Ed sees Aeden as a perfect Muse. But when it’s in the cards, love swiftly ensues.
When wedding photographer Ed meets Aeden in his Gothic costume, Ed thinks he’d be the perfect model for a calendar.
As they spend time together, they begin a relationship that quickly deepens.
Also at the wedding, Garth—Ed’s best friend and business partner—meets a man who turns out to be Aeden’s father, Jaycen. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Jaycen has secrets of his own.
Aeden is a victim of an attack, then rumors begin to circulate that he started the fight.
Can Ed, with the help of Liz and the others, find the truth?
General Release Date: 6th May 2025
With a grunt, Ed moved a prop he wasn’t happy with and eyed the scene again. He was so preoccupied in his studio setting up for his next photoshoot that he didn’t immediately notice Garth. That was until his best friend, and the most excellent partner in the photography business Ed could wish for, opened the door a little further to peer inside.
“Sorry to disturb you, but I have a couple of ladies here who are looking for a photographer for a wedding. They like the look of what they’ve seen on the site, but want to meet you personally before deciding. You’re pretty booked up but they’re quite insistent that they want to commission you, but only if they meet you first. I can’t explain it, but I get a really good feeling about them. I think we should indulge them.”
Ed was well-used to the eccentricities and foibles of patrons. Simply wanting to meet him didn’t sound like too much hard work. Plus, he trusted Garth’s judgment.
And I do have fifteen minutes to spare. That should be time enough for them to make their decision.
“Let me take a peek.” Ed looked over Garth’s shoulder. The ladies in question could have been anywhere from late forties to early sixties. These days, it was almost impossible to tell. One seemed a little younger and more…chic in her clothing, but apart from that, and his own piqued curiosity, there was little to tell.
“Well, what do you think?” Garth asked.
“I’ll see them.” Ed nodded. “Show them to my office. “I’ll give them the professional persona.” He grinned at Garth, who snickered.
“Oh, yes. Sir.”
Ed ducked back, closing the door as Garth turned back, his most disarming smile in place. Two minutes later, Ed entered his office. Garth had sat their potential clients at his desk. Both ladies looked up at him, but the more casually dressed one seemed to be actively studying him.
“Good afternoon, ladies. I believe you’re interested in my services as a photographer.” Ed seated himself on the other side of his desk.
“Yes. We are.” The more chic woman spoke. “Well, I do. I’m getting married. My name is Mags, and this is my sister, Liz.”
“How do you do?” Liz held out her hand, and Ed took it. He frowned at the unexpected tingle, but Liz just smiled and nodded.
“Yes. We really would like you to do the photography. Your work is quite stunning.” Liz smiled at him, and Ed felt as if he’d passed some kind of test.
“It’s very good of you to say so. Why me?” Ed sat back, unsure of whether to accept the commission or not. “I’m not listed under wedding photography. Do you know someone who’d commissioned me previously?”
“Actually, no.” Liz cocked her head. “I got a…a good feeling when I came across your name when browsing choices. I long ago learned to trust my instincts.”
“I may not be available,” Ed demurred, but his curiosity was now on fire. “What date are we talking about?”
“Oh. Here.” Mags passed an invitation card across the desk. “At a push, I could move the date by a week. Either way,” she added. She looked toward Liz, then back at Ed.
Now that’s determination. There’s obviously a good reason they so particularly want me. Not many brides-to-be would be so flexible around a photographer.
“Okay, let me check my calendar.” Ed opened his laptop and studied the dates. Technically he was booked that day, but an inner voice was urging him to accept the job. He shifted his booking to the next week, emailing Garth to notify his supplier of the change.
“Yes. I do seem to be free that day,” he announced. Then he steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them, looking from one sister to the other. “Just why is it so important that I’m your photographer?” he asked.
“Um…well, I’ll leave that to my sister to reply.” Mags glanced at Liz, who nodded.
“Don’t you ever listen to your instincts, Ed?” Liz smiled. “When you’re setting up a photo. When that inner voice says this way or that?”
“Well…yes.” Ed had to admit it.
“For us, and for me in particular, this is one of the times I’m listening to mine.” Liz met his gaze, and once again Ed felt he was being studied. “For now, that’s as much as I can say. Not because I don’t want to tell you, but because I can’t.”
“Well, that’s a new one.” Ed chuckled, as intrigued as much as he was amused by the whole surreal experience. “But, yes, I do know what you mean. Okay. We’ll leave it there. Garth will help you fill in my online paperwork. We’ll send a portfolio for you to go through. If you want anything that’s not covered, just make an appointment to see me. I’ll see what I can do. How does that sound?”
“Marvelous. Don’t you agree, Mags?” There was definite excitement in Liz’s tone, and both women seemed to suddenly light up.
“Oh, yes.” Mags beamed delightedly. “I didn’t think it would be so easy. I’m so glad you were available.”
“I’d say it was fate, my dear.” Liz’s smile was filled with a confidence that made Ed wonder if there was something she wasn’t revealing.
Once they’d left, Ed was too engrossed in his photoshoot to give them a second thought. That kept him busy for the next few hours. But once it was over, Liz once again came to his mind.
“Hey, Garth, what did you make of those two ladies?” he asked, leaning on the doorframe.
“Lovely, but I couldn’t help thinking that Mags, the soon-to-be bride only cared about good photos. Liz seemed more interested in you, personally.”
“Oh? How so?” Ed ambled toward his friend and assistant.
“She was trying to be subtle, but her questions were all around you as a person, not as a professional. Such as whether you got much time for socializing. How did a photographer spend their free time? It was all subtle, but like she was sizing you up.” Garth laughed, shaking his head. “Mags was the opposite. She just wanted to get you booked and go.”
“I didn’t get any kind of vibe Liz was contemplating asking me on a date.” Ed pursed his lips. “Just making sure I was there on the day seemed most important.”
“She’d be disappointed if she were after a date. I tried for six months when we first met.” Garth’s pout always made Ed chuckle, and this was no exception.
“Fuck, all those years ago.”
“You haven’t done much dating in the time we’ve been partners. So fussy.” Garth sniffed loudly.
“All I have to say is pot and kettle. All our friends think you’re a social butterfly when in truth, you dodge one social engagement by pretending to be at another.” Ed wagged a finger at Garth. “As far as you and I go, we learned early on that we’re not suited. You have a liking for silver foxes. I don’t have a preference, but I’m waiting for that right vibe. I mistook our vibe for more than it was. Anyway, it’s not like we’re getting past it. You’re only a couple of years older than me, and I’m not quite forty…yet.” Ed eased away from the doorframe. “No, I’m pretty certain there was no way that Liz wanted to date me. Just get me there on that assignment. Well, if they want to go through anything in person, and make a follow up appointment here, maybe I’ll turn the tables. I’ll ask the questions.”
“Somehow, I get the feeling that if Liz wanted to, she could tie you in knots, my friend.” Garth shook his head, then perked up. “How about in celebration of our still single status, and a mysterious commission, we go for dinner and a drink before retiring for the night. Like sensible old souls.”
Ed guffawed loudly. “I’m not ready for mounting my camera on a Zimmer just yet. But dinner and a drink sound good to me. Let’s get things sorted here, and then we can go.”
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