Page 16 of Then You Came Along

“You’re exactly right,” she tells me. “So, what’s the plan for the weekend?”

“Sex, sex, and more sex,” I reply, trying hard to hide the smirk on my face.

“Nice try, lover boy.” She smirks back at me, and I wink at her.

“Can’t fault a man for trying.”

“No, no, you can’t. Now, what’s really on the agenda?”

“I don’t really have anything planned. I just wanted to spend the weekend together. Maybe we can catch a movie. Is there anywhere you’d like to go or do?”

“I think the weather is supposed to be crappy tomorrow, so a movie sounds perfect. We can be lazy and spend the morning in bed, grab some lunch and a movie in the afternoon, and then come back home for dinner. Just relax…and if you’re good, spend the evening in bed.”

“I like your plan. Especially the hours dedicated to being in bed.”

Chapter Ten

CAM

I’ve settled really wellinto my job and living here in Nashville. Making the move here a few months ago was the perfect new start for me, both professionally and personally. Meeting Ethan within a few days of moving here also didn’t hurt. We’ve been almost inseparable since, having spent very few nights apart since we started dating. For as long as I mourned losing Ben, and at times, not thinking that I could find someone new to love, I will never regret moving on with Ethan. Ben made me promise him that I would one day find love again, and I feel like I’ve fulfilled that promise.

The anniversary of Ben’s death is tomorrow, and I can feel the melancholy starting to seep in. Every year, the sadness and grief hit me like a ton of bricks.

As I lay in bed, I can hear the rain pelting against the windows. The weather fits my mood perfectly. All I want to do is lay in bed and wallow in my grief, cry, and remember all the should-have-been moments that Ben and I never got to experience. I reach for the box of tissues I have on my nightstand as the tears start to fall down my cheeks. It’s then I notice a card propped up against the lamp, with my name scrawled in Ethan’s handwriting.

Cam,

I know this weekend is going to be hard for you, but I want you to know I’m here for you in any way you need me to be. If you need me to hold you while you soak my shirt in tears, I’m your guy. You need me to take you out and get you drunk, I’m your man. You need to have a girls’ night, well, then I’m not your man, but I’ll keep Carson company while you and Holly go out. You’ve become very important to me in these past few months, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.

Text me once you’re up for the day and we can meet for lunch, if you’re up to it. If you need me for anything today, call me. I’ll see you for sure tonight, so decide what kind of evening you need, and I’ll make it happen.

All my love,

Ethan

The tears that had started before I read his card are now falling even harder. How I managed to find this man, I’ll never know. Some might call it fate, but I believe that Ben somehow sent Ethan to me. He knew I’d have a hard time moving on, and yet it was my willingness to finally step foot in a tattoo shop, to get my tattoo for Ben, that brought me into Ethan’s world. I set the card back on the nightstand, grabbing the box of tissues while I just let the tears fall. They are a mixture of sorrow, butalso happiness. Sorrow for Ben and happiness for having Ethan in my life.

Once I stop the cryfest long enough to dry my face and blow my nose, I grab my phone to send Ethan a text.

Cam

Hey, thank you for the card. I just found it a few minutes ago.

Ethan

How are you doing this morning? I wish I could be home with you all day today.

Cam

I’ve had my first good cry of the day, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Ethan

Do you want to meet for lunch?

Cam

Maybe? What time will you be free?

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