Fate || BENNIFER

Recording

Jennifer's P.O.V

The studio was filled with a symphony of sounds, laughter, chatter, and the occasional strumming of a guitar. It was my first day of recording at Capitol Records, and this time, there was an additional presence. I had brought Grace along for the journey. It was time to record the most emotional song on the album, "Let It Be Me", and I had sung to her from the beginning, so it would be just another moment of connection with her.

I stepped into the recording booth with her nestled snugly in a baby carrier against my chest, as I rocked my body gently whenever I was standing. She seemed as excited as I was, as she was cooing softly while her little hand peeked out from the carrier. She was just a newborn, and her wake-windows were still too short, but when she didn't sleep, she would always smile, make sounds, and be very active moving her arms and legs.

Being a working mother presented its challenges, but having Grace with me in the studio brought immeasurable joy. It wasn't only because I got to spend time with her, but also because I had the opportunity to share my passion for music with her from such an early age. The studio had become a place where I could harmonize my roles as a mother and as an artist. Long before, before the twins were born, I had made a conscious decision to embrace the challenges of balancing my career and motherhood, knowing that my music would always be intertwined with the joys and responsibilities of raising my children. I just didn't expect it to be so beautiful and rewarding.

I adjusted the headphones over my ears and glanced at the producer through the glass window of the control room. He gave me a nod, signaling that they were ready to begin. The room fell into a hushed silence, as if the universe itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the first notes that would escape my lips. I closed my eyes as the soft, melancholic tune resonated with my emotions, and I knew this song would touch the hearts of many.

With her eyes wide open, Grace seemed to be listening intently, as if she understood the depths that flowed through each note, even at such a tender age. As the final notes lingered, I placed my hand on her head and gazed into those innocent eyes, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

I glanced towards the control room through the glass window, and a smile illuminated my face as I spotted Ben entering the room.

"Look, daddy's here." I said in a baby voice.

My eyes met his, and he winked at me before mouthing the words "love you".

"That was incredible! The voice, the emotion, it's all there, it's perfect." The producer's voice resonated through the speakers, breaking the silence.

Ben walked into the recording booth, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"So, were you singing a song about me?" His voice filled with mock curiosity.

I couldn't help but laugh. I glanced down at our baby as he gently stroked her cheek, then back up at him.

"Actually, I was." My voice laced with tenderness.

I reached out, raising my arm to caress his beard gently.

"I can't wait to hear it." He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

He stayed for the second take, standing beside me. This time, Grace was in his arms. His presence alone brought much more sense to the moment. The producer gave me a subtle nod and I closed my eyes, allowing the music to envelop me, and I started singing, my voice intertwining with the melody. As the lyrics flowed, my closest sight being Ben, a tear escaped from the corner of my eye, tracing a path down my cheek. Ben's presence amplified the impact of the song.

As the song came to an end, the room was filled with a reverent silence. The producer offered a nod of approval. Ben and I stood there, our eyes locked in a tender gaze. He leaned in closer, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips lingering against my skin. Our breaths intertwined, creating an intimate dance in the air, as we leaned closer, our lips just inches apart. Time seemed to stand still as the world around us faded into the background, if only for a moment. I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to the moment, my lips parting slightly in anticipation. Our lips finally met in a gentle yet passionate kiss, a perfect blend of tenderness and desire.

When we slowly pulled away, we were met with the curious stare of our baby. Her wide eyes seemed to sparkle with a mix of awe and confusion, as if trying to comprehend what she had just witnessed. Ben and I couldn't help but laugh at her cute reaction.