Page 62 of Another June with You

Micah slipped his hand around hers and tugged her in the opposite direction.

“I should get back to the reception,” she told him.

“Have you been in here yet?” He tilted his head toward the tropical conservatory as he walked backwards, tugging on her hand.

She shook her head. “Not this time, but I’ve been here before, Micah.”

“Just for a minute,” he begged, giving her his best pouty expression.

She rolled her eyes. “A minute.”

He didn’t let go of her hand and led her through the sliding doors into the steamy room filled with lush tropical plants, colorful birds, streams, and waterfalls. They walked along the path that wrapped around the room, taking in the sights and smells of the flowers.

“I was here last year for the butterflies,” she told him. “Every spring, the whole place is filled with them. It’s beautiful.”

He came to a stop in the middle of a small bridge. “You’re beautiful.”

Her eyes met his, her lips parted, and he couldn’t help himself. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her as close as he could with her equipment on her hip and lowered his lips to press against the softness of her cheek. “I can’t stop thinking about that kiss this morning,” he whispered.

A sigh escaped her lips as her eyelids slid closed.

His lips touched her forehead, her other cheek, the tip of her nose.

She opened her eyes and tilted her chin up, poised and ready.

He leaned in slowly, his nose brushing against hers, only a breath away.

“Hey, you two,” one of the groomsmen called from the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, but they need you, Shannon. Keely’s about to toss the bouquet.”

Shannon’s breath stuttered as she wriggled from Micah’s hold. “Oh my gosh. Why do I keep letting this happen?” She bolted for the door.

He followed her along the path toward the exit. “Shannon.”

She kept moving. “I have to do my job.”

“I know, but we need to talk.”

She glanced back over her shoulder at him, but didn’t stop.

“Shannon, wait!”

“What is wrong with me?” The automatic doors slid open, and she walked through. “You have a girlfriend.”

“No, I don’t!”

Her feet came to a halt, and she looked over at him as he caught up. “What do you mean?”

“I tried to tell you this morning—”

“We need you, Shannon!” Becca was heading toward them then, clearly frantic.

“I’m coming.” She started walking again in the direction of the reception hall. “Did you and Autumn break up?”

Micah fell into step beside her and shook his head. “I will explain. I promise. Please come find me before you leave, okay?”

She was unable to respond as Becca whisked her away to take pictures of the bouquet toss. Micah didn’t pay much attention to that tradition playing out, only to Shannon photographing it all. He watched her work and prayed for his chance to tell her everything.

Micah sat on a bench outside the main entrance, staring up at the night sky. The stars were difficult to see with the glow from the city lights, but the brightest constellations showed through. He heard the sliding doors open behind him and felt Shannon’s presence before she sat down next to him.

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