“You’ll see.” He opened the passenger door for her. “Trust me.”
She climbed in, and he closed the door behind her before getting in the driver’s side.
The drive was short—only ten minutes—but Kennedi’s curiosity was killing her.
“Rolani, seriously. What’s at the studio?”
“Patience, baby.” His hand found her thigh, thumb tracing lazy circles. “You’ll see in five minutes.”
When they pulled up to Second Street, and he parked in front of her building, Kennedi noticed another car in the lot. A white SUV she didn’t recognize.
“Who’s here?” she asked.
“Come on.” He got out, came around to her side, and helped her out of the truck.
He unlocked the studio door and held it open for her.
When she stepped inside, she stopped.
The studio had been transformed.
Professional lighting set up in the corner. A white backdrop hung against the wall. And in the center of the room, a rolling clothing rack filled with dresses.
A Black woman stood near the camera equipment, smiling warmly. Hair pulled back, camera around her neck.
“Kennedi,” Rolani said softly, his hand on the small of her back. “This is Janae. She’s a photographer. We’re doing your maternity shoot. Tonight. Here.”
Kennedi’s hand went to her mouth. “What?”
“I wanted pictures of you like this,” he said, turning her to face him. “Carrying our son. Building your own shit. In the space that’s yours. I wanted to capture all of it.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Rolani...”
“Don’t cry yet,” he said, wiping under her eyes gently. “You gon look like a Raccoon for the pictures.”
Janae stepped forward, extending her hand. “It’s so good to finally meet you. Rolani’s been planning this for weeks.”
“Weeks huh?” Kennedi looked at him.
He shrugged.
Janae gestured to the clothing rack. “I curated these based on what Rolani told me about your style. We’ve got options—elegant, sexy, soft, bold. Whatever makes you feel beautiful. And if none of these work, we can pivot. This is your shoot. This is your night.”
Kennedi walked over to the rack slowly, fingers brushing against the fabrics. A cream-colored gown that would photograph like a dream. A sheer black number that was sophisticated and sensual. A form-fitting nude dress. The furry robe—soft, luxurious, perfect for those intimate close-up shots. Several dresses with strategic cutouts are designed specifically for showing off a baby bump.
“These are perfect.” She turned back to Rolani.
“You’re perfect.” He came up behind her, hands on her waist. “I know you like your privacy, so Janae’s clear—no posting without your approval. These are for us. Unless you say otherwise.”
She turned in his arms, looking up at him. “You really planned all this.”
“Yeah, baby. I did, but it’s just one part of the night.” He kissed her forehead. “Now go pick an outfit. Let’s make some memories.”
The next hour and a half flew by in flashes of light and laughter.
Janae directed them through different setups—Kennedi alone, radiant and powerful, hands cradling her belly. Then, with Rolani, his presence grounding her, his hands covering hers, their foreheads pressed together. The shots of the furry robe felt intimate and sensual. The flowing gowns made her feel ethereal. The form-fitting dresses showed every curve, every change her body had gone through.
At one point, Rolani knelt in front of her, pressing kisses to her belly while Janae captured it. Kennedi’s fingers threaded through his locs, and she felt tears prick her eyes at the tenderness of it all.
