Page 79 of Nanny for the Bikers

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 overme. 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.

42

AYLA

Istare out the window, the sound of raindrops pattering against the glass filling the cozy cabin. Rivulets of water stream down the pane, blurring the view of the misty forest outside. “Well, looks like we’re stuck inside,” I say with a playful sigh, trying to mask my secret delight at being forced into close quarters with the men.

Teller cradles baby Piper in his muscular arms, her tiny form looking even smaller against his broad chest. “Let’s get a fire going to warm things up,” he suggests, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the chill.

As Clay and Kip gather an armload of logs from the woodpile, I watch the flex of Teller’s biceps as he gently rocks Piper. Heat pools low in my belly. Get ahold of yourself, Ayla. Now’s not the time, I scold myself, dragging my gaze away.

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