Page 105 of I Saw Her First

“So, you’ve obviously forgiven him,” I say to Rich, intrigued. While not quite the same, their situation isn’t completely unlike what’s happening with Jess. Hiding their relationship from someone they loved, and no doubt wishing they had his blessing.

Rich rubs his chin thoughtfully. “I have. It took time for me to come around, believe me. But, they’re happy. That’s what matters.”

I nod wistfully, letting my gaze wander around for Daisy again. If Rich can forgive his best friend for getting together with his daughter, is it possible Jess could ever forgive me for falling for his ex-girlfriend?

A blond woman appears in the yard, stepping into Rich’s side.

“This is my wife, Diana.”

She smiles at me, then turns to Kyle. “Violet’s ready, honey.”

He inhales, laughing nervously. “About damn time,” he jokes, then asks everyone to take their seats.

There’s still no sign of Daisy. I drain my champagne and settle on a chair, waiting for the ceremony to begin, telling myself to focus on the real reason I’m here; Violet and Kyle, not Daisy.

But when Violet walks down the makeshift aisle, followed by Daisy with the camera pressed to her eye, I can’t look away. It’s Violet I should watch, looking stunning in a long white gown, but Daisy is the one who steals my breath. She’s dressed in a pale yellow silk dress that reaches the ground, skimming her hips and draping in soft folds across her breasts, exposing just the faintest hint of cleavage. The color would make anyone else look washed out, but it suits Daisy perfectly, making her skin glow, making the constellation of dark freckles across her collarbone and shoulders stand out.

Fuck, she is so beautiful.

I’m relieved that she’s too busy trying to capture Violet and Kyle to notice the way I’m captivated by her. My heart swells in my chest as I watch her work, so fucking proud I could cry. A few months ago this woman would barely touch a camera, and now she’s here, doing what she’s meant to do.

It’s not until the couple begin to say their vows that I realize I’ve been staring at Daisy the entire time, and I force my gaze to them. As I watch them pledge their love, I’m reminded of my wedding to Lydia, over two decades ago. We didn’t have much money then, so it was a small ceremony at her parents’ place. I’d never felt happier than I did that day, holding Lydia’s hands in mine, knowing I was going to grow old with her.

Turns out God had other plans.

My eyes prick with tears as I think of the woman I lost, the love we shared, and the family we had. I have to swallow themdown, letting the grief pass. As Violet and Kyle exchange rings and kiss, I look at Daisy again. I could never have imagined I’d meet someone I’d want to do it all over again with, and even after everything I had to go through with Lydia, I feel lucky.

Lucky that I’ve been given a second chance at love. At happiness.

And there’s no way in hell I’m going to let her get away.

42

Daisy

“Are you sure?” I ask Violet, lowering the camera from my eye.

I look down at my new toy, smiling. I decided to treat myself by investing in a new SLR film camera of my own. It’s a symbol of my commitment to my photography, plus it has a bunch of cool features I can’t wait to explore.

Besides, I can’t keep using Weston’s.

“I’m sure.” Violet holds out a glass of champagne, grinning. “You’ve captured the most important parts, and I’m sure you’ll grab a few candids throughout the night. Please relax. Enjoy yourself.”

I let the camera hang around my neck, secured by the strap I bought for it. It’s much easier to use this way. Then I take the glass from Violet’s outstretched hand with a smile.

“Thanks.”

We clink glasses and she sighs, leaning against the wall as we watch people dancing in the yard. The ceremony was beautiful—romantic and heartfelt—and I might have shed a few tears as I watched my friends declare their love. Thankfully, it was easy tohide behind the camera. Now, after dinner and speeches, we’re enjoying a few drinks while the guests dance.

“How does it feel to be married?” I ask Violet, sipping the sweet bubbly liquid.

“Amazing.” Her gaze follows Kyle as he dances with her mom, Diana. Violet’s entire face is lit with affection and joy, and I can’t help it—I lift the camera to snap a picture before letting it fall again. Kyle motions for her to join him, and she saunters over.

I hover near the wall, clutching the champagne glass in my hand. I feel naked without the camera pressed to my eye, and despite my best intentions, my gaze finds Weston across the yard, nursing his own glass of champagne. He looks unbelievably handsome, in a suit that makes me weak at the knees.

Seeing him again knocked the wind out of me. I’ve spent two weeks convincing myself that I could live without him, that he needs to focus on repairing things with Jess, but being here now, with him only a few feet away… my heart burns with longing.

His gaze meets mine across the yard, and a tingle starts in my toes, rippling through my entire body. We haven’t said two words to each other all evening, but the way he’s been looking at me could set the room on fire. I’ve tried to focus on Violet and Kyle, really I have, but I could feel Weston’s gaze with every move I made. What I wouldn’t give to have his hands on me, too.

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