Chapter Ten

Once we got back from our deliveries and visiting with my dads, Tony took a shower and I took one right after him.

When I came out, I was dressed in my suit. I was surprised to find Tony in a full suit as well.

“Ready to go?”

“Where did you—” I started.

He smiled. “I called in a favor, had your dad pick me up a suit for tonight. I'd say this is the first day of our new life together and I want to commemorate it.”

“So, umm… Do I get my present now?” I’d been waiting patiently all day, wondering what it could be.

Tony nodded. “I know you haven’t picked out a name for the photography business yet, but we’ve gotten so many people interested since the mini-session I figured it was time to get a moniker out there.”

We had booked several family sessions in the past few days, more than I ever thought possible. Thankfully, Tony had managed the calendar, so I could focus on the editing.

“If you don’t like it, we can change it.” He grabbed my hand and lead me down the stairs. “This is what I picked up the other day. What do you think?”

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, he gestured to the front window. A vinyl sticker covered the pane. I kept walking until I was outside because I wanted to see its full effect. Tony followed behind me.

I gasped as I read the words: Picture Purrfect.

I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around him. “This is so perfect. I love it. Thank you for sticking with me. I'm sorry that I doubted you.”

He kissed my forehead. “Don't worry. I'll spend the rest of our lives proving to you that I'm here for the long haul.”

“And I will do the same. I want to make you as happy as possible,” I said. “In fact, I think perhaps Egypt would be a great place to go for our babymoon.”

“Babymoon?” Tony said.

“Yeah, apparently it's a vacation you take right before you have a baby. To celebrate the end to non-parenthood. Or whatever.”

“We'd have to go soon, though,” he said.

“Yep. Within the next month or two. As long as we clear it with the doctor, I don't see why it would be an issue.”

“You'd really do that? Travel for me?”

“Of course,” I said. “Compromise, right? Besides, I can't imagine traveling will be too awful as long as I'm there with you. As much as I like being here in Vale Valley, you are my home. Home is where you are.”

He kissed me then. Soft and sweet.

“I feel the same way. Let's go to this dance.”

“Oh,” I said. “Don't let me forget.” I ran inside and grabbed the final red bag that needed to be delivered and we set off.

***

The dance was in full swing at the mayor's mansion by the time that we arrived. My dads were already on the dance floor, and even my brother was there. Tony and I put on our masks that we’d picked up in town.

I carried the bag in with me and within a few minutes I found Rosemary. I caught her attention. She gave me a hug.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” she said.

I grinned. “There's nothing that gets passed you in this town, huh?”

“Absolutely not,” she said. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I have something for you. A token of my appreciation for always believing in me and my photography studio.”

Her eyes lit up. “Eric, you didn't have to do that.” She pulled out the tissue paper and lifted the frame out of the bag. Her green eyes lit up as she reviewed the images in the frame that I’d put together.

It was a mural of all the images I'd taken for the Valentine’s Day photo sessions. All couples displaying their love for one another.

“It's beautiful,” she said, and she hugged it close to her. “I'll cherish it forever.”

“I'm glad you like it. There will be more of those to come. I want to create a living photographic history of Vale Valley. Tony's going to help me, since he's settling here as well.”

“That will be wonderful,” she said. “I'm very happy for you.” She hugged the two of us and we went our separate ways, ready to enjoy the party.

Tony pulled me close to him. “Might I have this dance?” he asked.

“Of course.”

The two of us swayed together on the dance floor and I sighed contentedly against him, letting out a long purr as I laid my head on his shoulder.

“This is perfect,” he said.

“Yes,” I said. “Picture perfect.”