‘Oh, Jack. Thank you.’ Savanah looked towards the door as Jack came through, carrying two large bags. ‘If you could set up over there, please? That way, we’ll have the nice wallpaper as a background for the individual shots.’
‘Good plan.’ Jack swung the bags from his shoulder and put together a tripod before clipping his camera on top. ‘Evie, can you just give me a hand quickly, please?’
‘Of course.’ Standing up, she walked over to him. ‘What do you want me to do?’
‘Can you just help me set these up, please? I just want to make sure I get the right level of lighting.’ He passed her a lightbox and looked through the camera lens as she placed it to the side. ‘A little further back. Perfect. Thank you.’
‘Did you go back to the sanctuary?’
‘I did.’ Placing the empty bags in the corner, he nodded. ‘The sheep we rescued are all fine now. Freya and Chris cleaned their wounds and one of them needed their leg set, but they should all make a good recovery.’
‘That’s a relief.’
‘Yes. Even after all they’ve been through, they’re the lucky ones and by the way they were happily settling in, they know it too.’
She nodded.
‘And you, Evie, is it? Your hair will be the perfect match with this gown.’ Walking briskly across to her, Savanah flounced a dress around, fluffing it out.
‘Oh, sorry, I’m not modelling anything. I’m just waiting with my friends.’ Evie shoved her hands in her pockets. The dress was beautiful, but as a pale champagne-coloured satin princess gown, it would be the last thing she’d ever choose to wear even if she did believe in marriage. Which she didn’t. Not for herself, anyway.
‘But look, all the other gowns have gone. Each of the other ladies will be modelling two and now there is just this one left. My pride and joy.’ Savanah ran her hand over the crystals covering the bodice. ‘See how the light catches the crystals? This one will be a joy to photograph. Isn’t that right, Jack?’
Clearing his throat, Jack nodded. ‘Certainly. A joy.’
Evie glanced at Jack and narrowed her eyes, warning him. ‘I really can’t. I’ve not even brushed my hair today.’ Running her fingers through her hair, she picked out a strand of straw, holding it up as proof.
‘Please don’t worry. We have a hair and make-up team for the shoot.’ Walking towards her, Savanah draped her arm over Evie’s shoulders and began leading her in the direction everyone else had gone.
Twisting her neck, Evie looked over at Jack and mouthed –help me.
With his lips twitching, Jack held his hand up and wriggled his fingers.
As she walked into the next room, Evie twisted her ring around her finger. This was daft. She didn’t want to dress up in the gown. She didn’t want to model. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Savanah, ready to tell her.
‘Look, Evie here is saving the shoot. She’s going to be modelling this beautiful dress, my own design.’ Savanah beamed.
Closing her mouth, Evie sighed. She supposed she’d only have to wear it for a few minutes. Half an hour at the most.