And I’m falling for her all over again.
“That’s beautiful,” Jennifer says, typing notes. “And Brody, you must be so proud of her work.”
I look at Chloe. She’s watching me, curious what I’ll say.
“I am,” I say. And mean it. “She’s incredible at what she does. She sees people—really sees them—and creates experiences that bring out the best in everyone. She did that for Maya’s events. She did that for—” I stop before I can say it,me.“She’s very talented.”
Chloe’s cheeks flush pink.
Jennifer is eating this up. “You two are adorable. Can I get a photo? For the article?”
“Oh, um—” Chloe looks uncertain.
“Sure,” I say. Standing. Offering Chloe my hand.
We stand together in front of the massive fireplace while Jennifer frames the shot on her phone.
“Perfect. Now smile—not too posed, just natural.”
I look at Chloe. She looks at me. And we smile. And for the first time, I’m not showing off my media-perfect smile. Jennifer’s getting the real me.
“Can I get one, for us?” Chloe says and hands her phone to Jennifer.
“Sure.” Jennifer takes the photo. “Got it. Let me just check—” She looks at the screen. Frowns slightly.
“Everything okay?” Chloe asks.
“Oh, yes. You two look great.” Jennifer hands back the phone. “Beautiful shot.”
But there was something in that frown. Something that makes my instincts prickle.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” Chloe says, and pockets the phone.
“My pleasure. I’ll send you a copy of the article when it comes out.” Jennifer gathers her things, smiling again. “Enjoy the wedding weekend!”
She disappears toward the restaurant. Chloe immediately opens her phone, pulling up the photo.
We’re standing close, my arm around her waist, her hand on my chest. Both of us smiling like we’re actually in love. Like this isn’t a business arrangement. Like we’re a real couple at a real wedding, celebrating real feelings.
“We look good,” Chloe says softly.
“Yeah. We do.”
We stand there staring at the photo for a long moment.
“Ready for that walk?” I ask, needing to move, needing the cold air to clear my head and remind me where this whole thing is headed.
“Yes. Please. That was a lot first thing in the morning.”
We head outside into the sharp February air. It’s crisp, hovering just below freezing, the kind of cold that makes your lungs burn in a good way. The sun is higher now, meltingthe frost on the pine trees, making everything sparkle. The resort grounds stretch out before us—paths winding through the woods, the lake visible through gaps in the trees.
We walk in silence for a few minutes, our footsteps crunching on the gravel path. Our breaths come out in white clouds.
“That was really cool,” Chloe says finally. “I’ve never been interviewed about my business before.”
“You were amazing.”
“I was nervous.”
