Page 36 of Cold Feet
"Um... don't mention the 1994 Rangers. Dad's still bitter about that Cup run. And definitely don't bring up Drake's knee injury. Mom still tears up."
"Got it. No '94 Rangers, no knee talk." His thumb continued its absent pattern across my knuckles. "What else?"
Something about his earnestness, the way he was actually trying to memorize my family's peculiarities, made my chest ache a little. This was meant to be performance, a business arrangement. So why did his hand feel so right on mine?
"My grandmother is obsessed with astrology," I continued, forcing my voice to remain steady. "If she asks for your birth time, just make something up. Otherwise she'll spend the entire weekend trying to determine our cosmic compatibility."
"August 12th, 2:17 AM," he replied without hesitation.
I blinked. "That was...specific."
He shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. "My mom was big on birth stories. It's one of the few things she remembers consistently."
Right. Cam said his mom’s MS had progressed significantly over the past few years.
"Well, prepare for Nana Decker to tell you exactly why an August Leo and a January Capricorn are either soul mates or mortal enemies. There's no in-between with her."
A grin spread across his face. "So which is it? Soul mates or enemies?"
The loaded question hung in the air between us. I was saved from answering by the GPS announcing our upcoming arrival, and seconds later, Cam was turning into the shell-paved driveway of my family's beach house.
Thesprawling, weathered-blue structure sat nestled among palm trees and sea oats, its wraparound porch and multiple balconies offering views of the Gulf's turquoise waters just beyond the dunes. It wasn't the largest or fanciest house on Siesta Key, but it had been the Decker family's sanctuary for three generations.
"Wow," Cam murmured, killing the engine. "This is... not what I expected."
"What were you expecting? A hockey rink in the backyard?"
"Kind of, yeah." His eyes roamed over the cheerful exterior with its white trim and blue shutters. "It's charming. Homey."
"It's seen better days," I admitted. "But we've never been able to bring ourselves to update beyond what's necessary. Too many memories."
"Does it have a name?" Cam asked, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Like 'Casa del Sol' or 'Paradise Point' or something? I love that beach houses always have names."
"Yeah," I grinned. "Her name is Stanley."
Before I could say more, the front door burst open, and my mother emerged, waving enthusiastically. She was followed closely by my father, who maintained his characteristic reserve but couldn't hide the genuine smile beneath his silver-flecked beard. Zayne lurked behind them, arms crossed, watching us with narrowed eyes.
"Brace yourself," I whispered to Cam as we exited the car. "Hurricane Diana incoming."
My mother descended upon us in a flurry of floral perfume and excited chatter, enveloping me in a hug before turning her attention to Cam. To his credit, he handled her effusive welcome with easy charm, accepting her embrace and presenting her with the bouquet of sunflowers we'd picked up at a roadside stand along the way.
"My favorites!" My mother pressed a hand to her heart, genuinely touched. She shot me an approving glance. "He's a keeper, sweetheart."
Next came my father, whose handshake with Cam was firm but less intimidating than I'd feared. "Good to have you here, Murphy," he said, his expression inscrutable but not unwelcoming. "Hope you're ready for some familial bonding and competitive volleyball that's been known to end friendships."
"Wouldn't miss it, sir," Cam replied with exactly the right balance of respect and confidence. "Though I should warn you, I'm terrible at volleyball. Like, embarrassingly bad."
My father barked a laugh. "Perfect. You can be on Drake's team. Even the playing field a bit."
And just like that, the ice was broken.
AsZayne helped unload our luggage from the trunk, making a point of carrying mine while letting Cam handle his own, and I felt some of the tension ease from my shoulders. Maybe this weekend wouldn't be the flaming ball of disaster I'd feared.
Then my mother linked her arm through mine and lowered her voice. "I've set you up in your old room, honey. I've been redecorating, and I think you'll find it much more... accommodating for two."
The significant look she gave me sent alarm bells ringing.
"Mom, you didn't have to… "
