Page 28 of Another June with You

Keely waved her hands in front of her face and blew out slowly. “Mom, we’re less than a minute in, and you’re making my mascara run already.”

The room filled with laughter, and Shannon and Jamie captured every moment they could.

Shannon couldn’t help but feel a little choked up herself. She was happy for Keely, but she mourned the life she could’ve had with Micah. It was too late for them. Too late for her to find that kind of happiness.

She focused with sheer determination on photographing the guests so she wouldn’t break down. When her camera fixed on Georgia, there was no mistaking the scowl she wore. Shannon didn’t know the woman, but she seemed to be in a perpetual bad mood. It made her wonder what their life was like, what could give this woman such a sour disposition.

Once the meal and gift giving were complete, Shannon waited for the opportune time to speak to Keely. She had to tell her she was mostly done with the day’s coverage anyway, but she wanted to talk to her about more than photography.

As she approached, Keely’s face lit up.

“Thank you so much for today.” Keely threw her arms around Shannon’s neck.

“You’re welcome,” she replied.

“The guys said you’re going to the bachelor party with them tonight.”

“Yeah, about that …” Surely Keely knew what it was. “What are they doing?”

Keely shook her head. “Uh-uh. You’ll find out. Just dress casual. Jeans or shorts and a t-shirt are fine for this.”

Shannon’s forehead creased. “Should I be worried?”

“About?”

“I don’t know. I don’t really like surprises.”

Keely giggled. “It’s not a stripper, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“No, but is it something scary, like zip lining, or something silly, like Craig’s Cruisers?”

“It’ll be fun. Something you’ve never photographed before. At least I don’t think you have.”

“Well, tell me what it is, and I’ll tell you if I have or haven’t.”

Laughter was her reply.

“And I hope you aren’t trying to play matchmaker for me and Micah this weekend. That’s in the past, and we can’t go there again.”

“I told you, I didn’t remember you two dated.”

“And he has a girlfriend. Autumn. She’s coming this weekend to the wedding.”

“I know he does,” Keely said.

“And I just can’t be the woman he needs. I never will be, so—”

“Maybe I was doing a little bit to push the two of you together,” Keely admitted, “and I’m sorry about that. I didn’t realize you felt so strongly about this.”

“I do.”

“All right, then I won’t interfere anymore. Consider my matchmaking a thing of the past.”

“Thank you.”

Keely hugged her again, then went to speak with some of her guests before they left.

“What did you mean by that?” Unbeknownst to Shannon, Jamie had been standing close enough to hear their conversation.

---