Page 75 of Camden

Stacey was a nervous wreck when we had dinner with their mom. Not that she had anything to worry about. Luanne just wanted the best for her kids. She wanted them to find the kind of love that she didn’t have. A true, happy, all-consuming love.Her words.Luanne was just happy that Stacey was being true to herself.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

“I know. That means so much more than you could ever know. I’m glad Cam found you. He’s like a different person.”

I glanced at her. “What do you mean?”

“He’s still the same fun-loving Cam, don’t get me wrong, but he’s softer now. More open. I can’t help but think you had something to do with that.”

“I didn’t want to change him.” I sat the knife down and grabbed a kitchen towel to wipe my hands off.

“I know. But I believe that in the right relationship, you grow as a person. You become who you’re meant to be because of the support you get from someone loving you unconditionally. You do that for Cam. You give him the space to be more vulnerable. So, thank you.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Tears pricked the back of my eyes. Stacey was a bonus to my relationship with Cam. I didn’t just get him. I got his whole family. I prayed that it worked out between us because I don’t know if I could lose them.

“You don’t have to say anything. Just know I love you for how you love him.” She wrapped her arms around me. I pulled back when the kitchen door opened.

Cam stopped just inside. “I thought I told you that Stephanie was mine.” He cocked a brow, but his cheek twitched.

“It’s only a matter of time before she figures out I’m the better James.”

“I don’t think you have the right parts to please her. Sorry, Sis.” Cam joked as he tucked me against his side. His hard stomach flexed under my touch.

“I don’t know. Meghan seems to like my parts just fine.”

“Speaking of Meghan. She just pulled up. You might want to go save her before they can swarm,” he joked.

“Shit.” She strode past us, slapping my ass as she left. Cam growled. Stacey’s laughter faded as the screen door shut behind her.

“Hey, babe,” Cam said as he moved me to stand in front of him. “What was all of that about? Why do you look like you’re ready to cry.”

“Nothing bad, I promise. Just a little heart-to-heart.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

“Okay. Should we start carrying this all outside? I think everyone is finally here.” Cam put his hands on his hips as he surveyed the bowls of food stacked along the counter. “I think you might have outdone yourself.”

I’d felt pressure to make sure everything was perfect. This was the first time that anyone, other than the two of us, had been on the river property. I knew Cam wanted everyone to love it as much as he did.

Well, as much as we both did.

When Mason and Asher had shown up earlier with Rylie and Haley, I sent Cam outside to show them around and get the tables set up. Rylie and Haley popped in, and I gave them a tour of the cabin before sending them back outside to enjoy the weather. It wasn’t as humid today, just eighty and sunny.

A rarity at this point in the summer.

“I wanted to make sure we had enough.” I smiled at him as he grabbed a couple of items. “Hey, Cam?”

“Yeah, sweets?” He stopped in the doorway. His gorgeous blues were filled with happiness. I was so freaking glad he didn’t give up on me. That he didn’t stop pursuing me when most men would’ve.

“I love you.” I grabbed another bowl and walked up to him. Going up on my toes, I pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

“Love you more.”

Cam pushed open the screen door, and we walked out. I sat my bowls on the picnic table that had been set up in the yard, covered in the classic red and white checkered fabric. Several coolers lay in the grass a few feet away filled with beer, water, and soda. It was only two in the afternoon, but I knew everyone had planned to spend the afternoon on the river.

Cam bought several tubes we tied together in one giant raft. Stacey, Haley, Rylie, Meghan, and I planned to float in the water while the guys talked about their upcoming fishing trip and played a few games of cornhole.

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