Fate || BENNIFER

Unfiltered Beauty

Jennifer's P.O.V

Having the props brought home had been a great idea. That way, the kids could be part of the experience and feel included while they also had some fun together. A white background had been set in the living room, very close to the window walls that allowed us to see the beautiful day outside in the backyard. My longtime photographer was so kind to come, bringing with him everything he would've used in his studio. I knew we were in safe and trustworthy hands.

Making them sit still for a picture would've been impossible. Instead, we let them play with the confetti and the rose petals in their matching outfits to capture the most real and natural moments. Even Lola sneaked into the shot, excitedly licking their faces, earning giggles and laughs.

But it is well known that kids get bored very easily, so when they took their game somewhere else, we took our photo shoot to a more intimate level. Some of the pictures I would post on social media the week after.

I sat on the bed in front of my laptop and stared at the photos I had just received from my photographer. I couldn't help but smile as I remembered how I had decided that there was no better way to capture the beauty of new life than to embrace nakedness. It was a symbol of vulnerability, and of the strength of a woman's body.

Looking at the images, I could see the love and tenderness we had for each other, and I remembered how connected I felt with Ben every second of the shoot. The days after, however, something was different. I just couldn't tell what.

In one of my favorite pictures, Ben stood behind me, kissing my shoulder as we cradled my belly together. One of his hands rested on mine while the other was strategically placed on my body, covering just enough.

As I hit "post", I felt a wave of vulnerability wash over me. I knew that not everyone would understand the unfiltered beauty of the pictures, nor the significance of the moment. But I also knew that the outpouring of love and support from the fans would far outweigh any negativity, and I owed them that as they too were part of my life.

"What is the reason for that smile?" He always knew when to make his entrance. "And why isn't it me?"

He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close for a loving embrace.

"Actually..." I turned the laptop so he could see what was making me smile like a fool.

"That's hot..." He said as he leaned in to provocatively kiss my neck.

"Don't say that." I laughed. "I just posted them."

"Like on social media?" He asked in a funny tone.

"Like for everyone to see. It's very public now." I giggled. "The world has seen it before you. If only you had been here."

"I'm here now." He said softly. "And I'll make sure you are very aware of it."

He sat on his knees and without a word, he slipped off his shirt, revealing his bare chest. His lips were persuasive, almost as much as his hands, but, was that enough at that point?

"I'm too pregnant for this." I pulled back.

"Too pregnant for sex?" He asked surprised. But his tone was far from serious.

"Too pregnant for anything." I said.

"Don't be silly, okay? You're very hot." He reached for my lips. "Hotter than I deserve." He said making me laugh.