The next morning, Deanna woke up to find herself in a hotel room. Clearly, Lance must have carried her back last night. The thought brought an inexplicable joy and sweetness to her heart.
Before she could dwell on her feelings, her attention was drawn to the silver ring on her hand. "Oh no, I forgot to return the ring yesterday," she exclaimed and got out of bed to find Lance.
As she moved, she felt a strange sensation in her heel. Looking down, she saw that the blister from wearing high heels the previous day had been covered with a band-aid. Though the band-aid had loosened overnight, Deanna felt deeply touched. She knew it must have been Lance who did it, and her heart warmed again.
After a quick wash, she left the room and saw Lance playing with the two children in the living room. "Mommy, you're up," Gregory greeted her with a bright smile.
Deanna smiled back and didn't forget to greet Lance as well. She then mentioned last night's events and thanked him politely, "Thank you for bringing us back last night."
"It was nothing," Lance replied, slightly frowning at her distant tone. He changed the subject, "Since you're up, let's go downstairs for breakfast."
Deanna nodded. During breakfast, she brought up the ring, "By the way, after the shoot yesterday, I forgot to return the ring. Could Xavier take me to Nacoco Company later?"
"Sure, we can go together," Lance responded.
Deanna was puzzled, "Mr. Mercer, do you have something to do there?"
Before Lance could answer, Chloe chimed in, "Mommy, you forgot! The bearded man said we could pick some negatives today. I want to choose some photos to show Great-grandma."
Deanna remembered this but felt a bit uncertain about Chloe's words. To be safe, she warned, "You can take the photos, but don't share them around."
Although both she and Lance knew the theme of yesterday's shoot was fake, others might misunderstand. The kids nodded in agreement despite their disappointment at being caught.
After breakfast, they headed to Nacoco Company. After returning the ring, they went to select negatives. It was Deanna and Lance's first time seeing the results of the shoot. Edward truly lived up to his reputation as a top photographer. Even unedited negatives were stunningly beautiful, exuding warmth and love.
Deanna felt particularly moved as she looked at each intimate photo of her and Lance. At that moment, she realized that something had changed between them, though she couldn't pinpoint when it started.
The kids were too engrossed in picking photos to notice their mommy's change in demeanor. "Uncle, which photo do you like best?" Chloe asked mischievously.
Lance glanced at her, understanding her little scheme. He looked up at the projection screen and his gaze lingered on a photo of him kissing Deanna. He felt a bit dazed. Though it was supposed to be a staged kiss, he had actually kissed her lips. Deanna had been too nervous to notice at the time. Recalling that brief sweet taste made his mouth dry.
"Uncle?" Chloe's voice brought him back to reality.
Lance smiled and said, "I like them all."
Gregory found this answer too perfunctory. "No way! Uncle has to choose one favorite."
His bright eyes looked expectantly at Lance, determined not to let him off the hook. Lance found it amusing but Deanna felt embarrassed and tried to stop Gregory, "Gregory, don't make trouble."
Gregory pouted unhappily. Lance quickly intervened, "It's okay; I don't think they're making trouble." He then looked at the kids and gave his answer, "My favorite is the third photo in the fourth row."
That photo showed him holding Gregory and Chloe with Deanna standing beside them, resembling a family portrait filled with happiness.
The kids were thrilled by his choice. "We like that one too! But my favorite is the one where Uncle kisses Mommy," Chloe said with a wink at Deanna and Lance.
Gregory nodded in agreement, "I like that one too."
Deanna almost choked on her own saliva at their words. Feeling a bit guilty, she glanced at Lance before scolding the kids lightly, "That was fake. Now focus on picking photos and stop messing around."