Page 80 of Second Chance Baby

“It’s fine. My wife is getting a kick out of the fact that we’re going to be part of one of her favorite romance author’s books. I’m pretty sure she’s putting more ideas into the photographer’s head as we speak.”

“Careful, or Drake will have her in front of the camera too.”

“God, don’t swell her head. She’s already making my life chaos—in the best way, of course, right, Stel?”

She turned her face into Oliver’s shoulder with a giggle.

“I’m outnumbered, anyway.”

Bridget leaned into me. “Looks like you were made to be a girl dad, kinda like this one.”

I looped an arm around her waist. “She’s not wrong.”

Oliver grinned. “Well, let me get this girl back up to the house. We’re way off schedule. Guess I might see you again.”

When he was out of hearing range, Bridget looked up at me. “I just hope Rita is happy with what we’re doing.” She twisted her fingers together.

“I’m sure she will be. C’mon, let’s go get Care Bear.”

We were both quiet on the ride to pick up our daughter. While we were waiting in the carpool line, I updated her on whatCarrington had been up to school-wise, but I could tell she was distracted.

“You good?”

She glanced at me. “I’m sorry. I was just sitting here overthinking everything.”

“About Care doing the shoot?”

She nodded, but the door opened before I could ask her anything more.

“Hi!” Carrington shoved her backpack in before climbing in after it. “Did you take all the pictures?”

I laughed. “And then some.” I tapped my finger on the wheel. “Actually, they were interested in adding you into the mix.” I glanced in the rearview mirror to see her reaction.

“Me?” Care squeaked.

“How do you feel about that?” I asked lightly.

“Why me?”

“Well, you do look just like your mom, which fits the assignment.”

“Yeah.” The uncertainty in her voice was enough for me. I was about to open my mouth when Bridget cut in.

“We’ll just tell them it’s us and only us. Carrington doesn’t need to be a model.” Seeing her instant siding with our daughter went a long way to adding even more to the sureness about wanting Bridget in my life again column.

I leaned over and planted a large kiss on her, enjoying how she returned the gesture without a second thought.

“Ugh, you guys!”

I laughed as I pulled back.

Carrington gripped each of our seats and leaned forward. “Really, mom? I don’t have to do it?”

“Absolutely not. It was just an idea. Probably a bad one at that. We were old enough to decide to model. Not that you aren’t. You’re plenty old enough to know your own mindand what makes sense for you to do.” Then she tugged on Carrington’s braid. “Honestly, I didn’t like the idea of you doing it, anyway. That means it’s not for you. Right, Travis?”

“Right,” I answered definitively, driving back into town. “We’ll just check in with Daphne and see what’s what. She just texted to come to the park. Your Gams suggested we come over for dinner once we finished up, anyway. She’s making some new recipe called Bewitching Chili since a cold front is coming through.” I glanced at Bridget. “Do you want my jacket?”

“No, I’m good. Drake mentioned sailing tomorrow since it’s supposed to be sunny. Good day for some boating shots.”

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