I exhale, tilting my head against the headrest. “I don’t think I’ll ever feel truly ready. But I’m excited. And a little terrified. The idea of pushing a baby out freaks the fuck out of me, though.”
Rasmus reaches over, his warm hand covering mine on my belly. “I’ve got you.”
The Peacocks lost the conference finals to Boston around a month ago. Since then, Rasmus has been home more. He slowly moved his stuff over and we made the brownstone our place together.
“We should take pictures before he gets here.” He suggests, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I blink, caught off guard by the suggestion. “Like maternity photos?”
“Yeah. Something to remember this time. Not the belly, but two of us together before we become parents.”
A warmth spreads through my chest at his thoughtfulness. “I’d love that.”
“Good because we’re on our way to get them done right now.”
“Rasmus!”
“What?” he asks innocently.
“What if I didn’t have my hair and makeup done? What about my clothes?”
Rasmus chuckles. “You think I didn’t plan today to the finest detail?”
He’s right. He knows me so well by now. “Will there be a selection of dresses to choose from like the last time?”
He hums in reply and pulls up in front of a building with a sign that reads Keepsake Creations. With a hand still resting on my belly, I scan the storefront. The name sounds more sentimental than a typical photography studio.
“This is where we’re having the photoshoot?”
Rasmus parks and replies. “Not just photos.”
“Not just photos?” I echo.
Rasmus unbuckles our seatbelts and grins, boyish excitement in his expression making me smile in return. “You’ll see.”
Inside, the studio is bathed in natural light, and the walls are filled with sweet maternity portraits and newborn photography. A smiling woman approaches us. “Hi there, I’m Daisy, the owner of Keepsake Creations. Rasmus told me today is a surprise, so I won’t tell you too much. But I promise it’ll be a good one.”
I shoot Rasmus a mock glare. “He’s lucky I love him.”
Daisy laughs and leads us to a dressing area where a selection of flowing gowns and dresses are artfully arranged based on colors.
“I don’t know what I want to wear,” I admit, glancing at Rasmus. I expect him to tease me playfully, but there’s only admiration in his gaze. His brown eyes sweep over me, full of something so tender it takes my breath away.
“Take your time to decide, sweetness,” he whispers and settles into the chair nearby.
I run my fingers over the selection, walking back and forth in front of the long rack. From the other end, a light lavender blue sheer dress with delicate floral embroidery catches my eye.
Slipping it on behind the half-wall, I adjust the fabric until it falls perfectly into place. The beautiful details are even more stunning up close, and it’s exactly my style in its own unique way. It fits like a dream, hugging the curve of my belly without feeling too much.
After touching up my loose waves, I place a matching flower crown on my head and smile at my reflection.He’ll love it.
When I step out, Rasmus waits for me in a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his tattoos. The look is complete with dark slacks and sleek black shoes. He looks so damn good, but it’s the way he’s looking at me that makes my heart beat faster.
“Wow,” he murmurs, stepping closer to touch me. His hand rests on my belly, his thumb brushing gently over the sheer material. “You look stunning. And I still can’t believe you’re all mine.”
A lump forms in my throat, but I swallow it down. Pressing a hand to his chest, I say, “You’re not so bad yourself.”
Daisy clears her throat, drawing us back to reality. “Okay, lovebirds. Let’s get started.”
