Chapter Twenty-Five
Blossom
I wake up earlier than usual, my alarm buzzing relentlessly, forcing me out of the comfortable warmth of bed.
I drag myself out from beneath the sheets, still groggy from the late night I had editing photos for my portfolio.
Today is huge.
I’ve been hired to photograph a high-profile wedding for a big-name internet influencer, and my nerves are already starting to settle in with the morning light.
This will probably be one of the last photo shoots I can do before I’m just too big and cumbersome to be on my feet for so many hours.
Shuffling to the bathroom, I notice my belly feeling more full today than it ever has before.
As I stand under the hot stream of water in the shower, I let my hands glide over my stomach, the stretch marks appearing in new places with every passing week. It’s crazy how much my body’s changing. I used to be so aware of every inch of myself, but now, it’s all so foreign, and yet, strangely beautiful.
I pause, running a hand over my belly again, taking a deep breath. This is for the babies , I remind myself.
I won’t let these changes throw me off. I’m doing this for them—for us. The water hits my skin in a warm, soothing stream, but the reality of what’s ahead today settles in, and I try to shake the fatigue away. I’ve got a job to do, and I can’t afford to feel overwhelmed.
After the shower, I quickly dry off, glancing at myself in the mirror. I feel...tired, but I can’t let that show. The world keeps turning, and I need to keep moving.
I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting my new maternity clothes, feeling a little unsure as I take in my reflection. I still don’t recognize the woman staring back at me. The dress is cute, but the growing belly makes everything look different.
It’s been months now, and while I’m grateful for the lives growing inside of me, some days, the physical change feels overwhelming. I rub my hand over my belly again, feeling the gentle curve beneath the fabric. It’s a reminder of all that’s ahead, but it also feels like a lot of pressure, juggling all the changes in my life.
Moving into Noah’s place, dealing with the triplets growing in my belly, working at the hotel bar, and still trying to keep my photography career alive, it’s a lot.
I sigh, adjusting my top as I eye myself in the mirror again. The exhaustion has started to creep in more lately, and today is no exception. But this wedding gig, this is an opportunity I can’t let slip away.
I grab my gear, camera bag, extra lenses, and memory cards, and head for the door, determined to make the most of the chance I have. Today is about pushing through, even if I’m tired. I can rest later. For now, I’ve got work to do.
The Uber ride to the venue feels like a blur, the city passing by in a haze of skyscrapers, taxis, and people. I try to ignore the fatigue settling into my bones as the car zips through the streets of Manhattan. We pass familiar streets, but I can’t focus on anything other than the wedding today.
The driver turns a corner, and I see it—the towering, high-class hotel overlooking Central Park. The building is gorgeous, all glass and steel with Renaissance-inspired accents, gold-trimmed windows, and lavish columns. It’s exactly what I expected for a wedding of this caliber, and a little part of me feels like I’m walking into a dream.
I tip the driver generously, taking my bags and camera gear out of the car. The weight of the equipment feels heavier than usual, but I push through, determined to get everything set up and perfect.
I make my way inside, stepping into the grand lobby. The space is immense, with high ceilings, and massive crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow across the room. The floors are marble, the walls adorned with ornate tapestries, and the whole place smells like fresh flowers and polished wood.
Pausing for a moment to take it all in, I continue toward the front desk. A bellboy approaches me almost immediately, offering to help carry my things. I give him a grateful smile.
“Thanks,” I say, and we walk through the lobby, my heart racing with anticipation. I’ve worked hard to get here, and today’s the day I show everyone exactly what I’m capable of.
The bellboy leads me to the bridal suite, and I can’t help but marvel at the luxury of the place as I step inside.
The room is massive, with a king-sized bed draped in satin, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the park. A long, antique vanity stretches across one wall, and the soft pink tones of the walls make the space feel intimate yet elegant.
I set down my bags and look around, taking in the bridal party. The bride, a well-known influencer with a stunning smile, is sitting in front of a mirror, nervously checking her makeup. The bridesmaids are moving around, getting their hair done, and everything seems like a whirlwind of excitement.
But as I get ready to unpack my equipment, the atmosphere shifts. The bride suddenly snaps at one of the bridesmaids, her voice rising in a way that makes everyone in the room go still.
“Do you have any idea how much work goes into getting ready for a wedding?” the bride snaps, her eyes narrowing. The bridesmaid, clearly shocked, stammers out an apology, but tears well up in her eyes as she mutters, “I just didn’t know what you wanted…”
The bride huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. “Well, get it together!” she barks. “This is supposed to be perfect . Get your act together, or you can leave!”
I watch the scene unfold in silence, feeling the tension in the room rise. The bridesmaid runs off, trying to hold back tears. The bride looks over at me for a second, noticing my presence. Her face softens, but I can see the stress is getting to her.
I roll my shoulders, forcing myself to focus. There’s work to do. I start setting up my gear, ready to capture the day, no matter how chaotic it may become.
The morning flies by in a blur of photo ops, with the bride and her bridal party in a constant state of motion, each one with a glass of champagne in hand as the makeup artists work their magic.
I capture moments, laughing bridesmaids, the bride’s hands trembling slightly as she looks at her wedding dress, the glow on her face when she talks about her fiancé. It’s chaotic but beautiful, an excited anticipation, and I’m doing my best to capture it all.
After a while, I slip away to catch the groomsmen. The groom, a typical party boy type, is hanging out with his friends, cracking jokes and drinking.
As soon as I enter the room, I stop in my tracks. He’s doing a keg stand. The whole room erupts in laughter as they cheer him on, and I can’t help but shake my head in amusement.
I snap a few candid shots, but as I watch them, I can’t help but feel a pang of distaste. They remind me so much of Zack. They have the same loud, reckless energy and are engaged in thoughtless fun that doesn’t seem to have any depth. It’s fun, sure, but it’s also empty.
I turn my attention back to the photos, focusing on the groom as he stumbles down after his keg stand, laughing it off. I think about Noah, about the life we’re building.
I’m so glad I’ve got him—a stable, older man who is going to be an amazing father. I know he’s the right choice for me, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better.
The ceremony takes place in a stunning outdoor space, with the city skyline in the distance. The sun is setting, casting a warm golden glow over the whole scene.
The vows are exchanged, and after I capture the couple’s first kiss, each moment is more beautiful than the last. The guests watch in awe, some wiping tears away as they witness the love between the couple, the city bustling around us in the background.
The reception is held inside, the space just as grand, with white tablecloths, candles flickering on every surface, and the faint hum of live music filling the air. I move through the crowd, capturing intimate moments: the father-daughter dance, the groom’s speech, the guests laughing and dancing.
The energy is electric, the whole event a swirl of love and joy. I take it all in, constantly snapping pictures, ensuring every moment is preserved for the couple to look back on. But by the end of it, as the clock hits seven, I’m exhausted.
My feet ache, my back feels stiff, and my eyelids are heavy from the long day.
I say my goodbyes, gather my gear, and head out. The day has been a success, but I’m ready to crash. A long, hot shower and a nap in Noah’s arms are exactly what I need.
When I walk into the penthouse, it’s almost a relief to finally be home. I drop my bags by the door, too tired to even think about unpacking. I flop down onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh, my body sinking into the soft cushions.
Noah, who’s been lounging nearby, immediately moves over and wraps an arm around me. He pulls me close, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “How was it?” he asks, his voice soothing. “Long day?”
I nod, my head resting against his chest. “Yeah, it was a good day, but I’m just so tired. I don’t know if I can keep doing this anymore. The babies are just taking so much out of me.”
Noah rubs his hand over my back, his touch tender. “You can do anything you put your mind to, Blossom. But remember, you’re under no obligation to do everything. I don’t want you stressing yourself out. Your focus should be on yourself and the babies. Everything else? That’s just extra. Photography should be something you enjoy, not something that feels like a burden.”
I let out a breath, feeling the weight of his words sink in. “You’re right,” I say softly, looking up at him. “It should be fun, not stressful. I’ve just been…pushing myself too hard.”
He smiles, giving me another kiss. “Exactly. And we’ll make it work. You’ve got me.”
I smile back, feeling a little lighter already.
As I settle in beside Noah on the couch, I grab my phone, scrolling through notifications, letting the silence surround us for a few moments. Then, I see it: an explosion of likes, comments, and messages on my social media.
I blink, staring at the screen. “Noah, look at this!” I say, showing him my phone.
He leans over, eyes widening as he sees the post. “Wait...that’s from the bride, right?”
I nod. The influencer bride has posted some of the candid shots I sent her as sneak peeks from the wedding earlier today. “She shouted me out, Noah. She posted about me on her Instagram story! And look at these views!”
Noah grins, his pride swelling. “That’s incredible, Blossom. This is huge! Congratulations.”
I feel a wave of happiness rush through me. It’s the recognition I’ve been working toward, the moment where my hard work finally starts to pay off. “I can’t believe it,” I say, my voice full of amazement. “This is everything I wanted.”
Noah kisses the top of my head, pulling me close. “I knew you could do it. This is just the beginning, Blossom. I’m so proud of you.”
I lean into him, my heart swelling with gratitude. For the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is falling into place.