Page 73 of Brides and Brothers
Since they were all in crouched positions anyway, Camille couldn’t duck any lower.
Flynn’s footsteps were coming closer, and this time it wasn’t for the guitar.
They all looked guiltily up at Flynn, who glared down at his discovery.
“What on earth? Are you guys in second grade?” Thankfully, Flynn acted more annoyed than angry.
“Is something wrong with the cord to the lights?” Sage called from her position on the bench.
“No, it’s my brothers—er, buggers.” Flynn wasn’t the only one worried about Sage’s response to people spying on his proposal. Camille’s heart raced.
“Bugs? Sweetie, it’s November... in Montana.”
“Not buggers,” Flynn clarified. “Boogers. I have a little problem with some boogers. Nothing I can’t get under control.” Flynn turned to Camille and the others and whispered fiercely, “Get out of here!”
“I have a Kleenex in my pocket.” Sage jumped up from her seat and hurried toward them.
“Go, go, go!” Benson ordered. They started crawling but not in time to prevent Sage from seeing them.
“What’s going on?” Sage put her hands on her hips, putting dents in the sides of her fluffy snow coat. “Flynn, please tell me you did not invite an audience to watch tonight.”
Flynn’s furtive gaze moved from the bushes back to Sage. “Uh...”
“Flynn! I can’t believe you! I’m so embarrassed. I thought we were alone!” Sage stalked past the group toward the front of the house.
Camille stood awkwardly. “I’ll fix it. Let me go talk to her.”
Disappointment filled his features. “This was the best night of my life up until this second. I’ll fix it myself.” He stalked after Sage, leaving the others to glance at each other guiltily.
Camille turned to Daisha for ideas, but her friend groaned. “Daisha, please tell me we did not just ruin this for them.”
Emma linked arms with Camille. “We didn’t ruin anything. When Sage chills out, she’ll thank us for the video. She’ll understand when we tell her Flynn had no idea about it.”
Camille cringed. “I hope you’re right.”
Benson put his hands out to motion them to move inside. “If we’re going to cry about it, let’s do it inside so Camille can make us hot chocolate.”
Camille nodded. “It’s the least I can do.”
Once inside again, Emma texted Sage an apology on behalf of the five of them. Easton didn’t wait for the response. He announced Emma wouldn’t need a ride home because they were going to head to the library for a math study session after drinking some hot chocolate.
Daisha didn’t flinch at the new arrangements, but Camille had trouble keeping a small smile hidden. She might not agree with the situation, but what could she do about it? She knew love didn’t follow predictable rules. It snuck up on people, put its hands over their eyes, and left them to guess at the answers. Shy little Emma had taken a chance and had stirred the pot tonight. Camille had been praying her friend would find confidence, and it seemed she had. Now she would pray that Easton would receive guidance in his relationship with Wendy. She could hardly wait to hear how thisstudy sessionturned out. But how would she ask about something so personal?
Benson volunteered to start the hot chocolate, and Daisha offered to help him. When Daisha started to take off her jacket, he reached over and assisted her. Easton and Emma were wrapped up in conversation, oblivious to Benson and Daisha, but Camille felt like she was intruding. A longing for Aiden hit her so hard she had to grip the countertop to steady herself.
“Want some more Oreos?” Benson asked.
“Ha ha.” Daisha’s sarcasm was lightened by her wide smile.
Benson’s lips quirked up at the edges. “You did admit to liking them.”
Their friendly banter provided the perfect excuse for Camille to tiptoe to the bathroom. Her bladder had been her worst enemy the last month. She came out of the bathroom right as Flynn and Sage waltzed in.
Camille started clapping, and the others joined in.
“Don’t worry; Camille will send you the video!” Emma assured them.
Sage stuck out her tongue, and everyone laughed. As a sign of peace, Sage lifted her hand and showed everyone her ring. They all crowded around to see it.
