Page 91 of All the Drama from New York

“That’s Ryan’s brother, Liam. He’s handling the photography for the runway show,” explained Camille.

Camille waved Liam over. “Liam, this is my sister Sophie. She tells me the two of you have already met. Sophie’s just arrived from Paris.”

Liam, who was a darker haired version of his younger brother, offered Sophie a shy smile. “Yes, we did. It’s lovely toofficially meet you, Sophie. Paris hey? You must be tired after the flight. Paris is one of my favorite cities.”

Sophie arched a brow. “I slept pretty much the whole flight. And Paris is one of your favorite places? Really. I find its dirty, noisy, and full of tourists most of the time. But it is home.”

Liam set down his camera bag. “I’m thinking that if the photo work from this runway show is well received, I might head over to Paris next January. See if I can pick up some work for fashion week.”

“Our father will be launching his next haute couture collection around fashion week. Do you have a portfolio I might be able to take a look at?” replied Sophie.

“Of course.”

Sophie and Liam were still talking about lighting and photo layouts as Camille quietly backed away and went in search of Ryan. It didn’t escape her notice that the two of them made a cute pair. They each had a quiet way of moving about the world.

Oh my god, what if they fell for one another?

My sister. His brother. Now that would be an interesting mix.

After a few minutes of searching she finally found Ryan. He was checking the swing tags on clothes and ticking things off on his iPad.

He was so engrossed in the task that he didn’t move until Camille tapped him on the shoulder. Ryan jumped and let out a cry. “Ah!”

Camille laughed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I just came to tell you that Liam has arrived, along with my sister Sophie.”

Resting her hand on his arm, leaned in close. “I left the two of them having a very in-depth conversation about runway photography. They look really sweet together. I think yourbrother might be looking to make a pitch for a job at Paris fashion week.”

“No playing matchmaker with our siblings. I’ve still got to get in the good books with your father before we head to France,” replied Ryan.

The prospect of going home filled Camille with nervous excitement. They’d danced around the subject of the M word but only in a vague way. She’d hinted that her father was a traditional, dare she say ‘old- fashioned’ man. If Ryan ever planned to propose to her, he’d score a lot of points with his future father in law if he went to Paris and sought François’ blessing.

“So your folks are here as well?” asked Ryan, going back to ticking off items on his iPad.

“No, they are at my aunt and uncle’s house. They won’t make an appearance until the runway show begins. I think they are both still mortified by the whole social media exposé thing.”

Ryan set his iPad down on a nearby table, and with casual ease pulled Camille into his embrace. She loved it when he held her this way. Closing her eyes, she giggled as he peppered her face with tiny gentle kisses.

I could get used to a whole lifetime of being loved by this man.

“I’m almost finished checking the garments. So when I’m done, how about we call it a day? If Liam and Sophie are getting on so well, then I might ask if he could show her the city sights tonight. You and I could then go back to the apartment, order in some food, and just chill.”

It was the end of a long afternoon of making final preparations, and Camille was starting to flag. She had an inkling that tomorrow was going to be the longest day of her life.

The runway show had not only completely sold out and had a waitlist, but from what one of Julia Spence’s minions hadtold Ryan, every media outlet in the country was planning on covering the event. And to top it all off, her parents were in town.

“Food and alone time sounds good,” replied Camille.

Ryan gave her one last kiss, then let her go. “I’ve got one last important phone call I have to make before we leave. So maybe go check on your sister and my brother. I can meet you at the elevator in a little while.”

As Camille walked away, a gentle smile found its way to her lips. Her hand rested over her belly, and she whispered, “Little one, you had better be ready for a lifetime of to-do-lists, with your papa.”

Ryan Collins was the most organized man on the planet.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

Camille returned to the main show space. Liam and Sophie were standing so close together that their heads were almost touching. Ryan’s brother was showing her sister some photos on his camera. Sophie appeared thoroughly intrigued.

I’ll give them a few more minutes.

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