Page 30 of A Heart in Bloom

They laughed and sampled, comparing notes for half an hour. Cammie paused over the lemon meringue, a hint of tartness lingering on her tongue. “This one tastes like sunshine,” she declared, pointing her fork at Allen. He chuckled as she leaned back with a sigh. “I have to admit—Boston Cream Pie is amazing. But for now, Kate’s bourbon pecan pie wins. I might be a little nauseous from all the sugar, though, so I’ll need to try again on a day I haven’t eaten a month’s worth of sweets.”

Allen chuckled as they cleared the table. Rolling it out of the way, he laid down a pile of pillows in front of the fire and gestured for Cammie to sit once more.

She shook her head, noticing that every throw pillow in her home had been enlisted for this. Waiting quietly, she watched Allen gather his thoughts—or perhaps his courage. It was hard to tell. His hands fidgeted for a moment, smoothing the blanket beneath him before he met her eyes with quiet determination.

“Cammie, I don’t want to rush things, but I need to make my intentions clear. I want to date you, if you’re willing to be my girlfriend. I’ve been engaged before, so I know what love isn’t. I think you do, too. I’ve been waiting and praying for the right woman, and I believe—heart and soul—that you’re my life partner,” he said, his voice low but confident.

Her breath caught as she watched the vulnerability in his eyes.

“I understand Judson hurt you, and you might need more time to heal. If you do, I’ll give you that.” Allen leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his bent knees. “But I’m asking—begging—you not to push me away because of one man who didn’t deserve you. I’ll work every day to make your life better, to carry your burdens, and to tackle life’s challenges by your side. I’ll never walk away.”

Her heart thudded painfully at his words, and she fought to keep her composure.

“You’re not perfect,” he said with a faint smile, “but I truly believe you’re perfect for me. I can’t give you a mansion—and honestly, I wouldn’t even if I could. That’s not the life I want. But if you’re willing to live in this small town, love the good-hearted people in it, walk the forest with me, float in the lake, sing carols with the church choir, and bake cookies for the youth bake sale…” He trailed off and straightened, his voice firm as he finished. “I think we could have an amazing life together.”

He paused, then covered her hand with his, his touch steady and warm. “Is this the kind of life you want? Am I the kind of man you could love? Those are the two answers I need before I can sleep tonight.”

Cammie took his hand in both of hers, her touch warm and steady as she searched his earnest blue eyes. “Allen, I’ll admit—I’ve struggled with your goodness. With how capable and caring you are. You seemed too good to be true, and that scared me.”

She drew a slow breath, the corners of her mouth lifting faintly. “I’ve been fooled by the perfect exterior before, only to find rot underneath when the cracks showed. But I’ve watched you. I’ve listened to you. I’ve seen how your friends trust you, love you, and would do anything for you. That means something.”

Her voice softened as her grip on his hand tightened. “In the past month, you’ve helped me see myself differently. I’m more confident than I’ve ever been. I love who I’m becoming, and I’m learning to embrace that without apology. I like who I am with you, and I look forward to the person I could become in the light of your love.”

She hesitated briefly, her expression open and vulnerable. “You’re right—I need more time. Not to decide if I want to be with you, but to let my heart fully open again. I see love in youreyes, and I know you’re ready to give it. I’m not there yet—but I want to be.”

Taking a steadying breath, she added, “If you’ll be patient with me and support me as I learn to trust love again, I’d be honored to be your girlfriend.”

Relief washed over Allen as he wrapped her in a warm embrace, hoping it conveyed the depth of his feelings for her. She was right—he already loved her, fully and completely. As he held her, he prayed for the patience she needed to open her heart fully in return, trusting that God would guide them both.

When she pulled away, he kissed her cheek, his heart lightening at the sight of her grin, wide and radiant.

“Allen, I have a question for you before you head home and leave me to dream about this moment.”

“Anything,” he replied, intrigued by the mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” suddenly blared from her phone, and Allen laughed out loud, shaking his head at her clever timing. “Definitely,” he said, his broad smile matching hers.

Pulling her closer, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her with all the longing and affection he’d held back for the past forty-three days. His kisses were sweet and tender, but one was not enough. He’d been waiting for this moment since they stood breathless on the sidewalk outside Hickory Falls Café.

When he finally pulled away, his heart still racing, he smiled and said, “Now I have one more question for you.”

“Anything,” she replied, her fingertips brushing her rosy lips as she smiled so sweetly he couldn’t resist leaning in for one more taste.

“Do you have any plans for St. Patrick’s Day? It’s a pretty big deal in Boston, and by then, I’m hoping you’ll be ready to meet my parents.”

“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with joy. “But… let’s save my folks for closer to Easter—if they don’t show up here tomorrow, that is.” She grinned. “Now kiss me one more time and get out of here before my bloom fades, and you see what I look like wilted and grouchy from exhaustion.”

He chuckled but didn’t hesitate to oblige. Before leaving, he cupped her cheeks, his thumbs brushing gently across her skin. His gaze held hers, full of warmth and promise. “My heart will always be in bloom for you, no matter what shape your bouquet is in. But you need to believe this—you will always be the most beautiful blossom in any bunch. I love you, Camellia. And I’m going to take great pleasure in showing you that every day for the rest of our lives.”

Epilogue

February 15th, Two Years Later

Wrapped in a thick blanket, Cammie leaned into Allen’s side, one of his arms cradling her lovingly while the other rested protectively on the gentle swell of her belly. Their porch swing creaked gently in rhythm with the breeze. From their mountain perch, the lake shimmered under the moonlight, and Hickory Falls twinkled below like scattered stars.

“This is perfect,” Cammie said softly, nestling closer.

Allen kissed the top of her head. “It is. You, this home, our life together—it’s more than I ever dreamed of.”

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