Page 70 of The Summer Arrangement
Leaning down to kiss her once more, I admit, “You’re one special lady, Elizabeth Lancaster. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I thank my lucky stars our paths crossed again.”
Milli is either under the weather, missing her dad, or perhaps both. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but she’s been off all day. Maybe she’s just exhausted from her weekend with Megan, and I’m reading too much into it.
I don’t know what she’s like after I leave each day, but she chose snuggling with me on the couch and watching a movie over going for a walk with Lanie and Ryan when they stopped by after dinner. I even offered to push her in the stroller, and she asked to stay home instead. She barely ate and was fast asleep before I even got two pages into her book.
When my phone buzzes in my pocket, I extricate myself from her bed and exit her room quickly.
It isn’t until I’m in the hall that I see who’s calling. Then, I can’t swipe at my phone fast enough.
“Hey, Cam,” I answer, breathless.
“Hey yourself, Liz. Is this a bad time?”
Plopping onto the couch, I snag the blanket we’d left earlier and snuggle into it. It smells faintly like Cameron, and it makes me miss him that much more.
“No, I just had to extricate myself from a sleeping Milli.”
“She’s already asleep?” Surprise is evident in his voice. “I was hoping I’d catch her to say good night.”
My heart aches for him. I remember how much I missed my dad when he was deployed. “Sorry, she was out within two pages ofThe Princess Wears Hiking Boots.”
“You must work miracles. I can barely get her down before nine.”
“No, she’s been really tired all day,” I admit. “Lanie and Ryan even stopped by to go for a walk, and she asked to stay home and finish the movie instead.”
“Hmmm… Thatisstrange,” he muses. “I hope she’s not coming down with anything.”
“Me, too,” I admit. “I promise I’ll let you know if things change.”
“I hate being away from her,” he exhales heavily.
“I know you do.”
My heart aches for him. From what I can tell, he truly didn’t want to leave her. After all, his first response was to take us all with him. I also know firsthand what it’s like having your dad gone from Emilia’s perspective. My dad didn’t have a choice and frankly, neither does Cameron, so I remind him. “You’ll be back in a day or two.”
“I know. When I’m busy working, it flies by, but when I’m sitting here alone in a silent hotel room, it hits a little harder.”
“You’re an incredible dad, Cameron. Never doubt that.”
“If she’s caught a bug or something, maybe it’s best that you two stayed home.”
“Speaking of home, with Mills not feeling well, I never made it to pick up my things. Mind if I use one of your shirts for bed?”
“I should’ve made time before I left for you to get your things.”
“Cameron, you barely made it to the airport in time as it was,” I point out sternly, then add, “It’s not like you planned this. Stop worrying about me. I’m fine. Hopefully, Milli feels better tomorrow. If not, Lanie will bring things over. In the meantime, can I grab something of yours?”
“Hmmm… The thought of you sleeping in my bed with my clothes on is something I could get used to.”
“What makes you think I’m sleeping in your bed?” I tease.
Honestly, I’ve been so focused on Milli, I hadn’t even thought about sleeping arrangements.
“This isn’t the time to be difficult, Elizabeth,” he warns. “I just want you comfortable. Though teasing aside, if Milli needs you, it’s the first place she’ll go.”
“Fair point.”
But my sass just won’t stay hidden.
