Page 102 of As You Ice It

This makes so much more sense. I mean, I know Camden is a great guy, the kind who would help someone in need. But having Mike live with him, paying for all the caregivers—that’s more than most people would do.

“I don’t think I’ve mentioned my mom to you,” I say.

“I met your dad, but I think I assumed your mom had passed.”

“No. She just decided she wanted a different life, one that involved academic pursuits and no children. My dad raised us.” I hold up a hand when I see the look of concern on his face. “I really am okay with it now. She used to call every Sunday and we’d have dreadfully awkward phone calls. Last year, I finally asked her if we could stop doing that.”

“Do you ever talk?” Camden asks.

“Not on a regular basis. But when either of us calls or texts, it’s because one of us wants to, which is better. It’s not a great relationship, but I don’t see it changing, and I want to invest in the people who really care about me and want to invest right back. It’s not similar to your situation, but I guess I want you to know that I can relate on some level. And I understand the inclination to help Mike.”

“Good. But this means he’ll be with me long-term,” Camden says. “And I know that could make things … difficult for you. It means you’re not just getting me; you’re getting meandMike.”

“You’re getting me and Liam,” I point out.

“It’s not quite the same.”

“It’s not exactly the same, no. But I would never ask you to choose between Mike and me. I like him, and so does Liam.”

“Good. Because I’ve done some thinking.” Camden turns his phone on, then flips it so I can see the screen. It’s a house—a craftsman similar to this one, only larger. “I put an offer on this house.”

I jerk my head up to stare at him. “What? You’re buying a house? What if you get traded or something?”

“I talked to Coach on the road. He’s been bugging me about signing an extension. If I want, I think the organization wants me to stay. At least for a while. And then … we can see.”

“We?”

“Yes,we. Whatever future plans I make, I want you to be an equal partner. Which is why I’m nervous about the house. I know you want to end up back on Oakley, which I’m definitely open to. For now, with you and Liam settling in, this seemed like a good option. It was the only place I could find in all of Harvest Hollow that fit all the criteria, so I really hope you like it.”

“What criteria?”

“Why don’t you take a look while I tell you?”

I scroll through the photos of the place, which is absolutely stunning. Where my rental has been updated nicely, this one has been completely remodeled to create an open-concept floor plan that still retains all the charm and architectural details of the original build. And so much square footage. All of it beautiful.

“I needed a place with two master bedrooms—at least one of which was on the first floor. A few extra bedrooms, and a fenced backyard. As a bonus, it has a fully finished basement.”

“It’s amazing,” I tell him, reaching the last two pictures. Camden points to the screen.

“That’s the most important thing I needed, and only this house has it.”

“A garage apartment?” I ask.

“For Jordan. I’d like him to be the only caregiver for Mike. A full-time, salaried position with housing included. So, I guess I actually come with two people, not one.”

“Good thing I like both of your people. Did Jordan say yes?”

“He did. But he told me I was stupid for not talking to you first.”

“About hiring him? Or about the house?”

“About both. He’s right, but the agent said this house would go fast. Since it was the only one with everything, I don’t want to wait.”

“Things with us are still so new. Put in an offer. You don’t have to run things by me, Cam.”

He scoots closer, perching on the edge of his seat as his brown eyes search mine. “But that’s the thing—we’re not so new. Not really. And I want to do more than run things by you. I want to make decisions together because I want a life with you. I wanted a house you’d love, a house with space for Liam to grow up, one with a yard for Panda.” He shakes his head. “I want to marry you, Naomi.”

My heart goes positively feral in my chest. A wild, unsteady rhythm. “You do?”

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