Page 115 of Brides and Brothers
Daisha shook her head. “It’s one of the few times weight gain is considered not only acceptable but important. I hope you’ve been taking all your vitamins.”
“This dress makes me look like I’m six months pregnant instead of three.”
Daisha bit back her smile. “But it’s a party dress, and it’ll help set the mood.”
Camille’s eyebrows rose. Why did they need to set the mood? “Are you saying no one wants to come to my party? Or are you afraid of what kind of party my mom’s going to throw?”
“No. And no and yes.”
“I only asked two questions.”
Daisha smirked. “I’m not so sure about your mom’s party. She invited all your brothers-in-law, which is super nontraditional. She also invited a ton of people from church.”
“The guys know, then?” She sighed, pushing away her disappointment. “Wait, she didn’t invite people from the church the Petersons attend, did she? I know two or three people there, and I wouldn’t call them friends yet.”
Daisha shrugged. “Benson tried to plead your case. He’s so sweet like that.”
Camille’s frown faded into a small smile. “You gushed about Benson! You never gush!”
“I gush—just not as thoroughly as some.”
“You like him!” Camille pushed her finger into Daisha’s shoulder, and her friend’s expression turned euphoric. “Oh, wow—you love him!”
Daisha sighed and fiddled with Camille’s makeup bag. “I don’t know how it happened. It’s only been what? Nearly three weeks?”
“This is payback for all of you ladies giving me a hard time about my relationship with Aiden.” Camille made a deep witch cackle. “Come on.” She nudged her lovesick friend. “Let’s go help my mom before she finishes all the food and takes away my fun.”
Once the preparations were completed, the guests began arriving. Camille’s mom posted her at the door to greet them. It was the worst possible job. The only woman she knew outside of her roommates was Charlotte. Fortunately, Charlotte had left Paul at home, so the only men were Camille’s brothers-in-law. Benson was missing, but Daisha was humming happily, so apparently no offense was taken.
A gray-haired woman approached Camille. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Whitmer.” She pointed to Camille with her cane. “You have the pregnancy glow!”
Camille smiled in response to the compliment. She certainly didn’t feel like she was glowing.
“Weren’t you married in a church, in the eyes of God?”
Camille nodded slowly, confused at where this was going.
“Times have changed. They never would’ve allowed that sort of thing when I was your age.”
Camille furtively glanced around for a means of escape, but the hallway was empty. “Why don’t you go find a seat.” She put her hand behind the woman to guide her inside. Her cane caught the rug, and Camille had to grab on to the woman’s frail arm to steady her.
“You don’t have to push me!”
Camille’s eyes widened. “No, I was—”
“You can’t hide sin.” The woman motioned to Camille’s stomach. “It’s in the scriptures.” The woman slowly hobbled away, leaving Camille speechless at the accusation. At least her hair looked good.
The doorbell rang, and Camille stood there in the hall, without moving. Maybe if she didn’t answer, no one else would come. The house was overrun with strangers as it was. She could always put aClosedsign on the door. It certainly worked at restaurants.
The door cracked open. Oh no. She was in Montana, not back East. People here were too friendly to let a closed door keep them away.
When she reluctantly turned to greet the next guest, she was shocked to see Aiden’s face peeking around the edge of the door.
“Aiden?” Camille blinked, her breath catching. “Aiden!” She jumped backward and grabbed a large present bag off the floor. She held it tightly in front of her dress, keeping her stomach from view.
Aiden let himself inside. Benson waved from behind him, then bolted past them and around the corner. Alone with her now, Aiden gently closed the front door behind him. He looked sheepish and adorable. Hesitantly, he dropped his duffel on the ground and unzipped his jacket.
“Is it all right that I’m here?” Aiden’s uncertainty made her want to cry. This was his house, and she’d made him feel unwelcome.
