Behind the Camera (Love through a Lens, #2)

by Chelsea Curto

I learned mine are acts of service and quality time, and the guys all made fun of me. They joked that there are plenty of places out there where I can get whatever kind of service I want. But this is exactly the kind of gesture that sends my heart racing. Someone showing up and doing something with me and for me. Giving up their time to do something that might seem small to them, but it’s a mountain to me. I didn’t think holding my daughter in my arms on a football field two hours before kickoff would be the nicest thing anyone’s made happen for me, but it is. And it’s because of her. I cover June’s ears and exhale. “Fuck, Maven. This is⁠—” “What you deserve, and what’s going to keep happening as long as I’m around.” She pulls something out of her pocket and smiles as she waves a sheet of paper in the air. “I’m getting all the guys to sign her ticket, too. I figured you could frame it and hang it in her room.” I squeeze June to my chest and shake my head. The more she talks, the harder it gets to breathe. “She’s lucky to have you in her life. I’m lucky, too. I’m going to get you the biggest Nanny of the Year trophy for Christmas.” “Let’s get a photo,” she says, and she slides up next to me. I drape my arm around her and she rests her head in the crook of my shoulder as she pulls out her phone. “I’ll photoshop the trophy in.” “Say cheese, JB.” “Cheese!” she shrieks, and Maven takes the picture of the three of us when we’re mid-laugh. “That’s going to be a keeper,” I say.