“They’re totally going to make it,” Krista whispered to me, and I nodded. There was no doubt.
Now I was the one getting emotional as they said their vows to one another. Dan still seemed either nervous or overcome with emotion as he fumbled a couple of the words, like promising to love Sadie “in thickness and in health.”
Krista leaned in to say, “We’re witnesses. She never has to worry about gaining weight.”
I almost giggled, and my gaze slid over to Camden. I found that he was watching me with a knowing smile. His eyes didn’t dart away, like they would have if he’d been embarrassed that I’d caught him. It was more like he didn’t care if I knew that he was watching me, admiring me.
He was so handsome and amazing and fun that it made my breath stutter as I marveled at the fact that he liked me.
I just had to wait for Sadie to talk to him to see how all of this was going to shake out. I hoped he would give me a chance when he found out the truth.
The officiator announced that they were husband and wife and all the guests broke into applause as Dan kissed Sadie sweetly.
They made their way back down the aisle, waving to everybody as they went. Camden was there to escort me and we followed them, my heart thrilled at the idea that another happy couple had gotten married. I really did love weddings and everything they represented.
Troy was waiting for us, shooing us off to go with the photographer and videographer to do photos. Someone had found a pair of rain boots for Sadie, and there were all kinds of adorable shots of her with them on and everyone holding their black umbrellas.
That shifted into the family photos and I kept an eye on Brandy and Maybelle, hoping that everybody had the good sense to behave. So far, so good.
After an hour or so the photos were finished, and I wondered if Sadie was disappointed. They’d put double that amount of time on the schedule to do pictures, but with the wedding being pushed back and the weather, I supposed we had to make do with what we had.
Troy directed all of us into the ballroom so that Sadie and Dan would be able to make their grand entrance as Mr. and Mrs. Zielinski.
The reception had been going for a little while. Sadie had specifically requested that the food be served buffet style because she didn’t want there to be a time period where people were confined to their tables, thanks to her parents. I actually preferred being able to choose what I wanted to eat instead of being forced into something.
I started toward the food, but Camden stepped in front of me. “I seem to recall asking you to save a dance for me several nights ago.”
Trying to be nonchalant, I shrugged one shoulder. “That rain check has expired.”
He gestured toward the open ballroom doors. “It’s raining, so I think it’s still good.”
“Well, you do make a compelling argument.”
I let him lead me out to the dance floor, where there were only a few other couples dancing. The song came to an end and a slow one started up. Camden put his hands on my waist and I slipped my arms around his neck.
Initially there was a bit of distance between us, but he quickly took care of that.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” His mouth was next to the top of my ear, and his warm breath sent shivers across my skin.
“You clean up pretty well, too,” I said.
I closed my eyes and leaned my head against his shoulder. I loved being close to him like this. His arms tightened around me, as if he were feeling the same way and wanted to draw me in even more.
He brought back those tingles when he asked, “So . . . have you thought more about what I said? About seeing where things go when we get back to New York?”
“Have you talked to Sadie yet?”
“Sadie? Why would I talk to Sadie?”
I leaned back so that I could look in his eyes. “You have to talk to her first.”
He seemed thoroughly confused, but that was all I could give him. I went back to resting my head on him, and he raised one hand up to the back of my head, as if he were cradling me, keeping me safe.
I reveled in every second of it.
“Do you have your speech prepared?” Camden asked.
“More or less.” I could make a maid of honor speech in my sleep, given that I’d done it so many times. I had figured out a long time ago the formula to a good wedding speech: it would have something that made the crowd laugh, something that made them a little weepy, and something that would make them cheer for the happy couple.
“I’ve got mine in my pocket and I’ve practiced it, but I’m still nervous. I have no problem standing up in front of a room of investors trying to get them to give me money, but the thought of talking to this group of people is slightly terrifying.”