Love in Pictures Read online

  Logan whispered to Michelle. “She said you’re my girlfriend.”

  “I know. I recognized that word.”

  Logan faced Isabella. “Hola! Cómo estás?”

  “Estoy bien.” Isabella stepped aside. “Que linda! Please, come in.”

  Logan translated again. “She said you’re very pretty.”

  “Gracias.”

  “De nada,” Isabella replied. “Señor y Señora Emerson are waiting for you in the dining room.”

  Michelle elbowed Logan. “Are we late?”

  “No. My parents are just very prompt.”

  Logan and Michelle followed Isabella to the elaborate dining room. A woman with luxurious, long, honey-brown hair and clear skin turned from facing a man of regal stature and smiled at Logan. “Hey, honey.” She stood.

  “Hi, Mom! Dad.”

  The man stood tall and appeared a bit stoic. “Son.”

  Mrs. Emerson walked toward Michelle. “You must be Michelle.” Mrs. Emerson embraced her in a warm hug that calmed her nerves. “It’s so good to meet you.”

  Her warm welcome made Michelle feel at home. She returned the hug. “You too.”

  “Please, have a seat. Logan, your father and I were just discussing how happy we are for you in your career and in your relationship with this lovely lady.”

  Michelle’s cheeks warmed. Logan held out a chair, and she slipped into it. He then walked around the table and sat in the chair across from her.

  “Thanks, Mom. God’s blessed me on my job, and Michelle does make me very happy.”

  Michelle blushed. Mrs. Emerson smiled. “I see.”

  “Michelle.”

  She turned to Mr. Emerson. “Yes, sir?”

  “Please, call me Ryan. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Thanks, sir. I mean Ryan. It’s nice to meet you too.”

  Mrs. Emerson leaned in. “And you can call me April. We’re having rack of lamb for dinner. Do you like it well-done?”

  No sooner than Mrs. Emerson spoke, a man dressed in a traditional chef’s uniform and top hat entered the room. Two young women dressed in knee-length black pencil skirts and short-sleeved white blouses followed him. They each carried platters of food and took turns placing it on the table. At the enticing aroma, Michelle’s taste buds watered. Rack of lamb served with a rosemary sauce, couscous with dates, and a green salad with feta cheese and vinaigrette dressing. “This looks and smells delicious, April.”

  “Thank you.”

  The chef and waiters served dinner while Michelle got to know Logan’s parents. She bit into the savory lamb and a heavenly food symphony struck a chord in her mouth. She dipped her spoon into the couscous and enjoyed the deliciousness before picking up her fork and sampling the fresh green salad with feta cheese. Delightful. “I’ve never had a better meal. Your chefs are talented. Are they from a five-star restaurant?”

  Mrs. Emerson nodded. “Yes, and they are classically trained.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “So, Michelle,” Ryan said. “Logan says you’re a wedding photographer. How did you get into that career?”

  “I’ve always had a passion for photography. Gratefully, God blessed me with parents who wanted me to follow my creative career dreams.”

  Ryan nodded. “Logan says you live with your parents?”

  “Yes. They’re letting me stay home while I build my business.”

  “And about how long will that take?”

  Logan interjected. “Dad.”

  “No, it’s okay.” She turned to Ryan. “I’m almost done and will have enough money to move into my own house within a year. God’s really blessed my business in both the studio I own and my own work as a wedding photographer. My first international wedding really helped.”

  Ryan raised his eyebrows. “Where was that?”

  “Italy.”

  “Impressive. How did it help your career?”

  “It opened the door for me to have my photography featured on the covers of notable international wedding magazines.”

  “Sounds lovely,” Mrs. Emerson said.

  “Do you not have exposure here in America?”

  Logan sighed. “Dad.”

  “Yes, I do. My studio is a success, and my clients have been on the cover of one American wedding magazine, but I want to see more of my clients grace the covers of mainstream bridal magazines here in the USA.”

  Ryan turned his attention to Logan. “She’s a woman of ambition. Good catch, son.”

  Logan’s shoulders relaxed. “Thanks, Dad.”

  Relief washed over Michelle too. It looked like Logan’s parents both liked her.

  After talking and eating dinner, April pushed her plate back. “I hope you eat dessert, dear. So many girls these days are watching their figures.”

  April had a flawless figure. If she delved into dessert on a daily basis, it didn’t show. “I love sweets.”

  “Good. We have crème brûlée.”

  “My favorite.”

  Moments later, the waiters served dessert. Michelle dipped her spoon into the crème brûlée, cracking its shell of sugar and glaze and delving deep into the creamy texture. She closed her eyes and savored the delight. When she opened her eyes, Logan and his parents were holding back their grins. Heat rose to her cheeks. So embarrassing. “I’m sorry. It just tastes delicious.”

  They laughed. It felt more like a family dinner than meeting Logan’s parents, and she cherished that feeling, holding it close to her heart.

  After dessert and closing their conversation that had lasted for hours, Logan helped Michelle out of her chair. He kissed his mother’s cheek and gave both her and his dad a hug as he said goodbye. He then turned to Michelle and touched her lower back. “Ready to go?”

  Michelle nodded. Logan turned to his parents again. “Thanks for your hospitality, Mom and Dad. Hopefully, we can do this again.”

  “It would be our pleasure,” Ryan said. “Your Michelle already feels like part of our family.”

  Her heart leapt. What a high compliment.

  “I agree. She does feel like family.” Logan kissed her.

  Rainfall greeted them when they stepped outside. She instinctively reached up to shield her hair. Logan took off his jacket and held it over her head. “Don’t worry, my love. You’re sweet, but you’re not sugar. The rain won’t melt you.”

  “Maybe not, but it will morph my straight hair into an abundance of curls.”

  “I think curly hair is adorable so in that case…” He removed his jacket.

  “No, I need that covering.”

  He raced in front of her, and she ran to catch up him. All the while, the rain wet her hair. Should she be mad because she just got a blow out or happy because Logan made her laugh?

  When she finally caught up with him, he was standing by his car with a teasing smile. “What took you so long?”

  Michelle caught her breath. “You run fast.”

  “And you look very adorable with curly hair.”

  Michelle touched her hair, now curly from the rain. “Logan, I just straightened it.”

  “And what does that matter? You look gorgeous with your hair straight or curly. It’s a win-win.” Logan’s eyes danced. “Now, come here and kiss me.”

  She walked into his arms and gazed into the depths of his ocean-blue eyes. “Just when I thought nothing could compare to the beautiful, deep, clear water of the Caribbean islands, God created all that and more in your eyes.”

  He drew her in and kissed her, and for a moment in time, she didn’t care about the rain or her hair. All she cared about was him. The warmth of his embrace, the tenderness and passion of his lips on hers, and the way that being with him made her heart swell with happiness. She’d met her husband. She was sure of it. Now when would he propose?

  Chapter 30

  “I really don’t understand why you’re insisting on doing my makeup today, Jules. You know I don’t like wearing a lot of cake on my face.”

 
Juliana bit her bottom lip, and Michelle cast a look at her in the mirror. One she recognized. There was something Juliana wasn’t telling her. “What’s going on?”

  Juliana avoided eye contact. She dipped her makeup brush into the blush. “Nothing. Relax. I just want you to look pretty for your date with Logan tonight.”

  Michelle studied Juliana for a moment. Well, she’d trust her. She stilled so that Juliana could apply her blush then liquid eyeliner.

  “How is he? Logan.”

  “More wonderful every time I see him. I met his parents last weekend over dinner at their dream-worthy mansion.”

  Juliana’s hand stilled. “Mansion?”

  “Yes, they live in Potomac. Their home is something you only see in the movies. They have an Olympic-sized indoor pool, a theater that’s large enough to seat a hundred people, and a dining room so expansive I was tempted to text everyone at the table instead of talk. Yet everything about their home was so warm, welcoming, and very cozy.”

  Juliana tilted her head. “Really? Wow.” After she finished the eyeliner, she reached for the lip liner and gloss. She paused. “Lipstick or lip gloss?”

  Michelle shot Juliana a look. “I’m a lip gloss girl. You know that.”

  “Yes. I do.” Juliana reached for a beautiful rose-pink gloss and the lip liner that was a shade darker. She drew the liner on Michelle’s lips then glossed her lips with color. She handed a mirror to Michelle. “You’re all done, beautiful.”

  Michelle gazed at her reflection. She resembled a magazine cover model. “You made me gorgeous.”

  Juliana waved. “Amiga, you’re already gorgeous. I just enhanced your look.”

  Michelle hugged Juliana. “I’d love to stay, but I need to go home and change.”

  “Understood. I do miss our times together.”

  “You’re right. We haven’t had many girl days or girl talks because I’ve been so busy with work and Logan. I’m sorry. Let’s schedule a meet-up for next week.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Michelle grabbed her purse and went to the door. Juliana followed. “Wear the red dress.”

  Michelle turned around. Last night, she’d texted a picture of her brand-new dress with a sweetheart neckline and sleek material that accentuated her curves and stopped at her knees. She’d planned to wear it to dinner next time he took her to one of his favorite fancy restaurants. “Why? We’re just having dinner on Logan’s boat.”

  Juliana crossed her arms. “Trust me on this. You’ll thank me later.”

  Why was Juliana being so secretive? “I demand you tell me what’s going on.”

  Juliana pushed Michelle out the door. “Go! Don’t be late for your date.”

  That was odd.

  Once outside, the cool breeze combed through her just-straightened hair, and the sunlight kissed her face.

  For a moment, she basked in the sun before slipping into the driver’s seat of her car. There was only one way to find out what Logan had planned. She had to meet him. Why did she feel like tonight was the start of something special? Great anticipation pumped through her vessels as she drove. Could this be the night that led to greater things?

  ~*~

  Logan greeted Michelle as she wandered down the slip to his boat. He extended a hand and helped her climb on deck then took her in his arms and kissed her cheek. “Hello, beautiful.” She wore a red dress and black heels. Her hands clutched a red purse, and her hair rested on her shoulders in a natural, straight look. He gazed into her golden-brown eyes. “You are my lady in red, and you look gorgeous.”

  A soft blush graced Michelle’s face. “Thanks, love.”

  “Have a seat. We’re going to sail out tonight.”

  He undid the rope and pulled the anchor before setting sail. Moments later, they were in the middle of the water, watching the sunset. The water ebbed and flowed, and the boat rocked ever so slightly. They lay back on the couch on the open deck, watching the stars fill the sky. Michelle sighed. “This is beautiful.”

  “No more beautiful than you.”

  Michelle swatted his arm. “Aren’t you the smooth talker tonight?”

  Logan propped himself on his arm. “Hey. I call it like I see it.”

  Michelle pursed her lips. Her eyes shone like the stars in the sky. He kissed her then reached for her hand. “Come on.” He pulled her to her feet then pressed a remote control and the song “Waiting for A Girl Like You” by Foreigner played. He drew her close, and they swayed to the music. “I’ve been waiting for a girl like you.”

  She melted into his arms. “I’ve been waiting for a man like you.”

  Logan released her. “Well then that settles it.” His heart pounding, he dropped to one knee and reached into his pocket. He retrieved a small velvet box and popped it open. “Michelle Hadley, you are the one woman that my heart loves like no other. Every moment we spend together makes me want to know you better, hold you closer, and grow old with you.”

  He cleared his throat. “What I’m trying to s-s-say is…” He paused inhaled. “Michelle, will you marry me?”

  Michelle nodded. His hands shook as he slipped the ring on her finger.

  “Yes, I’ll marry you.” She turned it so it caught the dying sun’s rays. “I love it. But even without a ring, I love you.”

  He rose to his feet and drew her in for a kiss. “I’m happy to hear that, but the ring is yours to keep. I’ll give you an even better one on our wedding day.”

  She kissed his face repeatedly, and he laughed. “I feel the same way.”

  “I love you, Logan Emerson.”

  “And I love you, Michelle Hadley. Soon to be Michelle Emerson.”

  They sealed their engagement with another kiss. Michelle’s stomach rumbled, interrupting their embrace. Logan gave half a chuckle. “Ready for dinner, fiancée?”

  “I’m ready for dinner and the rest of our lives together, forever.”

  He took her hands in his and led her into the inner lounge area of his boat where they shared dinner and looked at each other with a twinkle in their eyes that was only rivaled by the bright stars in the sky.

  Epilogue

  One year later

  The song “Endless Love” played in the background as Michelle walked down the aisle in her wedding gown with her dad by her side. The song could only begin to describe what her heart felt for Logan. Today marked the first day of what she dreamed would be a lifetime of happiness together, and the location for their wedding ceremony made their day even more special. They had chosen Ravello on Italy’s Amalfi Coast because Michelle fell in love with it when she shot her first international wedding.

  The view was spectacular. Colorful houses and deep blue water left the entire setting tranquil and serene. The scent of the ceremony’s floral gardens wafted on the cool ocean breeze that teased her curly hair.

  Hopefully, she and Logan would have time together on the coast before going back home. They had seven days after their nuptials to explore this romantic destination together as husband and wife.

  Nico snapped photos of her on the bridal pathway. Mom, Marcel, and Mercedes sat in the front row as she approached the altar. Marcel smiled, and Mercedes gave her a thumbs-up.

  Over the past year, between her prayers, Mercedes’s heart-to-heart talks with Marcel, and the car accident that almost claimed his life, he learned how to deal with his mistrust of white people. He gave Logan a fair shake and apologized for his behavior. It helped that, after the engagement, there were moments where Marcel saw how much Logan loved her, and her brother softened. With the whole family here and happy, it was more than she could ask.

  They arrived at the front, and the pastor opened his book. “Who gives this woman in marriage today?”

  In a deep baritone voice, her dad answered, “I do.” He turned to Michelle and kissed her cheek. He gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. Michelle mouthed, “Thank you.” He joined Mom in the seats.

  As Michelle picked up her dress to climb the two step
s, Juliana rushed to adjust her train.

  Michelle’s hands trembled a little bit as she met Logan’s gaze. The love in his eyes melted her heart. He reached out and grasped her hands. They shared a moment, and in that moment, his touch and loving gaze calmed her nerves. Together, they turned to the pastor.

  He greeted their guests, shared his kind thoughts about Michelle and Logan, read from the Bible, and then asked for the wedding bands. Logan and Michelle took turns repeating the key words, “Thee I do wed,” as they slipped their rings on each other’s fingers.

  Then came the moment Michelle had waited for her entire life. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Logan, you may kiss your bride.”

  He cradled her face then drew her into a romantic, sweet, and passionate kiss that had her knees going soft. The crowd shouted for joy.

  “I now introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Emerson.”

  They held hands and faced their guests. Her heart skipped a beat when he scooped her in his arms and carried her down the platform and down the aisle. She looped her arms around his neck. “Always ready to sweep me off my feet, aren’t you?”

  He planted a kiss on her lips. “Always. This is just the beginning.” They reached the spot where Nico told them to wait so he could get post-nuptial photos. Logan set Michelle down. They held hands and just gazed at each other for a moment until a familiar voice interrupted.

  “Bella Michelle.”

  Nico ran toward her with a broad grin on his face and his Canon DSLR camera in his hands. He hugged her and kissed her cheeks. He then gave Logan a bear hug that almost toppled her groom.

  “I am happy for you two lovebirds. God is good, no?”

  “Yes, Nico,” Michelle responded. “He is.”

  Nico raised his hands. “Molto bella!”

  He then gestured to the shore. “Follow me. We take pictures here then by the water, no?”

  Logan nodded. “Anything for you, my beautiful bride. I’m happy you’re my wife.”

  “And I’m happy you’re my husband.”