Page 49 of Daigo

“Hold that pose.” Brian went down on one knee and aimed the camera. They were outside at the east section of the club, against the backdrop of the mountains, blooming flowers, and cherry blossoms, their pink and white colors a vivid contrast to the startling blue of the sky, with just a few puffy clouds. He had told her to leave her hair tumbling around her face and down her back. The floaty white chiffon dress was more of a robe and showed hints of skin.

“That’s it. Your hand over your mound.” Brian whistled in delight as he snapped away.

“My God.” He stared at her through the lens, his heart beating hard. “You’re absolutely stunning. If I weren’t gay and committed to my work, I’d scoop you up in a minute. Pregnancy agrees with you.”

“Why, thank you.” Shelby smiled at him sweetly. “My husband is right behind you.”

“Your husband knows I’m no threat to him.” Brian stopped to change out the film.

“That’s the only reason you still have all your teeth,” Daigo told him mildly. “How much longer? My wife needs to eat.”

“Just a couple more,” Brian assured him. “I want some with her stretched out on a bed, looking pensive.” He touched his tongue to his bottom lip and added, “Is there any chance of getting nude shots?” At the ominous look on the other man’s face, he retracted hastily. “Just a thought.”

“Which you should have kept to yourself,” Daigo said.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Shelby piped up, eyes dancing.

“The only person seeing you naked is me,” Daigo told her with a glint in his eyes. “I’ll be in the main dining area. Find me when you’re through.”

Brian waited until he was out of earshot before commenting. “Your husband is one scary guy.”

“He is,” Shelby agreed with a laugh. “Now let’s get this over and done with.”

*****

“Hi.”

“Hi. What are you looking-” Her voice tailed off when she noticed his point of interest. Putting a hand on her chest, she stared at the life-sized photo of herself that was positioned over the mantel. Advancing farther into the room, she stood next to him and continued staring at the photo, her expression dazed. “I-it’s-”

“Magnificent?” Daigo ventured. “Donnelly developed a few for me. He asked me to choose, and this one just seemed like it belonged here. He was right. You truly are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” His voice was husky with feeling as he continued to stare at the photo.

It was one of her standing with her head turned sideways, the smile curving her lips hinting at secrets only she knew about. The filmy, robe-like dress clearly showed her advanced pregnancy. She had one hand on top of her belly and the other below, as if protecting her babies. And she looked utterly and completely contented.

Reaching for his hand, she felt her throat going tight.

“This way, our children will be able to tell how much their mother enjoyed carrying them inside her.”

“Daigo.” She turned away from the framed photo and into his arms as emotions swamped her. “Daigo.” She uttered his name with a reverence that had him shaking. His hands came up to cup her face. Using his thumbs, he wiped the tears that were streaking down her cheeks.

“Hormones?” he whispered tenderly.

“Among other things.” She sniffed, biting her lip to keep from blubbering.

“I know what you need just now.”

“A towel?” she ventured ruefully.

“Something else,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll get your jacket. We’re going for a drive.”

“I thought we were staying in tonight.”

“It’s a short drive.” Bending his head, he kissed her. “Come on.”

*****

“What do you think?”

“It’s a lovely home,” she murmured. The drive had been pleasant, the spring weather clean and fragrant with things growing. “It looks like a wedding cake, all white and pristine. And the gardens are lovely. Look at the dahlias and hyacinths. Whoever’s in charge of the landscaping is doing a terrific job. Whose house is it?”