Page 116 of Brides and Brothers
“Of course.” Camille clutched the gift bag closer to her. “You’re just in time for the party.”
Aiden looked at the gift bag in her arms. “Oh, is it someone’s birthday?” His eyes bulged. “It’s not your birthday, is it? No, that’s not until January.”
Camille bit back her grin. “You’re safe; it’s not a birthday party. Actually, it’s a party for us.”
Aiden’s demeanor shifted to surprise. “What?”
“We’d better put this in the office for now. We don’t want any of the guests to trip, and I’ve already pushed one of them.” Keeping the gift bag in place with one hand, Camille grabbed his duffel with the other.
Aiden grabbed the duffel at the same time, and their hands touched. Camille snatched hers back as her whole arm erupted in goosebumps.
“You pushed one of the guests?” Aiden raised his eyebrows.
She laughed uncomfortably. “Mrs. Whitmer thought I did, but it would’ve been a good idea.”
She and Aiden crossed to the office, and he dropped his bag and coat onto one of the chairs. She moved to follow him back out of the room, but he closed the door, leaving them alone.
He put his hands in his pockets and stared at her. A lock of his hair fell across his forehead, and without thinking, Camille reached up with her free hand and pushed it aside. Aiden closed his eyes at the gesture and leaned toward her. He thought she was going in to kiss him, and she’d missed him so much she couldn’t resist. She stepped on her tiptoes and proved him right. His arms slid around her, and he returned her kiss, crushing the gift bag between them. She didn’t know she was crying until she tasted her tears. When she opened her eyes, Aiden was crying too.
“I’m so sorry!” he whispered.
“Me too,” she said, her voice cracking.
“I never should’ve left. I love you so much.” He wrapped his arms around her, holding her and letting her cry. “I’ve talked to my brothers. They’re going to move out. Benson’s going to set up an apartment in the barn and build a house on the property. It’s all arranged. My brothers don’t have to live here for me to be there for them, and you and I deserve a chance to build our own life together. I see that now. Will you please forgive me?”
A sweet peace settled over Camille, and as she realized the anger she’d harbored no longer had a hold on her, she nodded. She’d needed to know the extent Aiden was willing to go to fix things, and his words had offered her healing. It wasn’t just his apology but her letting go of her own pride so she could forgive and admit her contribution to their troubles. She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry too. I haven’t been myself lately, and instead of seeing the good you’re trying to do, I only saw the negative.”
Aiden shook his head. “I haven’t been the best communicator. I’ve run a family for so long that I thought a marriage could be run the same way. I should’ve put you first.”
She smiled through fresh tears. “And I should’ve communicated when I was feeling neglected and hurt well before I exploded over Thanksgiving. I thought I was tough enough to handle everyone’s problems and my own. I’ve always insisted I can take care of myself, but the truth is I need you.”
Aiden’s lips went tight. “Do you still love me?”
Camille’s heart broke. How had she let this wound fester between them? “If possible, I love you more than ever.”
After a sigh of relief, Aiden kissed her again.
She felt the yearning and love she’d been missing return with his touch. She missed the warmth and heat of his lips the moment he pulled away.
“I feel the same way about you.” He studied her face. With his thumbs, he wiped at her tears.
Camille took a deep breath. “I have to confess something.”
The door pushed open behind her, and her mother stuck her head into the room. “Camille, we’re waiting for the guest of honor. Who’s this?”
Camille blinked away the surprise interruption and appraised Aiden. His shirt was a little wrinkled, but he was clean-shaven and as handsome as ever. This was it. Time to introduce her husband to her mother. “Mom, this is Aiden. Aiden, this is my mom.”
Her mother’s mouth formed a perfectO. She fumbled with the door, then finally extended her hand. “Call me Terry.”
Aiden smiled. “Terry it is.” He bypassed her hand and crushed her in a hug.
“Oh!” she exclaimed. She awkwardly patted Aiden’s back. “How about you two come in for the party instead of making out in the closet?”
Camille grimaced. “Mom, we’re married. And this isn’t a closet.”
“All right, all right. But keep the reunion short and hurry in. You’ll have more time for yourselves after the party.”
After her mom left, Aiden looked at her. “Your mom, huh?”
