Win nodded. “I am not trying to take anyone away for long. I need to get to the bridal suite.”
“I will show you to the suite after I show you the grounds.”
“Thank you. Let’s go.” Win smiled. They began to walk with long strides, and half an hour later, she knew where her sites were and where she needed to be.
Callie walked her to the bridal suite and whispered, “Good luck.”
Win nodded and knocked. A woman in a dark orange gown answered. “Yes?”
“Hello, I am the photographer assigned by Agatha. Apparently, Harry found out Alexi would be here and pissed himself.”
The woman with white hair smiled. “That sounds likely. Who are you?”
“Win. Second Shooter Photography.”
A voice came from inside. “Let her in. It will be a bit of a relief. Actually, Harry’s pulse always picked up when we mentioned getting the bride ready.”
The door was opened, and Win walked in, smiling and being introduced to the matrons and maid of honour. Karo, Luna, Millie, and Wren. Zara was getting her makeup done by the hired artist, and an elderly woman sat in the corner, eating from an elaborate tray.
Win introduced herself to the familiar woman. “Zara, welcome to your wedding day. I am going to begin recording it for you.”
Zara paused and smiled. The blindness in her eyes didn’t detract from her in the slightest. Win lifted her camera, removed the lens cover, checked the light in the room, and got to work.
She had been there for an hour when Agatha came up to check, and she looked at Win. “Win, honey, did you get your pastries and coffee?”
Win was pulled out of her focus. “Huh?”
“Sorry, everyone. Win has low blood sugar. I pulled her out of a sound sleep, and she didn’t have time to prep snacks.” Agatha pulled Win to one side and got a wrapped Danish into her hand.
Instantly, all the ladies were insisting she sit down and eat. A cup of coffee was being poured for her, and she was being asked how she took it.
Win cleared her throat. “I just want to get back to work.”
Agatha snorted. “Then, two pastries and a coffee, and I will set my alarm to get you some food before the ceremony.”
“Fine.” She ate the Danish and then another. When the coffee was in her hand, she downed it. She got up and washed her hands and then nodded to Agatha. “Thanks for the reminder. The second shooter has entered the building.”
Agatha nodded. “Where are they working?”
“Shots of the decorated hall and the photo sites.”
“Excellent. I will stay out of her way.”
Win lifted the camera and got back to work. Weddings went fast, but she was nearly through the bridal suite shot list when they finished, and downstairs, she had done all of the environmental shots.
Alpha-beta ceremonies weren’t religious but, rather, announcements that they had come to an agreement and wanted their friends to celebrate with them.
Wren looked at Win when she and the others were getting their hair done. “You have power.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You aren’t a member of the Book Club?”
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“I work evenings. This became my therapy.”