Page 36 of Staging Love
"I guess," Emma shrugged. "But it’s still a donkey name."
Camilla couldn't contain her laughter any longer. "Oh, Emma, you're too much," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. Just then, the oven timer dinged, cutting through the laughter.
"Oh! The cookies!" Aunt Lara exclaimed, jumping up from her seat. "Let's see how our creations turned out, shall we?"
Chapter Twenty-Six
Camilla stood on the front steps, watching the flurry of activity around her. Suitcases were being loaded into waiting cars, last-minute hugs exchanged, and promises to stay in touch made with varying degrees of sincerity.
Jade was beside her, kneeling down to Emma's level, carefully taking the folded piece of paper the young girl was offering.
“I made this for you and Aunt Camilla,” she said.
Jade opened it to reveal a colorful crayon drawing.
Camilla smiled, looking over Jade’s shoulder. “Thank you, honey. That’s beautiful.”
“Very good. You’re already an artist,” Jade agreed.
The page was filled with stick figures in a scene that caused another twist of guilt in Camilla’s stomach. In the center were two taller figures wearing what looked like wedding dresses - one with long dark hair like Camilla's, the other blonde like Jade's. In front of them stood two smaller figures - a girl in a frilly dress and a boy in a little suit, clearly meant to be Emma and Jack.
Jade's eyes widened as she took in the details. "Oh, Emma," she said softly, "is this... is this our wedding?"
Emma nodded eagerly, her pigtails bouncing. "Yes! See, that's you and Aunt Camilla getting married. And look, there's me in my bridesmaid dress, and Jack with the rings!"
"I love how you drew your bridesmaid dress. It looks so pretty! And Jack looks very handsome in his suit.”
The innocence and excitement in Emma's eyes made Camilla’s heart ache. The wedding Emma was so eagerly anticipating was off and she’d have to cancel their fake wedding day. She exchanged a quick glance with Jade, seeing her own conflicted emotions mirrored in her eyes.
Pushing aside her guilt for the moment, she knelt down next to Jade and Emma. "Thank you so much for this beautiful drawing, Emma. We'll find a perfect place for it.”
Just then, Mark's voice called out from near their car. "Emma, Jack, time to go! Come on, get in the back seat."
"Looks like it's time for you to head home," Camilla said, opening her arms for a hug. Emma rushed into them, squeezing tight.
"I'm going to miss you, Aunt Camilla," she said, her voice muffled against Camilla's coat.
"I'll miss you too, sweetie. But we'll see each other soon, okay?"
As Emma released Camilla, Jade opened her arms for her turn. "Come here, you little artist," she said warmly.
Jack, not wanting to be left out, bounced over for his goodbyes as well. Camilla and Jade each gave him a big hug.
"Well," Theresa said, her tone neutral, "it was... good spending Christmas with the both of you. Have a safe trip back."
Camilla nodded, forcing a smile. "You too, Theresa. Take care."
Before she could elaborate, Aunt Lara approached, her face alight with enthusiasm. "Oh, girls, Just before you leave... I wanted to ask about the wedding plans. Have you found a florist yet? Because I know the most wonderful one. She did the flowers for my friend's wedding last spring, and they were simply breathtaking. I'd be happy to give you her details."
"Oh, that's so thoughtful of you, Aunt Lara," Camilla managed. "But we, uh, we actually already have a florist lined up. Right, Jade?"
Jade nodded. "Yes, we do. A friend of mine from college. She's just starting out, so we wanted to support her business."
"How lovely," Aunt Lara beamed. "Well, if you need any other recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can."
"We appreciate that," Camilla said, guilt gnawing at her insides at the thought of disappointing her family, especially sweet Aunt Lara.
Uncle Robert joined them, clapping a hand on Camilla's shoulder. "So, tell me, girls. Are you nervous for the big day? That will probably be the next time we see you."
