Page 48 of Sean

When Julia crept from Sean’s bed to hers in the early morning hours, she planned to go back to sleep for a while. The day before had been exhausting, emotionally. She’d come so close to leaving—and yet all the while, she hadn’t wanted to leave the ranch or the joy of being part of a family. Or part of Sean’s life.

But even though she’d decided to stay for now, the experience had still showed her how hard it was going to be when the time eventually came that she really did have to say goodbye to him and his family. She crawled under the covers and rested her head on the pillow, but she couldn’t sleep. In just a few days, Wilson could be in the trap set up by the FBI. Sean’s connections had warned him that things could move fast. As soon as Wilson was in custody, she’d have to be interviewed by the various law agencies involved in the case. And then, who knew where life would take her?

She’d never forget her time on the ranch or the wonderful people here. To push away her own uncertainly about the future, she decided she needed to do something to thank them. Several days ago, she’d spoken to Emmy about taking a family photo. Maybe it was time to get that organized. She popped out of bed and began jotting down ideas how to best photograph the family.

At breakfast, she suggested that they be ready for a photo shoot at six o’clock that evening. The light would be perfect then. Still clear and bright, but without the harsh edge of afternoon sun. Julia had ideas of where to take the pictures, and the family added some suggestions of locations that were meaningful to them. Next came a discussion of what everyone would wear. Again, Julia had ideas of what looked good with large groups.

As everyone scattered from breakfast to go about their chores, Sean caught her in the kitchen. Emmy had taken the kids outside, and the other adults were headed toward the barn.

“Thanks for coming up with that idea,” he said. “Mom will love having a family picture.”

“I’m happy to take it. It’s my way of paying them back for their kindness.”

“No one expects anything from you.” He stepped close and touched her cheek. There was something in his eyes that she couldn’t quite fathom. He’d looked at her that way when she’d arrived in his room the night before. She’d wanted to ask about it, but then a slow loving had begun and she’d forgotten anything else.

“Isn’t that the best kind of thank you? When no one expects it. I’m not sure how I’ll thank you for all that you’ve done for me and the kids.” He’d changed his life for them. It was kind of amazing how much he’d given from the beginning even when he hadn’t known her well.

“No need,” he said and leaned in for a kiss that became a long, drawn-out moment. She wrapped her arms around him and was considering whether or not they could steal a few minutes upstairs when he stepped back. “I won’t ask anything of you.”

She wondered about his unspoken words. He wasn’t asking, but if she offered…

No, she couldn’t. They had an agreement. So she smiled at him, hugged him close for another moment before letting him go. “You’ve got work to do. Tara said before she left that you weren’t to dillydally.”

“She’s the boss,” he said. “I promised to work with Maverick more, and then I’ve got some work emails to respond to. It’ll take me most of the day.”

Was he apologizing for not spending time with her?

“I’ll see you at the photo shoot, then. You should shave.” She touched his scruffy beard. That was a look he’d sported since she’d met him. She liked it, but she wondered what he’d look like clean-shaven.

“You think?” He ran his hand over his jaw. “I might.” He kissed her again before heading to the barn.

As he was moving away, she wondered why she’d said that. It was no business of hers if he shaved off his beard. She had no claim on him, no say in what he did or how he looked. But her artist eye told her that he’d be even more handsome without the beard, and she wanted to see him that way just once before she had to say goodbye to him.

At a few minutes before six, she was standing near a strand of trees not far from the ranch house, considering the best angles and settings for her camera when Sean strolled toward her. No evidence of a beard remained. He was clean-shaven, and just as she’d suspected, it was a sexy look on him.

“Nice,” she commented softly when he came near her. Lucy and Amos were playing a few yards away.”

“Just doing what I’m told.”

“I would never presume…” she started and trailed off when she saw the twinkle in his eyes. He was teasing her. “No fair. I’ll make you pay for that later.”

He winked. “I’ll look forward to it.” He glanced toward where Tara and her kids were drawing closer. “Hope you’re not too exhausted from this ordeal. You’re brave to take on the Miller family.”

“I’ll manage,” she said as Tara approached.

“Where do you want us?” she asked. As they’d agreed on over breakfast, everyone wore jeans and white shirts. It had a sense of uniformity, but the shirts were different styles and textures that added a sense of individuality. Tara’s blouse was crisp, ironed cotton. Her two older girls had on white T-shirts, but the youngest’s top was frilly.

Next, Sean’s mother showed up in a white eyelet shirt over slim-fitting jeans. His dad wore a classic, tailored men’s dress shirt and pressed jeans. Emmy was the last to arrive in bell-bottoms and a white lace blouse. This was going to be perfect.

“Okay, everyone, let’s get started,” she said, slipping into professional portrait-taker mode. She quickly arranged them with the older couple in the center, Tara and her girls on one side, and Sean and Emmy on the other. The light was perfect, and Julia knew these were going to be great images. It truly would be a way of thanking the family for all they’d done for her.

“Are we done?” Sean asked after she’d snapped several pictures.

“Not even close,” Julia said. “Now we do the groupings. Let’s start with you and your sisters.” She arranged them in a casual pose. At first, they were a little stiff, but then as she began to click, they loosened up. By the last shot, Sean had an arm around each sister, and they were all laughing. Too perfect.

“Oh, I’m going to love that,” Kelly said quietly from beside Julia. “I only wish…” She didn’t need to finish the sentence. Julia knew she wished that JP could be with them. Julia couldn’t give her that, but she could give her this memory of her other children.

“How about one of you and Dad?” Emmy suggested to her mother.

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