Page 37 of Brides and Brothers
Chapter 17
Camille
“Camille! I thought you hadforgotten about your bestie.”
“I’m sorry, Daisha.” Camille had meant to return Daisha’s calls earlier, but her tasks at the Peterson household took up almost every free minute outside of her grading and coursework. She was folding laundry now, and it seemed like a good time to multitask.
“I understand. You married seven men. How could you possibly fit in a measly little bit of girl time?”
Daisha could probably sense Camille’s eye roll even over the phone. “I didn’t marry seven men. Besides, one of those guys you’re counting is deployed, remember?”
“Speaking of Grant, Amy is here and wants to tell you something.”
Camille heard a shuffle as the phone was exchanged. Amy’s voice came in loud and perky. “I know you were worried about Grant’s obsessive writing tendencies, so I just want you to know I fixed things.”
“Hello to you too,” Camille said. “And I’m glad you and Grant have everything worked out.”
“It was easy,” Amy said. “I just wrote him a quick letter explaining everything, and I know he’ll understand. He’s really great like that. Okay, here’s Daisha again.”
Camille chuckled at the whirlwind conversation while she waited for Daisha to return.
“Did you get all that?” Daisha asked.
“Yes,” Camille said. “Grant is perfect.”
“That’s what I got too,” Daisha said with a laugh. “Now, where were we? Oh yes. Your new family is monopolizing all your free time.”
Camille groaned. “Honestly, with the potato harvest going full swing, I’ve hardly seen them besides at meals. Don’t worry. I’ll make time for you.”
But a quick mental review of her calendar left her without a solution. She didn’t want to miss any mealtimes, not with her recent progress with Flynn. He was actually showing up to eat with the family—Aiden said he’d seen more of Flynn over the past few weeks than the whole year put together. She couldn’t flake out on that. And she was finally keeping on top of the mass of dishes from her overzealous cooking endeavors.
“You don’t have to make excuses to me,” Daisha said. “Things have changed. I’m just used to being able to talk to you any time of day or night, and...”
Had Daisha’s voice wavered? Oh no. Daisha was tough as nails and rarely cried for anyone—even Camille. An idea formed in Camille’s mind—a stroke of pure genius. It was a life-changing idea that would rock Camille’s world. Daisha’s roommates plus Camille’s brothers-in-law. It was almost too brilliant to pull off.
“Tonight!” she screeched.
“What?”
Camille grinned into the phone. “Girls’ night at seven o’clock. Invite all the roomies, and tell them to bring their favorite ice-cream topping. I’ll find some games. What do you think?”
Daisha hesitated, and Camille crossed her fingers. Finally Daisha said, “I can’t speak for everyone else, but I have a date with Derek tonight.”
Camille threw the towel she had been folding over her face. Her idea had been too perfect.
“But,” Daisha hemmed, “I haven’t been looking forward to it. I don’t know what’s gotten into me today. I could use some Camille time.”
Camille ripped the towel off her head. “Yes! Cancel! Convince all the other girls to cancel their plans too—bribe them if you must.”
Daisha laughed. “I thought you were too busy for us. Why the sudden change of plans?”
“I’ve got something cooking that everyone is going to love.” Camille did a little happy dance.
“Great, because it’s my cheat day. Brownies? Cookies? Pie?”
Camille giggled. Her scheme would outdo any culinary creation. “Trust me, it’s something even better!”
Camille didn’t tell anyone her plans—not even Aiden. At dinner all six boys were in attendance. Food had won them over, and they now made sitting down for dinner together a priority. It was the perfect opportunity for her announcement.
