He swallows a breath. “Yeah.” His voice is supple.
I stand on my toes to kiss his cheek. “I booked a photo session for you and Hadley. You will have a bunch of photos to choose from.”
His face softens, and a smile forms. “That’s really sweet of you.”
“Is it? You look not convinced.”
His smile turns sincere. “I just never thought to do something like this. But it’s really… special. Thank you.”
He leans down to kiss my mouth.
“Just throw on some nice jeans and a sweater. You don’t need to match.”
“It’s not like matching pajamas or some shit like that?”
I shake my head. “No. I promise, you won’t even know the photographer is there. Super natural and just be yourselves.”
Spencer looks at Hadley who is staring out the window at the photographer while she tests her camera, then his eyes return to me.
“I don’t know what to say.”
I quirk my lips out. “Nothing. The thing about relationships is we get to surprise one another.”
He pulls me tightly to his body to hug me tight, lifting me off the ground slightly. “You’re right. Okay, let me go change.”
A quick peck on my lips and he sets me down before going upstairs. I touch my heart, knowing this will be a wonderful day for Spencer and Hadley, which is exactly what I wanted for them. It selfishly makes me happy to be able to do something for them; that’s what caring for someone and love are, right?
* * *
Strolling slowly behind the photographer,I do my best to stay out of the way. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
In this moment, Spencer is down on one knee on his dock with Hadley sitting on his bent leg. He’s showing her a baseball, and I think because Hadley loves the camera experience, she’s taking an interest. I can’t hear what he is saying to her, but it makes her giggle.
During the last hour, we’ve tried different poses in various locations outside. Even though it’s chilly, they are dressed warmly enough. This scene, however, seems to be the winning shot.
“April,” Spencer calls out.
He indicates for me to join him, but I shake my head. This is their time. He ignores me and still persists.
The photographer glances at me. “Go on.”
I’m still reluctant, but now Hadley is waving for me to join them too. Hesitating, I walk over.
Spencer stands, with Hadley by his side, staring at me with a smile. The feeling of Spencer’s arm pulling me close causes me to smile.
“You know, there is an unwritten rule that unless you're married or the baby momma or daddy, one should not ruin family photos. You never know if you have to erase someone out,” I joke.
“I will gladly take the chance.” He pulls me tighter, and my body curves into his shape. “Besides, it’s just a few.”
I squeal when he kisses my neck, and a tickle races down my spine.
“Thank you,” he whispers.
“Having fun?” I ask both of them.
“Yeah,” Hadley answers before running off to Pickles who is trailing behind the photographer.
The photographer follows Hadley to grab a few photos with her and Pickles.
