Page 40 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
Mr. Roher looks up at me and grins. “Well, would you look at that.”
“We didn’t have any whipped cream, but I’ll make sure to get some for next time.”
He takes the spoon and loads it with both ice cream and hot fudge and takes a bite. Closing his eyes, he savors the creamy dessert. “Mmm. Young lady, you did a fine job. I haven’t had a hot fudge sundae this good in a long time.”
“Well then, it makes me feel extra special I was able to serve you one today.”
Mr. Kerwin eyes the sundae before looking up at me. “That does look mighty good. You wouldn’t happen to have enough for another one, would you?”
I smile excitedly; the sundaes are a hit. “I have enough for anyone who wants one.” I make my way back over to the ice cream machine and begin making a sundae for Mr. Kerwin. When I’m finished, I take the sundae over to Mr. Kerwin. “Here you go, Mr. Kerwin. Enjoy.”
As I step back behind the counter, Cameron walks out of the kitchen and looks around. “I thought they’d be lined up for ice cream by now.”
“I haven’t made an announcement, but I did make another one for Mr. Kerwin.”
Cameron grins. “Well, I’ll take care of that.” He steps around the counter and claps his hands. “May I have your attention? My beautiful girlfriend has spent the morning making ice cream and would like to share the latest batch with you. So, in a few minutes, I’ll be coming around to each table to take your order.”
When he makes his way back over to me the smile on my face is undeniable. “Did you just call me your girlfriend?”
He wraps his arm around my waist and draws me closer. “I believe what I said was my beautiful girlfriend. Are you okay with that?”
I relax into him, my heart doing a little flip as my eyes find his. “Yeah, I’m more than okay with it.”
Cameron’s eyes light up as he drops a kiss on my lips. “Good. Now what do you say we take care of these Vets and then head over to the fairgrounds to help your parents?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
True to his word, Cameron made his rounds to each table for ice cream orders. When the last sundae was made, he steps around the counter to make his last delivery. As I clean the machine, Mrs. Lawrence emerges from the kitchen with two large to-go bags and two fountain drinks. Placing them on the counter she watches as Cameron speaks to the veteran he delivered the sundae to, his hand firmly on the older man’s shoulder.
Mrs. Lawrence tilts her head in Cameron’s direction. “He’s a good man, Samantha.”
I can feel the smile form as I too watch Cameron interact with his fellow military men. “Yes ma’am, he is.”
Her attention shifts to me. “You know, after all you’ve been through, I wasn’t sure we’d see you smile again. It’s good to know we were wrong.”
I look down, embarrassment coloring my cheeks as my smile fades a little. “Between the happiness I feel and the guilt, it’s a bit overwhelming. I’m not sure I deserve to be as happy as he makes me.”
Mr. Lawrence rests her hand on mine. “Sweetheart, just because your first happily ever after was shortened, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve another.”
Her words give me comfort and I squeeze her hand. “Thank you, Mrs. Lawrence.”
“Well, that’s the last of them,” Cameron says as he approaches. He looks from me to Mrs. Lawrence and then back to me. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s good. You ready to go?”
“Yes ma’am.” He picks up the to-go bags and nods to Mrs. Lawrence. “Thank you for these.”
She waves him off. “No need to thank me, you paid for them.”
Cameron laughs. “True, but still, thank you.”
I step out from behind the counter and pick up the drinks. “Yes, thank you for everything. We may be back later in the week to make more ice cream.”
Mrs. Lawrence smiles. “You two are welcome any time, ice cream or not. Say hi to your folks for me.”
“I will,” I call before walking out of the American Legion and into the humid Alabama heat.
Cameron
