Page 117 of Brides and Brothers
“It’s been weird. I thought she didn’t want anything to do with me because of her obsessive work tendencies and my religion. Turns out the biggest reason she stayed away was because she thought I didn’t need her. We’ve agreed to try harder in the future.”
Aiden kissed her softly. “I’m happy for you.” He grabbed Camille’s free hand, the one not still gripping the present, and together they made their way to the formal living room.
He stopped at the open doors and stared at the elaborate decorations and the number of people visiting on the couches and random chairs spread throughout the room. Camille’s mom rushed past them to the refreshment table loaded with goodies and appetizers almost too lovely to eat.
“What kind of party did you say this was?” His eyes rested on a baby swing still in its box with a large bow on top.
“It’s a baby shower.” She tried to respond naturally, but she was a tad overenthusiastic.
Her friends, attached to her brothers-in-law, flocked to greet them at the living room door.
Benson pulled Aiden into a hug, and Daegan slapped him on the back with his good arm.
Emma came straight to Camille. “You look so cute!”
“I love the dress!” Macey added and gave her a hug. “Would you be weirded out if I went and bought the exact same one?”
Raina rolled her eyes. “At least pick a different color, Macey.”
“Wait,” Aiden said, capturing everyone’s attention. “Who’s having a baby?”
The ladies looked to each other and then to Camille. In an attempt to cover for her, they all answered at once, “Me!”
Aiden’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”
Camille let go of his hand and put the present on the center table. She turned back around to face Aiden and said in a quiet but cheesy voice, “Sur-prise!”
Aiden’s eyes dropped to her stomach, and his jaw dropped. “Is this what you wanted to confess? Who’s the father?”
Camille punched him. “You are, you jerk!”
Aiden’s grin stretched across his face. He pulled her to him and hugged her so tightly that her feet lifted off the ground. “Yeehaw!” he exclaimed.
He set her down and caught her flustered expression. “What? I was kidding about the dad thing! It was the shock talking.” He kissed her softly and said, “I couldn’t be happier than I am right now.”
She scowled playfully and punched him softly in the shoulder. “You don’t need to walk on eggshells around me, and you aren’t allowed to run and hide when I get mad. You’re going to have to take it like a man.”
Aiden’s brothers and the ladies of apartment 206 laughed, and Aiden didn’t hesitate to pull her hand to his lips. “Yes, Mrs. Peterson.”
When several people turned their way, Camille’s mother put up her hands and said loudly, “Can I have your attention? The guests of honor are here, so we can begin.”
Those who weren’t in their seats hurried to sit down. She pointed to the two chairs by the fireplace that were wrapped with a large ribbon and tied in the back. Aiden pulled Camille with him to the front of the room and helped her sit down.
She smiled at everyone and scanned the room, taking in all the beautiful faces of friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances who had come to support them. Amy waved to her from the back of the room, held up a letter, no doubt from Grant, and gave her a thumbs-up. Camille smiled at her. Easton was sitting in the second row of white folding chairs, with his arm around Emma. Flynn and Sage were right up front, whispering about something. She caught Daisha’s eye, and her friend winked dramatically at her and made downward eye movements. Camille followed her eyes to see she was holding Benson’s hand. Daegan was standing in the back next to Macey, and they too were holding hands. Cade was sitting on the ground in front of Raina, his back resting against her legs. All the people she loved most were in this room.
“My name is Terry,” her mother announced. “I’m Camille’s mother. You don’t recognize me because this is my first time in Cherish. I didn’t know I was sorry about that until I got here. You’re a very loving people, as evidenced by your attendance and your overflowing gifts. This is the friendliest town I’ve ever been to. I’ve seen some big hair, but that’s about as strange as it’s been.”
A few people chuckled, and Camille’s mom shifted in her high heels. “Anyway, thank you for coming out today. I know it’s the busiest season of the year, and you probably had to scrape your windows to drive over here, but Camille is worth it. She’s a very special person and deserves this day to celebrate her and the life inside of her.”
She turned back and smiled—a sincere and loving smile and a balm to Camille’s heart. Like droplets from a watering pot, tears started trickling down Camille’s face. Aiden put his arm around her and rubbed her shoulder.
“Now, help yourself to the food,” Camille’s mother said. “There are some hidden numbers in the cupcakes. If you get one, you get a prize. We’ll open presents in about a half hour.”
Everyone swarmed the refreshment table.
Camille uncurled herself from Aiden’s side and grabbed her mom’s arm.
“Thank you, Mom.” Camille hugged her tightly. She hadn’t hugged her mom that way since she was a young girl.
