“I’m sorry to do this so late in the proceedings.” That wasn’t what she’d practised. She scanned her mind for the script she’d rehearsed. It was there, she just had to focus and reach for it. “But I can’t let you marry Marcus without saying something.” Jordan gazed into Abby’s eyes, taking in her stunning cheekbones, her just-so hair. She was heart-stoppingly beautiful.

If this didn’t go Jordan’s way, her heart might well stop.

“Over the past few weeks, it’s been equal parts amazing and excruciating working with you. Amazing because I got to know you and the gorgeous person you are. Excruciating because you were marrying someone else.”

Abby blinked. She was listening. She hadn’t run.

“Because of that, I consigned us to the box marked wrong time, wrong place. I resolved to be the best professional bridesmaid I could be. To smile through the pain. To get you to the altar as I promised, and then get over you. I was doing well until we went away. Until we kissed. Until my feelings demanded to be let out of the box.” Jordan closed her eyes as a nervous warmth spread through her. When she reopened them, Abby was staring at her lips.

“After that, all bets were off. As I told you, I don’t do this.” She circled the space in front of them with her right hand. “I don’t get involved with people, full stop, but certainly not my clients. But from the moment we met, there was something there. The more I got to know you, the more I wanted to know you. You’re special, Abby. You’ve taken up room in my heart. So I couldn’t let you do this today without seeing if you felt the same.”

Jordan stepped forward, and took Abby’s hand.

Just that small action felt so daring.

Daring, but also, so right.

Desire slid down her like warm honey.

Abby’s hand shook. Jordan couldn’t remember a word of her speech now. She was going to have to do this from the heart.

“I know this isn’t the optimal time to be saying this. But I had to give it a go. Because saying it after you got married would be worse.” Jordan took both of Abby’s hands in hers, then looked her in the eye.

“I started this journey as your professional bridesmaid. But I ended up falling for you.” Jordan’s chest rose as she breathed in. “I love you, Abby.” Sensation overwhelmed her, but she carried on. “I never expected that to happen, and I’m sorry if this messes with your plans for today. If you feel the same in any small way, maybe we can build on that. Maybe we could make it work in the real world. In a world where you’re not marrying someone else.”