Page 93 of Wedlocked

“Well, if that’s the case, your photos will be the most beautiful because Kruger is full of personality and character,” I mused.

Jess pressed a hand to her mouth and giggled.

“You two”—Rory gestured to Jess and me—“smile!”

I balked, feeling a little unsure myself.

“C’mon, Bodhi. I need some photos of the seamstress who’s saving the day for the bride.” She paused, peering around the camera. “What are male sewers called?”

I cleared my throat. “A seamster.”

“That sounds inappropriate,” Landry deadpanned.

“We’ve been hanging out with the guys too long,” Rory said. “Because I, too, agree. That just doesn’t sound right.”

We all laughed.

“So the blue buttons are good?” I asked, dumping them in my hand to show them to Jess.

She leaned in. The camera clicked. “Yes. It adds character,” she said, glancing at Rory.

Rory nodded and clicked a few more shots. “Jess, turn so your back is to him. Bodhi, can you hold the dress? Maybe get your needle?”

One of the needles inside was already threaded with white thread, so I picked it up and held it.

“Perfect,” Rory said, snapping some shots. “Now this camera,” she said, lifting a second one from around her neck.“I’m taking both digital and analog photos for the wedding. I want to have both options.”

We posed the same way, and then I put my arm around Jess’s waist and she leaned in for a photo of us together.

To be honest, it made my stomach feel a little funny.

“So I can either sew the buttons on while you’re wearing it or you can take it off, but I’ll have you put it back on so I can make sure I did a good enough job.”

“I’ll just leave it on. I promise to stand still.”

“Well, I can’t promise not to stab you. But I’ll try.” I winked.

She laughed.

A wave of homesickness for my sister washed over me. It was so strong that I swayed.

“Bodhi?” Jess worried, reaching out to touch my arm.

I was silent a moment, then forced a smile. “Sorry. I… ah, sorry.”

“What’s wrong?” Jess asked. Her voice was so sincere that my chest tightened.

“Nothing,” I said, turning toward the table to line up the buttons. I reached into the kit for more white thread. “Ouch,” I hissed, jerking my hand back and shaking it out. “Shit.”

“What happened?” Jess fussed, reaching for my hand.

I tugged it away and stuffed my finger into my mouth. The tangy taste of copper bathed my tongue. “I’m fine,” I said, pulling it out to look at it. “I just pricked my finger on a needle. I wasn’t being careful.”

“Bodhi,” Jess implored with the same tone as before.

My shoulders slumped.

“Maybe I should get my dad,” Landry suggested.