Page 118 of Brides and Brothers
Her mom returned her embrace, holding on for some time. “I might not be an ideal mother, but I promise you I’m going to haunt that grandchild until I’m his or her favorite person in the world.”
Camille laughed. “Hauntingmight not be the best way to win a child over.”
Camille’s mother tapped her lip with her finger. “I’ll ask some of these Montanan women for advice. They each have a dozen children a piece, don’t they?”
Camille snorted. “Not exactly, but I’m sure they would love to advise you. But stay away from the white-haired lady with the cane. She thinks I’m a modern-day Jezebel, and I may or may not have pushed her in the hallway.”
Camille’s mother opened her mouth to respond, but a tray sitting empty on the table caught her attention, and she rushed to take care of it instead.
Camille retreated toward Aiden, who sat patiently waiting for her. He stole his hand over Camille’s belly. “Can you feel the baby moving yet?”
“Sometimes I think so.”
He leaned down and kissed her stomach. “That baby has missed her daddy.”
“Herdaddy?”
Grinning, he said, “A gut feeling.” Camille snuggled up against him, and his tone turned more serious. “I know now you tried to tell me over Thanksgiving, and I wish I would’ve listened. But, if you remember, I had a surprise for you too.”
“The job in California? Does that mean we’re moving?” Before, a move sounded like the end of everything, but now she was sure she could do it if they were on the same page.
Aiden pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “I cut ties with California. So no, we aren’t moving. Unless Mrs. Whitmer decides to press charges for assault in the hallway, because then we might have to hide out somewhere.”
Camille nudged him with her elbow. “Go on.”
Aiden moved her elbow and stroked her hair. “I wanted to tell you about the job offer, but I never intended to take it. This surprise is something completely different.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.
Camille took the paper and unfolded it. It was an electronic receipt for two round-trip tickets to Hawaii. It was dated for the week after Christmas.
“Our belated honeymoon. I didn’t forget,” Aiden whispered. “Merry Christmas.”
Camille threw her arms around Aiden, giving a little squeal as she did. “Thank you!”
“I have a lot to learn about being a good husband, but you won’t find a more earnest student. I want to be everything I can be for you and for this baby. Thank you for taking a chance on me... again.”
“I’ve made my share of mistakes, Aiden. But we’re a family, and I’m not going to give up on us. I’m all in.”
“That makes two of us.”
