New Lives (A Nathan Gardner Story)

Chapter 24 - Photoshoot

Authors note:  Not gonna lie - this is fluff and I didn't even proofread it. I just wanted to post it.  Special thanks to fantasist-futurist on tumblr and downeygem for inspiration!

Arlen began setting things into motion almost immediately. He was on the phone several times a day calling in favors and making new connections. While Nathan and Sydney were at the cabin, he arranged their engagement photos with a friend of his.

"So many couples want to wait until spring to do their shoots. Everyone wants to be outside posing on beaches or under trees…some want to be at the zoo…I can't thank you enough for saving me from stepping in various, um, gifts from nature. That being said, I'm very excited about what the two of you have agreed to and I promise you something that will bring smiles to your faces every time you look at them."

"Quite a speech," Nathan chuckled, "but you came very highly recommended…"

"By me!" Arlen shouted from across the room. "Stephanie is a wonder behind a lens!"

"We believe you, sweetie," Sydney said, smiling brightly. She turned to Stephanie. "I am curious though, wardrobe changes? And in a particular order? I haven't done anything like that since I had senior pictures taken in high school."

Stephanie smirked, the look playful. "From what Arlen has told me, you two aren't exactly the 'stuffy type' that I keep getting stuck with, so I had a few ideas. Trust me?"

"Let's go." They piled into a shuttle that Stephanie used and began their trek around the city. Nathan and Sydney clueless about the destinations.

"All right kids, first outfits, please." Nathan and Sydney grabbed their first set of garment bags and followed Stephanie and Arlen through an alley and up small set of steps. She led them to a room where they could change as she went to stage an area for them.

"Secretive, huh?" Nathan asked. "I can't tell where we are. All back streets and…a back entrance I'm guessing."

"Just go for the ride," Arlen said, as he touched up Sydney's make up and hair. "I told her loads about you two and the day is…just…I'm gonna get this girl on the map and you lovebirds are gonna help."

"I can't tell if I'm nervous or excited," Sydney said, looking in a small hand mirror. "I can say I love what you do to this hair, Arlen."

"One day you will learn the art of a round brush, honey." He looked at them and beamed. Sydney was in a black pencil skirt and red v-neck sweater, her hair in big, loose curls. Nathan wore black pants and a white button down shirt, a red tie that matched Sydney's sweater, and his glasses. He led them out of the room and up a flight of steps.

"The library," Sydney said, her voice airy. They turned a corner and an area was waiting for them. "Oooh…"

Special lighting illuminated piles of books, a vintage sofa in the middle of them all. Nathan took Sydney's hand and they made their way to the literary wonderland. With very little direction from Stephanie the couple started to interact with one another and the tomes surrounding them. Laughing, smiling, occasionally kissing, shot after shot told a story. Stephanie only stopped when she took what she called the "ultimate shot."

"Come see," she said, waving the couple over. She turned her laptop around and Nathan smiled instantly. It was simple and it was "them." Nathan was sitting up, open book pressed against his chest. Sydney had kicked off her heels and stretched out on the couch, her head on his lap, Nathan looking down at her over the top of his glasses. She had only a shadow of a smile on her face, but her happiness was clear and the affection in Nathan's eyes was one of the most genuine looks she'd ever seen on her clients.