41. Ayla

41

AYLA

I watch Piper gurgle happily on her play blanket, holding her head up…something she’d only been trying to do when I first met her.

“She’s growing up,” I murmur, turning to Clay, Kip and Teller seated around me. “I know they say that it happens quickly, but this is insane. She’ll be talking by the time we blink. I don’t want to forget all of these moments.”

Clay leans forward, elbows on his knees, blue eyes warm and thoughtful. “What if we did a photoshoot?”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Teller nods, his dark hair falling across his brow. “Photographs we can look back on and cherish.”

Kip grins, handsome face crinkling. “Hell yeah, I’m in. Piper will be the star of the show.”

As the guys enthuse about props and poses, a thought occurs to me. “As long as we include Shadow…he’s a part of the family too.”

Smiles light up their faces at the suggestion. Our loyal dog has been by our side through so much. Of course, he belongs in this milestone.

“I know a photographer in town who specializes in family portraits,” Teller offers. “She has a real knack for capturing candid, natural shots. I think she’d be perfect for what we have in mind.”

“Sounds great, let’s reach out to her.” Clay’s tone is decisive, taking charge as he so often does. “If we can align schedules, maybe we could do this next weekend?”

A spur-of-the-moment inspiration strikes me. “What if, instead of doing the photos here, we make a mini adventure out of it?” I suggest, eyes sparkling with excitement. “There’s that cute little cabin retreat Jamie mentioned that’s a couple hours away. We could drive up, spend the day taking pictures in a gorgeous natural setting. Really make it special.”

Clay’s face lights up, his deep-set eyes crinkling at the corners. “I love that idea, babe. Somewhere new and beautiful to serve as the backdrop for our memories.”

“Oh, that would be magical!” Kip claps his hands together, sandy blond hair flopping boyishly over his forehead. “Piper’s never been on a trip before. She’ll be over the moon.”

Teller smiles softly, his gaze drifting to where Piper plays, babbling happily to herself. “A day to focus on just us, no distractions. I can’t think of anything better.”

Bolstered by their enthusiasm, I bounce to my feet. “Then it’s settled! Contact the photographer and see if she’s game. If she’s in, then we’ll go.”

Scooping up Piper, I nuzzle her chunky baby cheeks until she squeals with laughter. “What do you think, sweet girl? Ready for an adventure with your favorite guys?”

Her tiny hands pat my face as she gurgles joyfully, blissfully unaware of the significance but caught up in the excitement nonetheless.

The following weekend, just as planned, after hearing back from the photographer that she’s available, we’re dropping everything and preparing to leave.

Kip tickles Piper’s belly as he secures her into the car seat, his blue eyes dancing with mirth. “Ready to hit the road, peanut? Let’s go make some magic!”

Teller slides into the passenger seat beside Clay, flashing me a smile over his shoulder. “All set, sweetheart?”

I nod, my heart so full it could burst. Excitement and nerves mingle in my stomach as I buckle in beside Piper. I’ve never had family photos before, so this is exhilarating for me. This is what I’ve always dreamed about doing, as silly as my mother and sister made me feel about wanting to take them.

As Clay guides the Jeep onto the highway, Kip fiddling with the radio in search of the perfect road trip soundtrack, I catch Teller’s eye in the rearview mirror. His smile is soft, knowing, and I feel his love wash over me.

The verdant landscape rushes by as we wind our way into the hills, the city fading behind us. Kip finally settles on a station, cranking up the volume as a catchy pop tune fills the car. “Sing it with me, boys!” He grins, launching into an off-key rendition of the chorus.

Teller shakes his head, chuckling, but can’t resist joining in. Soon, Clay’s rich baritone and Teller’s smooth tenor harmonize with Kip’s enthusiastic bellowing. Piper claps her chubby hands, babbling along to the beat.

Laughter bubbles up from my chest as I watch them, my cheeks aching from smiling so hard. The sun-dappled road stretches before us, winding through emerald hills and sleepy, picturesque towns. It feels like we’re driving straight into a fairytale.

As the miles slip away, my eyelids begin to droop, lulled by the warmth of the sun and the soothing rumble of the engine. Clay’s arm slips around my shoulders, drawing me close. “Rest, beautiful,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple. “We’ll wake you when we get there.”

Nestling into his shoulder, I let my eyes drift shut, the soft fabric of his shirt cushioning my cheek. The comforting scent of pine and musk wraps around me like a blanket, chasing me into a peaceful slumber.

“Hey, sleeping beauty.” Kip’s voice, low and tender, rouses me from my nap. “We’re here.”

I blink, momentarily disoriented, as the car rolls to a stop. Piper is still snoozing in her car seat, one tiny fist curled under her chin. Through the windshield, I glimpse a charming log cabin nestled amongst towering evergreens, its wide porch adorned with rocking chairs and cheerful flower boxes.

“It’s perfect,” I breathe, my heart swelling with anticipation. Clay and Teller are already unloading the trunk. I unbuckle Piper, scooping her into my arms gently.

As I step out of the Jeep, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented air, I feel a sense of profound rightness settle into my bones. This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

A petite woman with a shock of auburn hair steps out from behind a sleek silver SUV, a camera bag slung over her shoulder. She waves, her smile warm and inviting. “You must be the Parks family! I’m Lena, your photographer for today.”

I return her smile, shifting Piper to my hip as I approach. “It’s great to meet you, Lena. I’m Ayla, and this little one is Piper.” Piper blinks owlishly at Lena, her rosebud mouth curving into a tentative grin.

Lena’s eyes sparkle with delight. “Oh, she’s absolutely darling! We’re going to have so much fun capturing this little angel’s personality.”

“I can’t wait,” I confess, bouncing Piper gently. “This is our first professional photoshoot as a family. It means the world to us.”

As a family.

As the boys start hauling our bags inside, I linger on the porch with Lena, the two of us chatting like old friends. She asks about Piper’s milestones, cooing over the pictures I show her on my phone. In turn, she shares stories of her own nieces and nephews.

“You know,” Lena says, her tone thoughtful, “I’ve worked with all sorts of families over the years, but there’s something special about yours.”

I’m sure she’d really think so if she knew that I was dating all three of the men that I’d been brought here with…but I’ll keep that tidbit of information to myself, not because I want to hide the fact but because I’d hate to shock her too much before she takes our pictures.

The door swings open, and Clay pokes his head out, his grin boyish and eager. “We’re all set up in here, ladies. Ready to make some magic?”

Lena laughs, slinging her camera bag higher on her shoulder. “Born ready, handsome. Let’s do this.”

The boys have transformed the cozy cabin into a whimsical wonderland. Soft blankets drape over the plush sofa, creating a nest of warmth and comfort. Toys and colorful pillows scatter across the floor, inviting Piper to play and explore. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the earthy aroma of the surrounding pines, enveloping us in a sense of peace and tranquility.

“Alright, let’s start with some candid shots,” Lena suggests, her camera already poised and ready. “Just interact with each other naturally, and I’ll capture the magic as it unfolds.”

Kip swoops in, scooping Piper from my arms and tossing her gently into the air. Her delighted giggles fill the room, and I find myself laughing along with her, my heart swelling.

As the photoshoot progresses, we move through a series of poses and configurations. Clay and Teller sandwich me between them on the sofa, their arms draped around my shoulders, while Kip sits cross-legged on the floor, Piper nestled in his lap. Shadow curls up at our feet, his tail thumping contentedly against the hardwood.

“Ayla, look at Piper,” Lena calls out, and I turn my head to find my baby girl reaching for me, her chubby little hands grasping at the air.

Instinctively, I lean forward, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. The camera clicks rapidly, immortalizing the moment, and I realize that this is what I’ve been missing all my life—the simple joy of belonging, of being part of something greater than myself.

As the session winds down, Lena beckons me over to review the pictures on her camera. I scroll through the images, my breath catching in my throat at the raw beauty captured within each frame.

There we are, laughing and loving, our faces alight with pure, unadulterated happiness. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I realize that this is the first time I’ve ever had a proper family portrait, the first time I’ve ever felt truly seen and cherished. It’s overwhelming and I can’t stop the smile that I feel has become plastered on my face the last few weeks.

“They’re perfect,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “Absolutely perfect.”

Lena smiles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m happy I could make your dream come true.”

She really did. More than she can possibly know.

“I can have the physical pictures ready for pickup in about a week.”

“Perfect. Here, let me walk you to your car.”

She packs up her equipment and we chat as we go outside and she loads everything up. As she pulls away, I wave at her.

Just as I’m about to turn back to the cabin, I feel a faint tickle on my cheek. Glancing up at the sky, I notice a few dark clouds gathering overhead. Another droplet lands on my forehead, and I frown, muttering under my breath, “I hope it doesn’t rain.”

No sooner have the words left my lips than the heavens open up, unleashing a torrential downpour. The rain pelts down, cold and unrelenting, soaking through my clothes in mere seconds.

“Shit!” I hiss, instinctively hunching my shoulders against the onslaught. My first thought is of Piper, still cradled in my arms, and I quickly shield her with my body, desperate to keep her dry.

I make a mad dash for the cabin, my feet slipping and sliding on the slick grass. The boys, who were already inside, come rushing out at the sound of the rain, their eyes wide with concern.

“Here, give her to me,” Clay says, reaching for Piper. I pass her over gratefully, watching as he tucks her safely against his broad chest, shielding her from the worst of the rain.

Kip and Teller usher us inside, slamming the door shut behind us. I stand there, dripping onto the hardwood floor, my hair plastered to my face and my clothes clinging to my skin.

“Well, that was unexpected,” I say wryly, trying to catch my breath. “Guess we made it inside just in time.”

Teller chuckles, grabbing a towel from the nearby rack and draping it over my shoulders. “You look like a drowned rat, Parks.”

I shoot him a glare, but there’s no real heat behind it. “Gee, thanks. You really know how to make a girl feel special.”

As the boys fuss over Piper, making sure she’s warm and dry, I take a moment to breathe, letting the reality of the day wash over me. Despite the sudden downpour, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment, a warmth that has nothing to do with the towel around my shoulders.