Page 25 of Brides and Brothers
Chapter 12
Camille
“I can’t come.”
Camille pressed the phone tighter to her ear, the text on her laptop blurring. “Mom, we moved our wedding up because this was the weekend you said you could make it.”
“I’m sorry. I had every intention of coming, but a wedding for a VIP got pushed up a few days because of a press leak. They’ve had their deposit down for six months. What am I supposed to do?”
“It’s fine.” Camille could hardly keep her voice steady. “Aiden’s family has already arrived, so I can’t postpone. I’ll send pictures.” This wasn’t happening. Camille hurried and ended the call. She hit Aiden’s name under her favorites in her contact list and barely contained her emotions while the phone rang.
“Hey, I’m almost to your apartment. How’s my bride-to-be?”
“Not good.” Camille moved her laptop to the side of the couch with a trembling hand. “Can we take a drive to that spot where you proposed?”
“Of course.”
When Aiden arrived, she let herself into his car, barely keeping her tears at bay. With a tremor in her voice, she relayed the news while he drove.
After a few minutes, they arrived at their destination and climbed out of the car. Aiden met her with his arms out, and she eagerly stepped into them. “We can postpone,” he said. “Your happiness is all that matters.”
“I don’t know what to do. I’m angry with my mom and so confused about everything. But I wanted this for me, not her.”
He pulled her back and took one hand. “Come here. I have something for you.”
Surprised, she quietly followed him into the grove of trees to the very spot where he’d proposed. He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. Her stomach flipped with anticipation. He opened the box, exposing a ring with a solitaire diamond.
“Oh, Aiden.” Camille put her hand over her mouth.
He slid down onto one knee. “I wanted to ask you properly on top of a mountain or after a romantic dinner, but our plans keep changing, and you need this now. Camille Kelly, I love you. You’re a strong woman who doesn’t fold when challenges come. I admire your resilience, your faith, and your caring personality. I promise to do my best to make you happy.”
He loved her. Finally, he had said the words she’d ached to hear. He took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. “This was my mom’s engagement ring.” He cleared his throat but not before his voice wavered. “We can get you another one too—one of your choosing—but it feels right to give you my most prized possession as I pledge my life to you. Will you marry me this weekend, next year, or whenever you feel ready?”
Aiden’s tender smile was the view Camille wanted to see over and over again for the rest of her life. “I love you, and I love the ring,” she said. “My answer is yes, I’ll marry you this weekend.” She circled her hands around his neck and lowered her head to meet his, letting her emotions pour through her kiss. She wasn’t backing out—even if she was marrying into a family she didn’t know. Aiden wrapped her tighter in his arms. She didn’t need her mom’s support. She needed Aiden.
The definition of a wedding had to bea heavenly blur with natural side effects of fatigue and cheek strain from smiling. With the ceremony and the long day with family over, Camille was grateful they had decided to skip an evening reception and send out announcements for one later. Being a little more established in life than most newlyweds had its benefits. Okay, Aiden was more established, but she did own her own Bosch mixer, so they hadn’t needed presents and gift money to start their new life.
Camille had eyes for only Aiden, and very few thoughts were spared for her mother. It had helped having her aunt there to assist her into her dress and cry at all the right moments. Her aunt and uncle had blended right into Aiden’s big family. Aiden had an aunt and uncle come all the way from Denver, and another from Utah, to show their support. Aiden’s grandparents had also traveled from Utah and had driven with their son’s family. And Camille had finally met all of Aiden’s brothers.
She was ashamed she’d not taken time to meet them before the big day. Her fear was still there, but now that she officially belonged in their family, she had a new desire to have a relationship with them. No one had told her love would feel this way—this deep, immeasurable bond to a person and all they cared about.
After the wedding their family and friends joined them at a restaurant for a quick luncheon. As they finished up, Paul and Charlotte came to wish them one last congratulations. Camille thanked them for coming, feeling grateful for Paul’s recovery and the effort they’d made to come.
As they walked away, Aiden leaned close to Camille and whispered, “I have a surprise wedding gift for you.”
“Oh?” She hadn’t thought of giving him anything beyond herself.
“It’s not much, but I hope you’ll like it. With my extended family crashing at the house because of our last-minute plans, I don’t want to stay there tonight. So I’m gifting you an unofficial honeymoon—a weekend getaway to Island Park.”
She scooted closer to him on the wooden bench of their booth at the restaurant, amazed that he’d found time to plan anything—and even more amazed that she felt ready for it. “It’s decided. You’re my favorite husband ever.”
“Your only husband ever.”
She smiled. “That too.”
Before long, they said their goodbyes and climbed into Aiden’s car. Their family lined up on the sidewalk of the restaurant and clapped and waved as they pulled out of the parking lot. The drive to Island Park was a familiar view to Aiden, but to Camille, the wooded area decked out in fall colors left her breathless. She was married. She was loved. Was this why the colors were heightened, or was it always so beautiful?
Camille turned away from the mesmerizing view and studied her new husband. “Should we go on a hike tomorrow to explore?”
