"So, I've decided..." Joe announced, striding into the lounge where Rachel was playing on the new plush carpet whilst Rebecca read Seb a story. "I think we should have a family portrait."
Rebecca tilted her head, confused.
"Like old houses have?"
"Well, you can't get much older than this place. Besides, it'll be good to get some professional shots."
"So we can compete with the Royals?" Rebecca suggested.
"Ah! You saw through my cunning plan!" teased Joe, flopping down next to her on the sofa. Rachel shuffled around and attempted to pull herself up.
"Come here, beautiful." Joe picked her up, settling her on his knee.
"Family portraits? Isn't that a bit..."
"Weird? Well, maybe, yeah, but I'm not suggesting a big portrait of us over the sideboard in oil. Just some simple family shots. On the stairs, outside, on the terrace."
Rebecca considered.
"I'm not good at taking photos."
"We'll get someone. A professional," Joe assured her. "I want everyone to know how much I love you. You're my family. We're a proper family. So let's tell the world."
"You're not selling the pictures, are you?"
"No," Joe chuckled. "I mean as much as I'm sure some of the villagers would love to have a picture of my face that they could throw darts at — no. Just for us."
Rebecca leaned against his shoulder.
"In that case, let's do it."
"Really? I don't want to put you under any pressure."
"Nope. Gotta make the most of my memory, whilst it lasts," Rebecca replied, her tone bittersweet.
Joe held her close. He didn't like to think about that. He lived for every moment with his wife, knowing that her condition would only worsen. It was a horrible thing to contend with, but worse for Rebecca, he knew.
"Hey, none of that. I'm here." He kissed her head. "We've got two amazing kids and I am never letting you go. Mrs Tate."
Rebecca smiled, glancing at him.
"I love you too."
…
A/N: This story overlaps with Second Chances. Chapters 9–11 of that story are next in chronological order.