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"I'm a graphic designer. I've been working from home for a while now."
Dennis winks at me.
"That's convenient. You'll be here when I come over for dinner, then?"
I can't resist taunting him back, "Are you going to cook too?"
"I'll take care of everything. You deserve a break." He says, eyes sparkling with affection.
I look up at Dennis, still amazed at how quickly things have shifted from fear and uncertainty to love and comfort.
"What did I do to deserve such a wonderful man?"
He smiles warmly, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Being yourself is more than enough, Lauren."
We lean in for another passionate kiss, the kind that makes you forget about time and place. But suddenly, an idea pops into my head, and I pull away.
"Wait here, I'll be right back."
I dart off to the pantry, where I've kept a little box containing an instant camera. It's something I used to use frequently but tucked away when life got complicated. Today feels like the right time to bring it back out.
"I know you have to go to work," I say as I rejoin Dennis, camera in hand, "but I want a picture of us together. Something to keep close. To one day remember when and where it all started."
His smile broadens, "I’d love that."
I laugh, feeling the moment's thrill, and place the camera on a high shelf, positioning it just so.
"Okay, we've got 10 seconds to get ready."
While I'm busy adjusting my clothes and trying to tame my hair, Dennis just stands there, smiling like someone who's already captured the perfect shot in his mind.
The camera clicks, and I rush over to retrieve the instant picture, shaking it vigorously to speed up the development. The colors bloom on the small piece of film, and my heart quickens. We look beautiful, a proper couple indeed.
"Look," I say, showing Dennis the photo.
He takes it gently, studying it for a moment.
"We look even prettier together," he says, then leans in to kiss me again. "I really have to go now, Lauren."
I nod, knowing he has responsibilities but reluctant to break this perfect bubble we're in. I walk him to the door, and we share one final kiss before he steps out and climbs into his car.
I still stand at the door for a whole minute after he's gone, awestruck by how a terrible situation led me to find the love of my life.
Chapter 10 - Dennis
A month. It's been a month since that pivotal morning in Lauren's apartment, and every day since has felt like a chapter in a story neither of us wants to end.
Today, we're at a local event in Willow Creek—a food and music festival—and the community buzz is palpable.
We walk hand in hand, openly declaring our relationship to the town. A part of me relishes the curious glances we receive; another part feels vindicated by the supportive smiles.
We've weathered more than our share of skepticism and judgment, but today, the world feels right.
"Smell that?" Lauren asks, her eyes lighting up as a food truck specializing in gourmet tacos wafts its scents toward us.
"Yeah, it smells amazing," I respond. "Want to get some?"
