Click.
The sound of the shutter made both Mara and Ethan look up.
Vera stood a few feet away, phone in hand, grinning like she'd just caught the sunrise in a jar.
"I had to," she said, already pulling up the photo. "You guys looked like a painting."
Mara blinked, cheeks flushing.
Ethan chuckled, still resting one hand gently over the spot on her belly where the babies had just kicked.
Vera turned her phone toward them. The image was simple but breathtaking—Mara standing slightly sideways, her dress flowing gently, Ethan crouched in front of her, eyes locked on her belly like it was the most sacred thing in the world. Their fingers touched. Their faces glowed. It was full of life and emotion and a stillness that screamed love.
Vera looked at it again, then turned and waved excitedly. "Mom! Bella! Come see this!"
Mara didn't even have time to respond before Valerie and Bella were suddenly there, huddled around Vera's phone.
"Oh my God," Valerie whispered. "That is beautiful."
