Page 47 of Highland Games
She wiped her eyes. ‘Thank you for being so understanding.’
He passed her camera back to her. ‘Shall we have a go at giving Brad Bauer a run for his money?’
Zoe smiled shyly back at him and nodded, getting to her feet and lifting up the camera.
As she snapped away, she thought that Rory actually appeared to be enjoying himself. He loosened up, swinging the sword above his head, roaring like a lion. In between poses that promised death and retribution, his face relaxed into smiles, as they imagined what an American tourist would want to see. They spent longer than planned, and when they got back to the great hall Fiona was feeding puree to Liam from a glass jar.
‘Did it go okay? Get what you wanted?’
‘Yes,’ replied Zoe. ‘It was perfect.’
‘So, according to your notes, you want to get shots that look like they’re from a wedding?’ Fiona asked.
‘Yes, details of the happy couple, sitting on the thrones, standing lovingly by the window, that kind of thing. When you’ve finished feeding Liam you can get changed.’
Fiona nearly dropped the jar. ‘Me?’
‘Yes, that’s why I got you to bring your wedding dress.’
‘You have got to be joking! I’ve just had a bloody baby! I dieted for six months before the wedding and now all I eat is cake and biscuits! There’s no way I’d fit into it now, and besides, I had three hours sleep last night and look like shit.’
‘But who can I get to wear it?’
‘You, you daft bugger. You’ll look stunning in it.’
‘But I need to take the pictures.’
‘I’ll do it. Set the shot up how you want it and I’ll press the button. If it’s a bit wonky then you can straighten it out on your computer.’
‘But…’
‘How does it feel to be on the other side of the camera?’ Rory asked.
Zoe gave him a murderous glance, took the bag containing the dress and walked to the door where Rory had changed, opening it and slamming it shut behind her.
The room was now used for storage. It was small but filled with plastic folding tables against the walls, and piles of stacked chairs. There was a big industrial floor cleaner, cleaning products and rolls of blue paper towels. Draped over a chair in the middle of the tiny floor space were his work shirt and trousers.
Zoe pulled another chair off a pile and laid the bag containing the dress on it. She looked at the door, then back to the chair where Rory’s clothes lay. She tried to memorise their exact position then lifted them up to her face. She breathed hungrily, inhaling his incredible scent. She couldn’t get enough; it was a thirst that could never be quenched.
She knew if she didn’t hurry then Fiona would come searching for her, so she reluctantly put his clothes back and lifted the bag containing the dress. She heard a knock at the door.
‘Are you okay, Zoe? Do you want some help?’ Fiona called through.
‘I’m fine, just give me a second.’
She hastily unzipped the bag, took the dress off the hanger and slipped it on. It fit like a glove. It was made from cream satin, strapless, fitting tightly around the bodice, skimming down the hips, then flaring out into a fishtail to the floor over layers of net. It was simple and beautiful, the kind of dress that would make anyone feel like a princess.
Zoe couldn’t manage to do the back up so called out to Fiona. ‘Could you help me with the zip?’
Fiona entered without Liam and her jaw dropped. ‘Oh my god, Zoe, you’re beautiful! If only Mum and Jamie could see you now.’
‘It’s an incredible dress, Fi, you must have looked a picture.’
Fiona zipped the dress up, then anchored the veil in the back of Zoe’s hair with the attached comb. ‘I scrubbed up well. But you. Oh, my lord, you’re stunning.’ Zoe blushed as Fiona steered her out of the room. ‘That Rory won’t be able to keep his eyes off you!’
As they re-entered the great hall Rory gave them a quick glance then turned away, letting a chortling Liam shove his tiny fist into his mouth.
He gently pulled out Liam’s hand. ‘What shots do you want then?’
