Three months later.
Kassie was editing photos at the kitchen table when Lee came in through the back door. It was nearly ten at night, and he looked exhausted. He’d been at Madison’s mom’s house all evening after working a school shoot that morning.
The fall season had been busier than expected, and all three of her kids had risen to the challenge. Marie had turned out to be a natural—quick, efficient, with an eye for lighting that surprised even Jessica. The boys had caught on fast too. Aaron had a knack for making even the grumpiest middle schoolers smile, and Lee had developed a calm, patient approach that worked especially well with the younger kids. Kassie had gotten compliments from multiple principals about her team’s professionalism.
“Hey,” Lee said, dropping his keys on the cou
