Free Kiss the Bride by Melissa McClone, Robin Lee Hatcher, Kathryn Springer

meant.”
    She sipped her coffee. The scent of something baking in the hall’s kitchen tickled her nose. “Is Mrs. Phillips making scones?”
    “Yes.”
    Jenna’s stomach grumbled in anticipation. “Just what I need this morning.”
    “That’s what Ash said.”
    She nearly dropped her coffee. “My Ash?”
    “Yours?” Sam’s eyes narrowed. “Didn’t think you wanted to date the guy.”
    “I don’t. Figure of speech.”
    “Yeah, right. And I’m the tooth fairy.”
    She ignored him, searched the crowded hall, but didn’t see Ash. “Where is he?”
    “At one of the tables by the back door.” Sam’s mouth slanted. “You’d better hurry. I think a few women are calling dibs.”
    Jenna made a beeline toward the other side of the room. Laughter drew her attention. Michael, Kerri, Claire, and two women from the singles group sat with Ash. No empty seats remained at the table. The least Jenna could do was say hi.
    She walked up. “Good morning. I’m surprised to see you here, Ash.”
    He rose, looking handsome in his blue shirt and slacks. An almost finished scone sat on the plate in front of him. “I decided to attend the service this morning.”
    “Enjoy it?”
    “Very much.” He sounded relaxed for being in a brand-new place. “Pastor Dan is great. I liked the music. Everyone is so friendly. I’ll be back next Sunday.”
    A thrill shot through her. Not that what Ash did should matter. “This is a great place.”
    The others at the table agreed. She sipped her coffee.
    “You should go to the singles group meeting,” Kerri suggested. “Unless you’re in a relationship.”
    “I’m not dating anyone.”
    His words squeezed Jenna’s heart like a vise and left her feeling . . . weird.
    “The next meeting is on Wednesday,” Claire said.
    Ash looked at Jenna. “Will you be there?”
    She shook her head. “Photo session.”
    “I’ll check my calendar,” he said to the others.
    The three single women at the table sat taller, with big smiles. Jenna understood. But the thought of Ash dating one of them—or anyone—made her stomach churn. She didn’t know why. He was no longer her fiancé. They weren’t dating. They weren’t even friends.
    “We’re going to brunch,” Kerri said to Jenna. “Ash suggested a place downtown. Join us.”
    She’d eaten dinner with him last night. Brunch today wouldn’t be the smartest move if she wanted to keep her distance. But a part of her wanted to spend time with him.
    The other women stared at Ash like a new pair of shoes they wanted to try on. Which would he fit? Probably better that she wouldn’t be around to watch Sweetwater Community Church’s G-rated version of The Bachelor . “Thanks for the invite, but I have a wedding to shoot.”
    “You had one on Friday,” Ash said to her.
    “Busy month.”
    Jenna shouldn’t have said the word wedding in front of Claire, but considering what she’d been going through, Claire didn’t seem to mind. She looked good. She’d chopped off inches of hair and added coppery highlights. Her eyes were bright, not a hint of red or swelling.
    The alarm on Jenna’s cell phone beeped—a reminder to head home and pack her photography gear. “Have fun at brunch.”
    Ash smiled at her. “Good to see you.”
    Her heart bumped, not much, like she was driving over a cattle guard at the O’Donnell ranch west of town. Of course, she knew not having a reaction to Ash involving that particular organ would be better. Safer.
    She should reply. “You too.”
    Seeing him was good.
    Except she had no idea what that meant or how she wished she could go to brunch or why she felt . . . jealous.

    Tuesday at eleven, Jenna parked her car in downtown Sweetwater. Camera bag bumping against her hip, she headed to Bridal Sweets. The high-end wedding shop catered to wealthy clientele or brides wanting to splurge on a gown. She’d never been inside.
    Her dress hadn’t been expensive, but it was perfect. Too bad no one except Amber and