrassed, Susan, Nate, Emily, and even Kevin stopped by at different times, each of them purchasing a floral bouquet and offering words of encouragement.

Their support touched me deeply, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I hugged each of them. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

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