Page 40 of Finding the Pieces

“You knew what this was when you married me,” I say with a shrug. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close and placing a kiss on my forehead.

“I’d do it all over again tomorrow. But unfortunately, this is why I was in full support, possibly even the mastermind behind keeping you in the dark about it. He’s asking her tonight, and this is his puzzle piece for you.”

I’m too distracted by the gorgeous camera I continue to turn over in my hands, in awe that Aiden would do something like this before what he says registers. “Wait, what?”

“He’s hoping you’ll take a few photos of the engagement tonight. You got a purse big enough to hide a camera that big?”

My heart beats wildly with excitement. Faded, in the hazy edges of my heart are memories of how much joy photography used to bring me. I’d taken a couple of classes throughout college—something to help with my marketing degree—but I fell in love with it. The afterthought, supplemental, elective course became my passion project that I inhaled until my lungs burned any chance I got. I took photos for the university, documented all the big events, even provided them with promotional material for the athletic programs. I never considered doing anything serious with it. Daydreams of being a photographer felt indulgent. Maybe a little unrealistic to think I was good enough to make a career with something I felt that passionate about. Wasn’t a job supposed to be that? Just a job?

“I haven’t taken photos like that in a long time,” I say, a sharp spike of insecurity twisting my thoughts.

“What better way to dive back in? What do you say, Ellie? Ready to get back in the game?”

***

The shutter snaps in quick succession as I blink away tears. Aiden down on one knee, staring up at Bec as he whispers words of love and devotion, speaking of promises and gratitude.

My heart swells, thrumming with joy. Bec deserves this. Aiden deserves this.

They’ve shown each other, and themselves, that they can work through hard things together. But this isn’t one of those moments. This is a new beginning. One I’m lucky enough to capture.

The space is gorgeous. Aiden rented out the entire rooftop bar of the hotel Dom and I got married at years ago—and the place where Bec and Aiden met. I move quietly, trying not to draw focus from the proposal. I adjust the lens, and angle so I can get good shots of both their expressions with the evening skyline in the background.

Bec’s and Aiden’s parents and siblings are huddled together. I take a few shots of their reactions, with Aiden and Bec still the forefront of the image.

When the big moment is over, and Bec hugs her mom, I continue snapping a few more photos. I capture celebratory cheers of congratulations, empty threats from two older brothers and older sister, if I had to guess, and a tearywelcome to the familyfrom both Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Evie squeals and grips Bec and Aiden in a firm, if discombobulated group hug, Aiden towering over both of them. Aiden speaks softly to his mother and holds her hand while she looks at him with a soft smile.

I pause to skim through the last few shots, looking up at the sound of heels clicking in a speedy approach. Bec’s arms are tight around my neck before I catch a glimpse of her brown curly hair flying away from her face and into my mouth.

“Ellie, this is crazy. Did you know?” she asks, half giggles, half hysterics.

“Only for about an hour before you did. Can you believe Dom and Aiden? Those guys didn’t think I could be trusted with a secret,” I say with a laugh, spitting out her hair and returning her hug with a tight squeeze, careful of the camera in my hand. I mean, I know Aiden can afford to replace it, but she’s too pretty to break and I’ve already named her. Stella and I are going to go a long way, finding beautiful images together. I can feel it.

“We’ve got a lifetime to make them pay for it,” Bec replies with glee.

***

“I’ve been told I owe you an apology,” Aiden jokes.

“I can keep a secret,” I say defensively.I can’t keep a secret.“Apology not accepted. How about another camera, instead?”

Aiden and I are standing on opposite ends of the corner of the rooftop bar—thank god for the space heaters—him leaning on the edge and me seated at the other.

“Dom told me to get that camera specifically.”

“Oh, Stella’s perfect,” I assure him. “But you know, if you need more photos taken in the future, Imightneed a new lens or something.”

He laughs before taking a sip of his drink, letting his eyes wander back to Bec as she laughs with Carissa and her sister, Danny, seated on a cushioned L-shaped couch surrounded by greenery and string lights.

“It’s the least I can do to repay you,” he says, his attention returning to me. I know it’ll be about thirty seconds before he steals another glimpse of his fiancé. The man is infatuated.

“For what? Twenty minutes of me taking pictures does not equate with the cost of that camera, I promise you.”

The playfulness disappears, and he drops his gaze to the bar, tapping his fingers against his glass.

“I don’t know how long it would have taken me to come back to myself, Ellie. Without you and Dom, I’m afraid I would have lost Bec to my own idiocy before I managed to pull myself out of that place, if I ever did at all. I could have lost her.” His voice sounds haunted. It was months ago, but nothing that painful is forgotten quickly.

“Aiden, promise me something. Let yourself enjoy this. Savor every moment of your life with my best friend. You don’t owe Dom or me a single thing, but you and Bec owe everything to each other. You brought yourself back, but we will always be here for you both when you need help remembering who you are.”

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