Page 78 of Nanny for the Bikers

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 itwith 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?”

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