The original Facebook post offered new Halloween themes for family portraits. Ruth was offering fifty percent off for first time buyers. It was no secret Halloween was my favorite holiday and Ben and I hadn’t had a picture taken with the new kids.. Well, since….. never.
He toted them to the car one by one and I followed behind, buckled each one in and then scooted to the middle of the station wagon’s front seat so I could be as close to Ben as possible and still see the kids in the rearview.
“Babe, they’re not glowing,” he could barely hear me over the blinker.
“Not yet,” he smiled, his hands slid over the steering wheel as we made the last turn.
Ruth stood waiting in the dark, her equipment set up and ready for the shoot. She encouraged a pose, handed me a rabbit skull, and placed two of my kids on each side of me; Jack-A, Jack-B, Jack-C and Jack-O.
“Beautiful children,” her voice quivered.
Ben stood proudly behind her as she snapped our pictures. He rubbed his chin for a moment then pointed a finger towards the sky. “I have an idea.”
“Ruth, give us a moment to work with the kids. They’re not smiling as they should. My wife will not be pleased unless they’re happy.” Ben said.
He took a knife and gave them eyes, a nose, and a big beautiful smile that lit up with fire. “Now, there.”
Ruth’s body shook with nervousness as the shoot came to an end. “Mr. and Mrs. Lantern, there’ll be no charge, on the house. I’ll send you the pictures as soon as they’re developed,” she gathered her equipment and ran to her car.
Leesa Writes 