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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.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Blossom