Page 19 of Capture The Moment

Chapter 6

“Mommy, I’m cold,” said the adorable four-year-old girl tugging on her mother’s pant leg.

“Just a few more shots,” Harper assured them.

The family of four huddled together for warmth as Harper made some adjustments on her camera. It was a clear, cold January day, with the temperature hovering just below freezing, and her client had chosen to have an outdoor photo shoot in front of the dilapidated red barn on their property. Typically, Harper loved outdoor photo shoots, but her fingertips were starting to go numb too, and she empathized with the two little girls, who’d been quite patient considering the cold.

Julia hovered nearby and conversed with the family while Harper made her adjustments. Sometimes, Harper would get so focused on taking the perfect photos that she’d forget to interact with the subjects on a more personal level. That was where Julia came in.

“Ok. I’ll take a few of just the girls now. Katelyn, can you hold your sister’s hand for me?” Harper asked.

Their mother swooped in to help, and soon, the girls were standing together holding hands, the younger one staring adoringly at her older sister. It was a sweet, natural moment that Harper couldn’t have orchestrated any better, and she quickly snapped a few photos.

“Are we done now?” Katelyn asked.

“Yes. You girls did great!” Harper said.

Their father swung the two-year-old into his arms and gave her a tight squeeze. Something about the simple gesture tugged at Harper’s heartstrings, and she swallowed hard. Witnessing moments like that between parent and child, and between spouses, always made her think of Blake and all that he’d be missing—and her too.

Julia noticed Harper’s expression and quickly stepped in. “We’ll review everything and contact you when the proofs are ready.”

“Great. Thanks a lot,” the mother said.

They all trudged back through the snow until they reached the family’s charming farmhouse, where they said their goodbyes. It wasn’t until Harper had backed down the long gravel driveway and pulled onto the two-lane road that Julia spoke.

“You can still have that someday, you know,” she said softly.

“I don’t know, Jules. Maybe it’s not in the cards for me.”

“I don’t believe that, and neither do you. You’ll be a great mom someday.”

“Thanks,” Harper said, shooting her friend a grateful look. “But let’s talk about something else, ok?”

“Ok. So, are you going to go out with Will again?”

“Sure. If he asks.”

“Oh, he’ll ask. He just doesn’t want to push too hard, that’s all.”

“Will doesn’t strike me as the pushy type. Finn, on the other hand…”

“What did he do this time?”

Harper couldn’t share Finn’s observations of Julia’s cousin, so she said, “Oh, you know him. He’s all concerned about me driving this car, so we’re going to the dealership tonight.”

“He’s very protective. I wonder if the same can be said of his brothers?”

Harper shrugged. “I don’t know them very well, but they must have some similarities, right?”

“Yeah. They’re all hot!”

Harper laughed. “I thought you didn’t like Connor.”

“I don’t,” she replied a little too quickly. “But I can still acknowledge his hotness.”

Suddenly, an idea struck Harper. “Hey, maybe you two should go out. I’m sure Finn could set it up.”

“What? No thank you. I’m perfectly capable of finding my own dates.”