Page 36 of The Summer Arrangement
I don’t get more than a few steps before Cameron suggests, “Here, let me get that for you.”
I could totally handle it myself, but hisdon’t be difficultexpression has me giving the chair up with ease.
It takes a few minutes of walking along the path through the seagrass before the ocean comes into view again. Cameron sighs heavily and pauses to look around. “Wow… You got to experience this view every summer? This sunset is gorgeous.”
“It’s the same in the winter, too,” I admit. “Seaside is one of my favorite places in the world. The view from the house is amazing, especially upstairs from Lanie’s room. But nothing beats the unobstructed view from the dunes.”
“I’ve spent years in LA. Don’t get me wrong, I love their beaches, but I love the simplicity of Seaside—even if it barely gets warm. Wait…” He points to the cove. “Are they surfing over there?”
“Yes, the cove’s great for morning rides.”
“Wait… you surf, too?” Cameron’s mouth drops open.
“We all do… Raven and I can be found out here most mornings when we’re not working. Do you surf?”
“I’ve only gone out a few times. The ocean in Oregon is way too cold for me.”
“Duh, that’s what dry suits are for,” I cut in. “You can go out in your sweats and never get cold.”
“Fair point,” he muses. “That would make a difference, I’m sure.”
When we reach the crest of the next hill, we find Ryan’s beat us out here. His back is to us, stoking the fire. The moment the kindling he’s placing lights up with flames, he stands and grabs more wood.
“I told you I’d take care of this,” I warn when we finally get within earshot.
“I know, but you all looked like you were having too much fun with Mills.” To Cameron, he grins. “She’s great, by the way. You’ve got one hell of a kid on your hands.”
Cameron nods in agreement. “I can’t complain. I got pretty lucky having her come into my life.”
The way he says it reminds me of an earlier comment.
What happened between Cameron and Milli’s mom?
He always talks as if Milli is a blessing—which she rightfully is, but as far as I can tell, her mom has nothing to do with them. Did something happen to her? I can’t imagine walking away from that precious girl—or him for that matter.
As much as I’m dying to know, I won’t ask such a personal question in front of Ryan.
Technically, it’s none of my business, and I need to remember this.
Besides, if he wants to share the details, he will in his own time.
“So have we.” Ryan beams. “She sure knows how to keep you on your toes. I nearly died when Lizzy told us how she thought she was eating bones the other day.”
This draws laughter from us all.
“I felt so bad for her,” I gasp. “I had no idea she thought I was feeding her dog food.”
“She was a hoot when I helped her ride that first day, too.” Ryan shakes his head at a memory, then adds, “That girl doesn’t know the meaning of giving up. I’ve never seen anyone more determined to ride a bike… all in one day.”
Cameron turns to me. “Lizzy must’ve been wiped out by the time she went home that night. I know I was… and I barely spent an hour running beside her.”
“Her smile made it all worth it,” I admit. “But keeping up with Mills has me in the best shape of my life. Betweenswimming each afternoon and walking all over Seaside, I’ll never need a gym membership.”
“Kids will do that to you, I suppose,” Ryan muses and from the far-off look on his face, I’d bet my next paycheck he’s thinking about having his own one day. He would be an incredible dad.
“You guys ready for us?” Raven shouts as she crests the last hill. “We’ve got a girl who’s hoping there will be s’mores and music soon.”
“Come on down,” Ryan calls back.
