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trailed off, blowing a streak of pink out of her eyes as she angled her head.

"Somebody else got lucky last night. Jack, right? Hey, Jake and Jack. Cool."

"I managed to get lucky and finish four hand-tieds. If you want to make enough to keep yourself in Mountain Dew, you'd better get started."

"No problem. Is he as good as he looks?"

"I'm not complaining, am I?"

"Who's Jack?" Tiffany wanted to know.

"You know. Jack of the excellent ass and smoky eyes." Tink stepped over to wash her hands.

"That Jack?" Gaping, Tiffany stopped with a hydrangea in her hand. "Wow. Where have I been?"

"It's still breaking news, so you're pretty up to date. You going back for more?" Tink asked Emma.

"Work," Emma muttered. "We're working here."

"She's going back for more," Tink concluded. "Nice bouquet," she added. "The tulips look like they come from the Planet Zorth, but in a romantic way. What am I on first?"

"The standing arrangements for the terraces. You need - "

"Hydrangeas, the tulips, ranunculus," Tink began, and rattling off the rest of the flowers and foliage, reminded Emma why she kept her on.

At five, she let Tiffany go and, leaving Tink working magic with flowers, took a break to rest her hands and clear her head. She stepped outside to stroll toward Mac's studio. Her friend came out, a camera bag slung on her shoulder, a can of Diet Coke in her hand.

"Five thirty rehearsal," Emma called out.

"Just heading that way." Mac detoured toward Emma.

"You can tell the bride the flowers for tomorrow are amazing, if I do say so myself." When they met halfway, Emma stopped, stretched her back. "Long day, and a longer one coming."

"I heard a rumor Mrs. G's making lasagna. Big rafts of lasagna. Carter and I plan to pig out."

"I'm there. In fact, the thought of lasagna inspires me. Tink's finishing up her part. I'll give you and Parker a hand with the rehearsal, indulge, then put in an hour or two later tonight."

"There's a plan."

Emma looked down at her work clothes. "How bad am I?"

Mac took a survey while she chugged her drink. "You look like a woman who's put in a long day. The bride will be thrilled with you."

"I say you're right. I don't want to clean up, then have to change again." She hooked her arm through Mac's free one as they started toward the house. "You know what I was thinking today? I'm the luckiest woman in the world."

"Jack was that good?"

Snorting out a laugh, Emma bumped Mac's hip with hers. "Yes, but besides that. I'm tired, my hands hurt, but I spent all day doing what I love. I got a call this afternoon after my flowers got to the off-site, the baby shower? The client just bubbled at me over the phone, just had to call me as soon as she saw the flowers to tell me how fabulous they were. Who else gets what we get, Mac?" She sighed and lifted her face to the sun. "We have such happy jobs."

"While I agree, in general, here's what I love about you. You can forget or ignore all the Monster Brides, all the Insane Mothers, Drunken Groomsmen, Bitchy Bridesmaids, and remember all the good stuff."

"It's mostly good stuff."

"It is. Despite the nightmare of an engagement shoot I did today. The happy couple had a vicious fight before I'd taken the first frame. My ears, they still ring."

"I hate when that happens."

"You? Screams, tears, storming out, storming back. Accusations, threats, ultimatums. More tears, apologies, wrecked makeup, shame, and horrible embarrassment. Screwed up my day good and proper. Plus, due to red, puffy eyes, we had to reschedule."

"Still, drama adds interest to the day. Then there's that." Emma gestured to where tomorrow's groom swept tomorrow's bride up for a spin on the walk to the house.

"Shit. They're early. Don't stop, don't stop," Mac muttered as she shoved the drink at Emma and yanked her camera out of the bag.

"They're anxious to get going," Emma murmured. "And they're happy."

"Plus fairly adorable," Mac added as she managed to zoom in for a couple of candids. "And speaking of adorable, look who just pulled up."

"Oh." Spotting Jack's car, Emma instinctively brushed at her hair.

"He's seen you look a lot worse."

"Thanks very much. We both had a pretty full day, so I didn't expect . . ."

He looked so good, khakis today and a crisp pin-striped shirt, which meant client meetings and office work rather than construction sites. The easy gait, the burnished hair