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“Yeah?” Hunter’s gaze was fixed on mine.
Brody was paying close attention to my words too.
“I think when you let go of the expectations, you open your heart to unlimited possibilities. Your friends, teachers, coaches, and other people can be there for you—like a father.”
Hunter nodded. “I like that idea.”
“Me too.” They ate quietly for a couple of minutes. Then Brody stuffed the last piece of pizza in his mouth and spoke around it, “Want to play?”
I shook my head as they took off. I promised I’d keep Abby apprised of what we were doing, so after I was finished cleaning up dinner, I sent her a few pictures from the day.
She thanked me again for watching Hunter. So I asked how it was going at the wedding. Instead of responding with a text, she sent a picture of her in front of a white cake with roses cascading down the layers, a huge smile on her face.
Without considering my thoughts, I responded with only, “Beautiful.”
She was gorgeous—and not because of the dress she’d worn to fit in at the wedding. It was the passion I saw on her face. She loved capturing the beauty and love at weddings. It was a challenge for her to get the perfect shot, the one the bride would mount over her fireplace. I saw that look in her eyes in the photo.
Nick: What time do you think you’ll be done?
I hadn’t asked because I wanted her to pick up Hunter. I was just making conversation. I regretted it as soon as my phone rang and her name popped up on the screen. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s great. We just ate, and now they’re playing ball again.”
She hummed in my ear. I could hear the buzz around her, indicating she was still at the reception.
“I’m not sure what time we’ll be done. The bride asked the venue to extend their hours.”
“Ouch.”
“I know. I’m exhausted. Sometimes, the bridal couple will still let me leave early, but not this one. She wants me to stay, so I don’t miss anything.” Her voice was low.
“You capture the important pictures?” I asked, keeping an eye on the boys so that they weren’t hitting balls in other people’s yards.
“I did, but honestly, the pictures don’t get better as the night goes on.”
“I’d imagine everyone’s drinking, and it gets wild.”
She chuckled in my ear, the sound husky. “You’re right. Makeup smudges, hair falls out of the updo, and dresses get stained.”
“I can’t imagine they’d want that documented.”
She sighed. “It’s up to me to find the beauty. I’ll get a pic of the little girl asleep in her mother’s arms.”
“That sounds sweet.”
“Exactly.” Abby fell silent, and we remained on the phone, connecting without needing to fill the space.
“Are you sure you’re okay there? I can have Brooke come get Hunter for the night. It might be past bedtime before I can get out of here.”
“Don’t worry about us. If you’re late, I’ll have the boys sleep in the living room. It’ll be like camping out.”
“Hunter will love that. That’s what he and Cammie do.”
“Good.” I didn’t want her to worry about Hunter. I’d take care of him.
“I’d better get back to work. Thanks again. I owe you one.”
I almost said she didn’t, but I liked the idea of cashing in. On spending more time with her. “Just get here when you can. No rush.”
