Page 32 of Then Came Love
Open your eyes, Jordan. This is where you’re meant to be. By my side, in this area, with a man who would do anything for you.The color was coming back to her cheeks.
“I think I’m okay now. Thanks, Jax. I just needed a little perspective.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“Does it ever get tiresome talking brides off ledges?”
“No.” But I’ve never wanted one of them to be mine before. “It’s all part of the job, and I get it, you know? Life changes—going to college, starting new jobs, moving to new cities—can be frightening, but handing your heart over to someone and trusting them to treasure and protect it for all the years to come? I’m sure, for some people, that’s terrifying.”
She lifted her eyes to his. “You have no idea how terrifying until you’re standing in a gorgeous gown staring down that future. Everyone talks about how exciting weddings are, but nobody prepares you for the fear that comes with them. I’m glad you understand, and I know I’m just being silly. Overthinking. It’s a bad habit of mine. Let’s talk about this gorgeous gown.”
She held out her hand, and he led her back to the fitting platform. Holding his gaze, and his hand a little tighter, she said, “Thank you for being so great about everything.”
“Of course.” He stepped back, freeing his hand, because holding hers made it too easy to pull her close.
She watched him in the mirror as he fixed her train again. “Roberta did a good job with my measurements. This fits perfectly.”
“I never saw Roberta’s notes.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you kidding?”
“Would I kid about something that ends with us going for a run?”
She grinned. “I told you I suck at running.”
“Coco and I don’t mind walking. Don’t even try to cop out of our bet. You don’t want to be known as a bet copper.”
“Is that even a saying?” She laughed softly.
“It is now. What morning works for you?”
“I don’t know. Pick one.”
“Friday. It might help stave off withdrawals since I won’t see you this weekend.”
“I can’t do Friday. I have to go into work early. I’m leaving at three since Todd is coming into town.”
“Thursday morning it is, then. Five forty-five?”
“Are you sure you want to do this? I’ll definitely slow you down.”
“I could use a little slowing down.”
“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope. Do you want us to pick you up, or would you prefer to meet us at the park entrance?”
“I’ll meet you there, and I’m making a mental note not to make any future bets with you.” She ran her hands over the skirt of her gown. “What do you think?”
“I think you could make any gown look glamorous, but what matters is what you think and how you feel in it.”
Her smile warmed. “There’s that Braden charm again.”
“I’ll try to rein it in.”
“Please don’t,” she said sweetly. “It’s nice to be charmed sometimes.”
Damn, he loved that.
She shifted her gaze to the mirror again and touched the straight neckline. “You said you weren’t sold on the necklines we were thinking about last night, and this was one of them. I think you’re right. It might be a little too straight. It kind of makes me look like I’m wearing a sports bra.”
“That was my worry. You have beautiful curves, and this neckline doesn’t accentuate them.” He stepped in front of her. The platform brought them nearly eye to eye, and he realized she had rings of gold around her pupils.
“What?”
