Page 169 of Already At Risk
“I’m definitely okay with that.” Cameron’s lips curved, too. “Having our family together,here? I couldn’t be more grateful for this.” Something danced in his gaze as his voice dropped. “I’ll get you to myself later.”
My cheeks heated. “Yes, you will.”
“Come on, Sunny.” Grabbing my hand, he led me toward the bar, where a single bartender was working. We sidled up to it, Cameron’s large hand palming the small of my back as he looked at me. “What do you want, baby?”
While I thought on it, Cameron glanced at the bartender, saying, “Whatever it is she wants, I’m paying for it.”
The familiar words caused a laugh to bubble up inside me.
A year ago, I had been so uncertain about letting anyone crashinto my life again, to tear down the walls that I’d so carefully constructed.
And now, instead of building walls, I was building roots. A life.
And I wasn’t at all afraid to share it.
A sense of calm washed over me before I replied.
“I think I’ll have whatever he’s having.”
epilogue
Two months later
NATALIE
“ITHINK THE FENWAY one should be in the middle.” My daughter stood in the center of the living room, one hand on a hip and one hand stroking her chin thoughtfully. “It’s arguably the best one.”
“Arguably.” Cameron adjusted his framed stadium posters at Chloe’s suggestion, holding them up against the wall so she could judge their location. “You’re starting to sound like a lawyer, kiddo.”
I shook my head, peeking down at my hands and the crocheted version of Winnie I was making for Delilah’s first birthday. “Between you and Blake, she’s going to know more big words than she knows what to do with.”
Chloe gave me a look over her shoulder. “You say that like it’s a bad thing. I’m almost in middle school, Mom.”
I could barely believe that, honestly. Couldn’t believe she wasalready ten years old. A whole decade of being my daughter, of doing life together.
“Middle school next year, college the one after at the rate you’re learning.”
Chloe shrugged. “Works for me.”
“Nu-uh.” Cameron stuck a nail in his mouth to hold it while he adjusted the wall hanging, getting it positioned just right. We were filling the townhome with some of his things, and I couldn’t love it more, having him all around me. “No growing up too fast allowed in this house.”
“Moved in two days ago, and already making rules, huh?” I teased.
Cameron’s eyes cut to me, amused and happy.
“He’s allowed to makesomerules, Mom,” Chloe said as she crashed onto the couch. Annabeth jumped on her lap, and she began absently petting her. “Just as long as he leaves my ice cream alone.”
“I would never dream of touching your ice cream, Champ.”
Chloe beamed, pleased. She leaned toward me, dropping her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. “I like this.”
She didn’t have to explain what she meant.
Chloe’s last day of elementary school
CAMERON
“I really hate leaving you when you’re not feeling well,” I whispered against Natalie’s temple. It was a little warm, but nothing too concerning.
