Their Perfect Picture: Sneak Peek!

Their Perfect Picture has been sent to my editor! You’ll be able to purchase it soon. Until then, check out the first chapter below. Keep in mind I just sent it to the editor, so it is unedited.

Chapter 1

Logan

Logan turned the corner onto the cul-de-sac and looked at his house. Looking at the last house on the road, a sense of pride washed over him. He knew it was a little extreme to buy a new house as soon as he learned Phaedra was pregnant. He just couldn’t help himself.  They smoothed out their differences and agreed to take things one day at a time. But, buying a house seemed like the smart thing to do.

He had chosen to live in Connecticut because it was easy for him to commute to work. It seemed like a better idea for them to raise a child in the suburbs. Sure, there were probably suburbs in and around New York that they could settle down in, but Phaedra loved Connecticut. Through her eyes, Logan loved it too.
They bought a nice five-bedroom house. Phaedra thought it was too big. Logan was secretly hoping for a dog and another baby soon. He decided it was wise not t0 share that part with Phaedra. Not yet. He spun her story about resale values, home offices, and photography studios.
All of that was true, but growing the family was high on his hidden agenda. Logan knew mentioning that during her first pregnancy might be a bad idea.

 He opened the garage door and drove inside. When he came in the house, he didn’t smell any food which was odd. For some reason during her nesting phase, Phaedra had been cooking more and more. Not that Logan was complaining. He liked to cook sometimes too. This was the first time that he had come in without even smelling takeout. Something must be up.

He walked in the house, called Phaedra’s name, and got no response. River sneered at him as she walked by. She hopped on to her cat tree where she liked to perch and judge him. He had gotten used to her judgments by now and patted her on the head as he passed.

Nothing could have prepared him for what he found in the living room. Phaedra sat in the middle of the floor, legs splayed, surrounded by what looked like one hundred bridal magazines.

“Is everything alright in here? It looks like a bridal shop exploded.”

“Everything is fine. I just really have to start planning for this wedding.” Logan wasn’t sure.

Logan wasn’t sure how to respond to that. They hadn’t discussed the wedding at all. He thought her focus would be on the baby. With her due in just a few months, that was all Logan had been able to think about. He wasn’t even sure how she was able to get down on the floor in that position to begin with. Her pregnant belly was enormous. Not that he would ever say that to her. But she complained about it all the time. She had trouble getting off the couch, he was sure he would have to help her get off the floor. Phaedra did look cute sitting there with her brows knitted, chewing her bottom lip. The last thing that Logan wanted was for something to stress Phaedra. Maybe there was some way he could help.

“I didn’t know we were planning a wedding. Tell me what you want me to do.”

Phaedra sighed and rolled her eyes. “You didn’t know we are planning a wedding? I’m seven months pregnant with your child and we’re engaged. We just moved into this great big house, but you didn’t think we should be planning a wedding?”

Phaedra’s tone alone was enough to set off alarm bells. Logan had seen enough hostile witnesses in the courtroom to know that he was dealing with one today. He was going to have to tread very carefully if he wanted to make it out of this conversation unscathed.

“You’re right. We have a wedding to plan. I didn’t realize we were starting the planning today.” That had to be a safe enough response.

Phaedra glared at him “We have to start today because we’re behind schedule. This should have been planned already. I don’t know what I’m going to do. There’s so many things to pin down and we’re not anywhere near prepared.”

“I will do whatever I can to make this easier on you. I think we should start with a snack. I always work better with brain food. When’s the last time you ate?”

“It’s not important.”

“Ms. Sparks, I don’t want to argue with you. As an expectant mother, I think you know how important it is to eat regularly. Plus, you’re always in a great mood after you eat.”

“Are you saying I’m not in a great mood now?”

Logan dodged that landmine like he was in an action movie. “Not at all. But watching you eat makes me happy.”

This was bad. If Phaedra wasn’t eating that meant she was really engrossed in this project. Logan saw her do that at a time or two when she had a big photography job. Nothing was worse than a hungry fiancé. Well, maybe a hungry pregnant fiancé. Phaedra wasn’t any fun when she was hungry before she got pregnant. If Logan didn’t feed her soon, this whole evening would fly off the rails.

“How do you feel about pizza? Even if you’re not hungry right now by the time the pizza gets here, you might be.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Okay, so let’s talk toppings. I’m thinking Italian sausage, green peppers, and black olives. Is that still your favorite?”

“It definitely is, so I want one of those. Can we also get a pizza with white garlic sauce, and spinach and mushrooms?”

“Sure. I don’t mind switching things up on the pizza front. As a matter fact, I might even get you a tasty surprise.”

“What kind of surprise?” Phaedra asked from the floor eyes wide.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. While we wait for the food, would you like some water?”

“Don’t say that,” Phaedra shrieked.

Logan nearly leaped out of his skin when she shrieked. “Don’t say what?”

“The ‘W’ word.  I’ve had to pee for twenty minutes, but I can’t get up by myself. I’ve been trapped here waiting for someone to save me,” Phaedra said averting her eyes.

Logan bit back a laugh. It wouldn’t do to laugh in her face right now, but it was hilarious. He had wondered how this worked and now he knew. She got down there and got stuck. This wasn’t the first time. He simply nodded to her and walked around behind her. He hooked his forearms under her armpits. Phaedra leaned back, planting her feet firmly on the ground. When Logan lifted her, she pushed off. After a flurry of movement, she was on her feet. Before he could speak she scampered off down the hall into the bathroom. Poor Phaedra. Being pregnant must be tough.