Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,126

you.” I can hear the relief in his voice. “I’ve read a few books and looked online, but I don’t have the first clue as to what this kid is going to need.”

“Well, we can start with the easy stuff. You’re going to need a crib, dresser, changing table,” I tick each item off one by one. “Do you have a rocking chair?”

His eyes are huge as he shakes his head no. “Add that to the list.”

He motions to my hand where I have my fingers raised. Instead, I hold my hand out. “Let me see your phone.” Evan reaches into the back pocket of those Levi’s I was just drooling over and hands it over.

“Do you have a task list?” I ask, even though I’m already searching his phone. Finding what I need, I tap the icon and make a new list. I title it “Baby Chamberlin.” This brings another question. “Have you decided? Do you want to know what you’re having?”

“I don’t have a strong feeling either way. I just want him or her to be healthy. I can’t ask for much more than that.”

His honest, heartfelt confession has me swooning. Misty’s an idiot, plain and simple, no other way to describe her.

I tap away on the app, adding a checklist of items I know he’s going to need. When I’m finished, there are at least twenty items shining bright on the screen as I hand it back to him. I watch as he reads through the list and finally his eyes meet mine. “You said you would help me, right?”

“Yes, but I need my studio ready beforehand.”

“Let’s do this. What’s next?” I instruct him on the blinds and he gets to work. I would love to say I work just as diligently right along beside him, but that would be lying. Instead, I make a halfhearted effort. I spend the rest of the time stealing glances at him. I think it’s a rite of passage that all little sisters have a crush on their brother’s best friend. Time has been good to Evan. He’s going to make some girl one hell of a husband someday. This baby is lucky to have him.

Even with my slacking, Evan and I are able to finish all of the last-minute projects in the studio. “This place looks great,” Evan says as he hangs the final blind.

“Thanks. I’m fortunate to have the space. I’m excited to get started, but I didn’t want a studio in town. I don’t want to have structured hours. I want to be able to plan shoots on location. Next week, I’m shooting an eight-year-old’s birthday party. Her parents are buying her a horse and they want me to be there to capture it all.” I stop my rambling to turn and look at Evan. He’s watching me with rapt attention, a grin lighting his face. “That’s what I love about photography, capturing life’s moments. Studio work is great and necessary for some shoots, but I don’t want that to be my main focus. I want to be able to be there to capture memories for my clients.”

Evan is still watching me and I can feel my face heat with embarrassment. I just rambled on and he let me.

He takes a few steps forward, and suddenly, he’s standing in front of me. I have to tilt my head back to look up at him. His chocolate eyes are boring into me as he lifts his hand as if he’s going to touch me, but then drops it. “Will you do that for me? Help me capture memories for my baby. I’m going to be both mom and dad, and I don’t want to forget to take pictures and videos while getting wrapped up in being both parents. I’m going to need you there to help me catch it all.”

I know he’s talking about me taking pictures, but from the intense look on his face, it feels like something more than that—something I can’t describe and don’t know if I really want to. Today has been filled with simple touches and looks. Obviously, I’m attracted to him. How could I not be?

Taking a step back, I nod. “Absolutely. I would love to take pictures for you.” Taking another step back, the distance eases the thickness of the air between us. “Thanks for your help today.” I offer him a smile.

“You’re welcome. You feel like going to the store? I don’t know that I’ll buy anything today, but I would