Page 46 of In the Arms of a Hero

“She could be getting married herself. She wouldn’t have to be young to be a bride.”

“Oh God, you’re right. That was ageism at its worst, wasn’t it?”

“Nah… we just see a lot of younger brides, I guess. Anyway, my phone number is on the flyer, so hopefully, she’ll call.”

Bess then snapped her fingers. “Oh, now I remember! She asked if you had any available times this weekend to meet, but I told her you were shooting a wedding tomorrow. She said she was also going to a wedding tomorrow and wondered if it was the same one. I couldn’t remember the name of the guy getting married, but I told her it was an outdoor wedding at the Sunset Restaurant.”

“Maybe she’ll be there, although I’d rather not talk business when working. I have to focus on the bride, and then when it’s all over with, I’d like to spend some time with Aaron.”

Bess eyed her with suspicion. “Okay, give me the latest. I’ve noticed that he comes in almost every morning again, but there’s a gleam in your eye that I want to know about.”

Bess had already made herself comfortable on the sofa, and after Belinda poured two glasses of wine, she walked over and handed one to her sister. Settling on the other end, she smiled and shrugged. “For the past couple of months, Aaron has certainly made an effort to get to know me. Take it slow and give us a chance to understand each other. Much more so than last year.”

“Do you think he’s changed? Not so opposed to a commitment?”

Belinda nodded slowly, her mind drifting over the past. “When we started going out a year ago, it was based on flirting, and we got physical faster than we should have.” She looked at Bess and sighed. “I’ve never been great at keeping emotions out of sex. I know so many people can do that, but it’s hard for me.”

“I don’t think it’s just you. I’ve had sex just for the physical release, but you’re right… physical intimacy can be empowering, and it can make you feel vulnerable. Sometimes, all at the same time.”

“Yes!” Belinda nodded emphatically. “I truly thought we were starting a relationship, and then, to have it end rather abruptly was sort of an emotional slap in the face. Not so muchfromAaron but from the situation.”

“And now?”

A smile curved her lips and then widened. She knew Bess wanted details, and she desperately wanted to share. “We’ve talked a lot. He shared about his family and how his mom walked out on them when he was only two. He’s less cocky now. He’s exposed the vulnerability he’s felt for years. I think he’s really proud of becoming a detective, and I’m proud of him. I don’t know Sam very well, but I think being Sam’s partner has been good for him.”

Bess smiled and leaned forward to wrap her hand around Belinda’s. “My big sister deserves the very best.”

“It’s scary, I have to admit.”

“What is, sweetie?”

“Everything about relationships is scary. No matter what you feel or what they say, there is a vulnerability in giving yourself to someone. Emotionally and physically.”

Bess held up her glass in a salute. “Hell, you’ve just given voice to every person’s relationship fears!” She then proceeded to drain the glass, then peered intently at Belinda. “There’s more you’re not telling me. What? Don’t keep me in the dark!”

She stared at her clasped hands. “I invited him over last night. This murder case has him working so hard, and I know it’s stressful. So it was going to be pizza and a chance to relax.” She lifted her gaze to her sister’s eyes. “It turned out to be talking.Then acknowledging we were a couple. Then kissing. Then… well… I jumped him.”

“You slept with him!”

Crinkling her nose, she nodded, then rushed, “But before you think I have any regrets, I don’t. It was the right thing for us at the right time.”

Bess threw her arms around her and squealed. “Oh, Sis, I’m so happy for you. As long as he treats you right, then you know I’m in your corner, cheering for you to have everything you want. And if that’s Aaron, then he’s a very lucky man.”

The nerves that had zinged around her stomach eased with the feel of Bess’s arms around her. “Thank you. More than you can imagine, thank you.”

“So with this case he’s on, when will you see him again?”

“I’ll see him tomorrow at the wedding, but I’ll be busy working. Maybe if he stays to the end, I’ll have a chance to at least get one dance with him.”

“It could be romantic, you know?”

“What will be?”

“Dancing in the arms of the man you’ve fallen for.”

It was a picture-perfect day. Or perhaps, Belinda thought with a smile, it was a perfect day for a picture. As a photographer, outdoor weddings made her nervous as the whims of nature could cast a shadow of uncertainty over the bride’s meticulous plans.

Couples wanted wedding pictures to be a beautiful, lasting testament to the day they solidified their union. And, of course, every photographer wanted that as well. But Belinda had to keep an eye out on the weather, the clouds, the angle of the sun, thebackdrops, and whether or not the wind was going to lift the bridesmaid dresses and flash everyone, therefore upstaging the bride, which was a huge no-no for a wedding.

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