Page 74 of Camden

Which I did.

Mason was essentially my brother. The closest thing I had to one, anyway.

“Sounds like fun. But how is that sort of your place?”

“I might have bought some property with a cabin on the River.”

“Really?” Mason did nothing to mask his surprise.

“Yeah. Only Steph knows about it, but I thought we could have a day out there.”

He took a sip of his water before speaking slowly, “Okay. Why didn’t you tell me?”

I rolled my tongue around before sighing. “Honestly? Because I wasn’t ready to tell anyone the reason I could afford it.” He cocked his head to the side, one brow raised. “You know my sperm-donors parents?”

“The two that showed up after his trial?”

“Yeah.”

“What about them? Did they give you the property?”

I shook my head. We stopped walking before we hit the stands and looked over the field where the team was warming up. “Nah. They gave me and Stacey some inheritance they had saved forhim.”

“Inheritance sounds like more than just a little money.”

“It was enough to purchase about thirty acres on the River.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah.”

He turned toward me, eyes assessing. “You know I wouldn’t look at you differently for having some money.”

“I know. But, it almost felt wrong taking the money. Like they were somehow paying us off for all the shit he did, you know?”

He rubbed his jaw. “I get that. If you have the property, why are you still living in your house?”

“I was planning on fixing up the cabin and making it bigger for when I decide to have a family.”

Mason chuckled and slapped the back of my shoulder. “Sounds like you’re well on your way, brother.”

“I sure as hell hope so.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

STEPHANIE

“How the heckdid he hide this from me?” Stacey muttered. She spun in a circle, taking in the small cabin by the river while I put some drinks in the freezer. I absolutely loved this cabin. The few times Cam and I had come out here together, I’d grown to adore it. It wasn’t big. Just two bedrooms, a small bathroom, kitchen, and living area.

There was no cable hooked up or Wi-Fi. When we found time to come out here, we were truly unplugged. Only a few places had cell service, otherwise, that was practically non-existent as well. We’d sit on the dock, talk, and laugh. I swear I’d fallen more in love with him in this space.

Cam seemed so much more relaxed when we were out here. It reminded him of all the good moments in his childhood. Memories that didn’t include his dad and the hate he spewed. I think that’s partially why he kept its existence so close to the vest, but I was glad he finally shared this with his family and friends.

“I’ve been telling him that he needed to tell you.”

“I knew I liked you.” She winked and I laughed.

“Thanks for coming this week,” she said as she stopped spinning and joined me at the counter as I cut up cucumbers and tomatoes for the salad. She leaned her hip against it and stole a piece, popping it in her mouth.

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