Picture Perfect Love (Year Of Weddings 2 Book 7; Series Order 19) (Christian Romance) by Melissa McClone Page A

of white, luxurious fabric. “That better not be Toby.”
    The maid of honor, a pretty blonde named Elizabeth, answered the door. “Ash. Mr. Vance. What are you doing here? Your knock sent Amber into hiding.”
    “Can we speak with Jenna out in the hallway?” Ash asked.
    Jenna wanted to ignore the request, but Ash was paying her. No sense causing a scene. She made her way out. “Be right back, ladies.”
    In the hallway, Ash stood next to his father. Their black tuxedos highlighted their similar heights and differentaccessory colors. His father wore black. Ash had on the same lavender vest and tie as the other groomsmen.
    Handsome, yes, but looks would never make up for Ash’s lack of trust and faith in her. Nothing could.
    “What’s up?” She tried sounding nonchalant when all she wanted to do was bolt. A runaway bride was one thing. She’d never heard of a vanishing wedding photographer. Jilting a couple at the altar would not be good for business.
    Ash looked at his father.
    “I owe you an apology.” Judge Vance’s tone was contrite. “I should have let my son decide what he wants, not try to make those decisions for him. I’ve treated you unfairly twice. First when I told Amber I’d buy her a new car if she stopped your wedding.”
    That had been Amber’s reason? A car? No wonder she hadn’t wanted to tell anyone. The revelation left Jenna speechless.
    “And the other day,” the judge continued. “I was trying to protect my son. His mother comes from a background similar to yours. I saw history repeating itself and stepped in to stop him from being hurt. I hope you’ll see it in your heart to forgive me someday.”
    The judge walked away. His shoulders hunched.
    She watched him go, feeling sad. “Your father loves you very much.”
    Ash nodded. “He was trying to protect me the best way he knew how. Not that his reason excuses his actions.”
    Jenna could see the situation more clearly now. “He didn’t want you to suffer the same pain he did, but his methods were wrong.”

    “I was wrong. I’ve said ‘I’m sorry’ so many times you must not believe me.”
    “Words are easy to say.”
    Ash brushed his hand through his hair. “I mean them. I let pride get in the way of seeing the truth. Believing my father wasn’t capable of . . . well, everything he’s done to you.”
    “Don’t worry about me.” She wasn’t sure where the words came from, but she believed them with her whole heart. “You need to forgive your father and yourself.”
    “What about us?” Ash asked. “We tried starting over, but maybe if we tried again . . . if you can forgive me . . .?”
    “I accept your apology, but it’s hard to forget what you’ve done when you keep doing it.” Her throat clogged. She swallowed, but that didn’t help. “I care about you, Ash. I always have. But you promised. You claimed you wouldn’t do the same thing again. But you did. You wouldn’t believe what I said until you had proof. I need to know the man I’m with trusts me. That he’ll be on my side, no matter what.”
    “Jenna—”
    “Not now.” She raised her hands, palms facing him. “You’re paying me to take pictures of your sister’s wedding. I can’t do that out here.”
    “Later, then.” The hope in his voice matched the sentiment in his gaze.
    “Maybe.” That was all Jenna could give him. “It’s going to be a long day.”

    Hours later, Ash loosened his tie. The four-tiered cake had been cut and served. The tossed bouquet had hit Jenna on the forehead. One bandage later, she was back taking pictures. Bridesmaids had stuck their shoes under a table and walked barefoot.
    He looked at the smiling guests and crowded dance floor.
    A perfect wedding. Exactly what Amber had wanted. He couldn’t be happier for his sister and Toby, now Mr. and Mrs. Matthews.
    Funny how Amber was married while Ash was still single. And at this rate would remain so. A vise tightened around his heart. He had only himself to