Page 36 of Hot Shot

My brother was shirtless, holding naked baby Savannah. The way I cropped it, the image shows his strong male arms cradling his baby with protective tenderness. I was also pleased with the lighting.

“They really liked it, too,” I say.

“Holy shit!” Hayden stares at me. “That’s freaking awesome!”

“I know, right?” My shoulders lift with excitement. “I still can’t believe it.”

“Will her husband be there? Do you need an assistant?”

I grin. “I don’t know.”

“Let me know. I’d be happy to help.”

Then the conversation moves to wedding plans.

“We want to set a date,” Hayden says. “But you have to be there. I want you to be my maid of honor, of course.”

I smile, my chest going warm and fizzy. “Aw. Thank you.”

“But you’re leaving,” Hayden points out.

I tip my head back. “Yes. I am. In just over two months.”

“We can’t do it before then.”

“But you don’t want to wait until I’m back.”

“When will you be back?”

“The term goes from October to June.”

“Ugh. June’s so far away.”

“I’m sorry.” My forehead tightens. “When do you want to get married?”

Hayden sighs. “Tomorrow?” She makes a face. “Kidding. I don’t want a big fancy wedding, but Beck seems to think we should do that.”

“Really?”

Alex appears with my drink and sets it on a paper coaster on the polished wood bar.

“Thanks, Alex.” I smile at him and reach for the cocktail. I sip the tequila, lime, and grapefruit drink through the straw. “Mmm. So good.” I look back at Hayden. “Are you sure he wants that? He’s not one to want to be all ostentatious about his money.”

“That’s true. And I’d feel weird in a big fancy dress walking down an aisle in front of a bunch of strangers. I’d rather have something small and intimate.”

“Then you should tell him that. You two need to be up front with each other about what you really want. It might actually be the same thing.”

Hayden nods. “You’re right. Okay. Then maybe wecoulddo it before you leave.”

“Don’t rush it on my account.” I bite my lip, feeling guilty. “You need to do it when it’s right for both of you.”

“I’d do it at city hall next week.”

I grin. Didn’t I predict that? “No, you’re not allowed to do it at city hall. Nothing wrong with that, mind you, but I want to see you in a beautiful dress walking down the aisle, even if it’s just in front of handful of people. People who love you.”

“You definitely have to come dress shopping with me.”

“I would not miss that.”

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