Reading Online Novel

Inked in the Steel City Series(95)



“Sure,” Mina said, and began snapping away as soon as everyone was in position.

For nearly ten minutes, the camera was passed around, which gave Karen a chance to be in group photos with everyone, and in photos alone with Mina. “Thanks a lot, guys,” she said when the impromptu photo session was done. “It’ll be great to have wedding photos I’m in, but I need my camera back now – it’s time for the bouquet toss.”

Jed stepped between Karen and Abby, who held the camera. “I’ll take photos of the bouquet toss,” he said, plucking the camera from Abby’s hands, “that way you can participate, Karen.”

“You don’t have to do that,” she said, a blush heating her cheeks as she imagined herself leaping for the bouquet – and maybe even catching it. She had a distinct height advantage over the other women, after all…

“I insist.” He cradled the camera protectively, smiling.

“Okay,” she agreed, eager not to argue lest she blush the same color as her dress.

In her high heels, Karen topped six feet. She’d never been more grateful for her height than when she queued up with the other female attendees, watching as Mina turned her back to them and called out. “Ready?”

A chorus of encouragement rose up from the little crowd.

Mina tossed the bouquet in a high arc, sending the be-ribboned cluster of white and pink roses through the air.

The flowers tumbled through space, and Karen’s heart skipped a beat as it became clear they were heading right for her, like a romance-seeking missile. She extended an arm and rocked forward onto her toes, praying she wouldn’t lose her balance.

The bouquet hit her outstretched hand, and she grasped it, grinning.

As she clutched it to her chest, she was buffeted by congratulations and teasing confessions of jealousy, and then there was nothing to do but make her way back to Jed.

“Knew you’d catch it,” he said, setting her camera down on the table. “Even got a photo.”

“You know what this means, of course,” she said, raising an eyebrow and brandishing the flowers.

“Yeah.” He returned her grin and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close in a sudden embrace. “I do. The Allegheny West house is too big for just one person, anyway.”

“I practically live there already,” she teased.

He met her eyes, his expression suddenly serious. “We’ll have to make it official one of these days, but you should know – I won’t allow you to take the photos at our wedding. You’ll have to hire someone else.”

He was smiling again, and it was contagious. “I guess I could live with that.”