Chapter 4: Family Portrait
1267 Words
The crisp autumn morning breeze rattled the orange and gold leaves outside Harrington Manor as Ethan stood in the grand hallway, smoothing his tie. Today was the day of the annual school “Family Portrait” fundraiser—an event Sophie had circled on her calendar with a pink marker and a heart. He’d promised her a perfect family picture, and every instinct in him ached that Celeste wouldn’t show.
He heard soft footsteps behind him and turned to find Lexi descending the staircase. She wore a tailored burgundy coat over a simple knit dress; her chestnut waves framed her face. In one hand she carried Sophie’s hand-knit sweater, in the other a small tote of props: a “Best Mom Ever” mug, a framed chalkboard sign, and a vase of daisies Sophie had arranged.
Sophie bounded down after her. “Lexi! You brought Mom stuff!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her.
Lexi scooped her up in a hug. “For our portrait, sweetie. We’re going to look perfect.”
Ethan closed the distance, his heart unexpectedly tight at how naturally they fit together. “Thank you,” he said to Lexi. “You didn’t have to go that far.”
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Sophie’s face. “She deserves something to believe in.”
They made their way to the car in companionable silence. Sophie chattered about selecting the perfect spot under the oak tree, while Lexi handed Ethan a steaming travel mug of coffee.
“Best. Mom. Ever,” Sophie read from the mug, giggling.
Ethan sipped gratefully. “I’ll drink to that.”
At Pine Grove Elementary, the courtyard bustled with activity: volunteers arranging chalk-painted frames on easels, photographers testing lighting, and parents corralling wiggling children. Ethan spotted Miss Chen directing traffic in a bright yellow scarf and waved.
He guided Lexi and Sophie to the staging area—a semicircle of wooden stools under a sprawling oak. A photographer stood before them, adjusting his camera. A long queue of families waited behind.
The photographer tapped his watch. “Ready when you are—next family to the mat.”
Ethan cleared his throat. “Let’s get into position.” He placed Sophie on a small stool in the center, then stepped beside her, planting a paternal hand on her shoulder. Lexi, following an unspoken cue, knelt on the other side.
“Perfect,” the photographer instructed. “Now, Sophie—look at Mommy. Mommy—give Sophie a hug.”
Lexi wrapped an arm around Sophie, drawing her close. Sophie leaned into Lexi, and Ethan’s heart swelled at the genuine tenderness between them. The photographer’s shutter clicked once, twice.
Then he called softly, “Daddy, lean in. Lexi, tilt your head toward Ethan—like you’re a real family.”
Ethan glanced at Lexi; she offered him a reassuring nod. He dropped to one knee behind Sophie, resting a hand on Lexi’s back. Their heads formed a gentle triangle. Sophie beamed, clutching the chalkboard sign that read: Harrington Family, 2025.
Another series of clicks followed. The photographer stepped back. “Got it—beautiful. Next family!”
As the group dispersed, Ethan remained kneeling for a beat too long, studying the image they’d just created: a perfect tableau of domestic bliss. His throat felt tight, torn between relief and guilt. He hadn’t expected it to feel so… real.
Lexi rose first, brushing imaginary dust from her knees. She glanced back at him, concern flickering in her eyes. “Are you okay?”
He took a steadying breath, standing. “I am.” He met Sophie’s excited, trusting gaze. “Thank you, Lexi. For everything today.”
She smiled warmly. “Anything for Sophie.”
As they gathered Sophie’s things to head back inside, Ethan realized this charade was already giving his daughter memories she’d treasure—and giving him something he thought he’d lost: hope that a family could be more than just blood.
The warmth from the portrait session still lingered in Ethan’s chest as he gathered Sophie’s coat and backpack. Lexi hovered at his side, smoothing Sophie’s scarf and smiling at the girl’s rosy cheeks. For a fleeting moment, it felt like they truly were a family.
“Let’s grab some hot chocolate before school, okay?” Ethan suggested, slipping an arm around Sophie’s shoulders. Sophie nodded enthusiastically.
They approached the refreshment table where volunteers ladled steaming mugs topped with whipped cream. As Ethan handed Sophie her cup, his phone buzzed with an urgent text:
“We need to talk. Now. –C”
His heart dropped. Celeste’s single initial—always meant to unsettle him—flashed on the screen. He slipped away, hoping it was a mistaken message.
In a quiet corner by the school’s front gate, Ethan dialed. “Celeste?”
The line crackled. Her voice, smooth and controlled, answered: “I saw your little photo shoot today.”
His jaw clenched. “What do you want?”
A soft, mocking laugh: “Is she happy? Is your latest…companion…treating her well? Or is this another stunt?”
Ethan’s grip tightened on the phone. “Back off, Celeste. She’s doing exactly what I asked.”
She sighed theatrically. “Don’t get defensive. Just curious how long this charade will last.”
He took a breath, refusing to rise to her bait. “It’s for Sophie. End of story.”
“I’ll be watching,” she said, then hung up.
Ethan stared at his phone, fury and shame warring inside him. He tucked it away and rejoined Lexi and Sophie, who were comparing whipped-cream mustaches.
“Everything okay?” Lexi asked, noting his tension.
He forced a nod. “Just…family drama.” He managed a tight smile. “Let’s head in.”
That evening, after Sophie was tucked into bed clutching Honey, Ethan paced his study while Lexi organized the day’s photos on his desk. The framed “Family, 2025” shot sat beside his laptop, gleaming in the lamp’s glow.
“Celeste called,” he admitted, voice low but blunt. “She doesn’t approve of our arrangement.”
Lexi paused, looking up. “Does she know I’m not…really your wife?” she asked softly.
He shook his head. “No. But she’ll find out eventually. You handled today beautifully, but this isn’t without risks.”
She closed the laptop and set her hands on the desk. “I know the risks. But Sophie needs stability—and so do you.” Her gaze met his squarely, unflinching. “I didn’t sign up to hurt anyone. I signed up to help.”
A pang of gratitude—and something softer—tugged at Ethan’s heart. He took a step closer. “Thank you, Lexi. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She inclined her head, a small smile touching her lips. “You’ll never have to find out.”
He reached for her hand, their fingers intertwining briefly. Then he withdrew, mindful of boundaries. “Get some rest. We’ll need to be at our best for the holiday concert next week.”
She gathered her satchel. “Of course. Good night, Ethan… and Sophie.”
As Lexi slipped into the hall, Ethan exhaled, staring at the photograph again. The perfect family image felt more real—and more fragile—than ever. Celeste’s threat lingered like a shadow over their bright new memories. But with Lexi by his side, Ethan resolved to face whatever came next—for Sophie’s sake, and for the first time in years, for his own.
- Writer
