“Mommy? Can I take my picture of daddy into bed with me tonight? I miss him lots today too.”

Chelsie nodded and handed Leilani her pajamas before sending her off to the bathroom to change and brush her teeth. She pulled the covers back and fluffed up the pink and purple pillows, then turned to pull Mark’s photo off the bookshelf. Chelsie slowly traced her fingers across the glass. She remembered the exact moment the photo had been taken. She recalled how his black curls tossed in the breeze, how good he smelled, how her hand felt in his.

“Shall we take a walk?”

“I think we need to. That was the biggest cinnamon bun I’ve ever seen!” Chelsie moaned. “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!”

“You loved it.” Mark teased.

“Yeah, I did, but you’re the one who’s gonna have to lift me, remember?”

Mark paused, with a serious look on his face. “Yeah…maybe we better split it next time.”

“Hey!” Chelsie pushed him away from her with a shove to his shoulder. “Jerk!”

“You said it first.” Mark rubbed his shoulder. “Ow, that hurt.”

“Good.” Chelsie pouted.

“Come here.” Mark wound his arm around her neck and pulled her close. “You’re as light as a feather. I’m just teasing.”

Chelsie looked up and could see he was serious. “I’m sorry for hitting. It’s because I have little brothers. It’s like my first instinct.”

“It’s all good. I have older sisters, I’m used to being the punching bag.”

They strolled along the boardwalk hand in hand taking in all the tourist sites of the beach area.

“This is nice, but it’s nothing like home.” Mark commented as they walked. “Have you ever been to Hawaii?”

“No.” Chelsie admitted. “I’ve been all around the States, and England, but not there.”

“You have to go sometime. I can show you around if you come to Honolulu.” Mark promised.

“I’d like that.” Chelsie smiled back at him.

They settled into a comfortable silence as they watched the sun begin to set on the beach. Chelsie let her head rest on Mark’s shoulder and let out a huge yawn.

“We should be getting back. We’ve got rehearsals first thing.” Mark said, glancing at his watch.

“Yeah, I guess. It’s been a crazy day.” Chelsie shoved her hands in the pocket of her sweatshirt. “Oh hey, Mark? Can I take a picture of you here on the beach? For my memory book when I get home.”

Mark laughed. “Sure, if you want. How about if I lean against this tree?” He let his shoulder rest against the palm tree and crossed his arms. “How’s that?”

“Perfect. You could smile though.” She teased. “You look like a male model pouting over there.”

“Just take the picture.”

Chelsie raised the camera again and pushed the shutter just as Mark flashed her a dazzling smile.

“Mommy, I’m ready. Mommy!”

Leilani’s shout raised Chelsie out of her reverie. “I’m sorry honey, I was just…”

“Thinking about daddy.” Leilani finished for her.

“Yeah.” Chelsie smiled apologetically. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t paying attention, hun.”

Leilani climbed into her bed and buried herself under the covers, rearranging her stuffed toys and dolls before she emerged, flopping her head down dramatically on the pillows. “I’m ready.”

“Drama queen.” Chelsie teased. “Do you want a story?”

“Tell me about when daddy called you princess again.”

“Again?” Chelsie leaned over and bumped heads with her daughter. “I’ve told you that a million times.”

“Again!” Leilani demanded.

“Do you know what you look like with that dress on?”

“Some demented debutante from a prom gone bad?” Chelsie answered, staring at her skewed makeup in the mirror. “I hope this looks okay on stage. It looks kind of funny here.”

Mark took her hand and slowly spun her around, ending with her facing him. He simply stared at her for a few moments until Chelsie lightly slapped his face. “That’s weird, Mark, stop it.”

“You look like the most beautiful princess.” He blurted out.

“You. Are. Crazy.”

“And you are gorgeous. Ready to dance, princess?”

“You do look like a princess, mommy.” Leilani confirmed.

“Aw, thank you sweetie.” Chelsie kissed her forehead, then each cheek, and then her lips. “Here’s your picture, do you want it under the pillow?”

“No.” Leilani wrapped her arms around the frame and held it close to her chest. “I want it on my heart.”