Brides and Brothers by Anneka R. Walker

Chapter 46

Camille

Camille came out of her room, dressed in a comfy sweater and yoga pants, a little sad it was her mother’s last day in town. Her hair was in a ponytail, and she had opted to go without makeup again—her new, simplified look of choice. Besides, she was exhausted from her nightmares.

She turned the corner from the master bedroom and saw a large wedding cake. “Mom?”

“Over here.”

Camille didn’t see her mom in the family room, so she followed her voice around the corner and opened the double doors to the formal living room. Camille’s eyes popped. Christmas decor, twinkly lights, and glittery snowflakes had turned the room into a fairy castle.

“What in the world? Mom, what is all this stuff?” Camille motioned to the decor. “Are you throwing a party?”

Her mother stood on a ladder, holding up one end of a burlap-and-lace banner that read, Congratulations. “Please tell me you aren’t wearing that today. Did you even shower? Go get cleaned up and wear something nice. A dress, preferably.”

Obstinately, Camille sat down on the couch. “I’m not changing until you explain what’s going on.”

Her mom pinned the corner of the banner to the wall above the fireplace. “You were difficult as a child, so I shouldn’t be surprised you’re the same way now. All right, I’m throwing a shower. Now, could you go make yourself presentable?”

“For Flynn and Sage? You hardly know them.”

Her mom rolled her eyes. “You, Camille. I don’t know when I’ll make it back to this forsaken place, and you don’t have a single baby thing. It takes the full nine months to get ready, and you haven’t even started. It’s a good thing I came when I did.”

Camille wanted to smile. Her mother was throwing her a shower? Her mother was throwing her a shower! It was ridiculous timing, but the notion floored her. If she blinked, she would probably see Santa pop out of the fireplace and hear reindeer stomping on her roof. But she hadn’t even told Aiden about the baby. “It’s too soon.”

“Nonsense. Most couples announce their pregnancies around twelve weeks.”

A defeated feeling overwhelmed her. She couldn’t keep this a secret any longer. It was too much.

“Well?” her mother asked. “Can you please go get ready? The guests will be here at eleven.”

Camille shook the cobwebs from her brain. “How did you plan this without me knowing?”

“You take two-hour naps, go to bed early, and spend another few hours a day on your classes. I had more time to plan this than I do in my catering business for a last-minute gig.”

Camille smiled—really smiled—for the first time since her lunch with Amy. “Thanks, Mom. This is . . . nice.” Her mom smiled too. At her. Camille looked at the fireplace. Where was Santa Claus? “I’ll go get dressed now.”

Her mom pointed to the door. “See that bag? It has a dress in it that Amy and I picked out for you yesterday. She assured me it would fit.”

Camille bit her lip to keep from crying. It was like her mom was making up for years of absent holidays and nonexistent visits and phone calls in one wondrous way. Camille lifted the bag and looked inside. A fun, flowing dress was inside, one that would be perfect for her growing stomach, complete with matching jewelry and shoes.

Camille closed the bag, gripping the handles tightly. “I don’t know what to say.”

Her mom climbed down from the ladder and dragged it over to the other side of the fireplace. When she acted like she didn’t hear her at all, Camille gave her a sideways grin. They didn’t exactly fit happy-family criteria, but for now it was enough for her. She slipped out of the room, excited for an excuse to dress up. Her stomach had been fairly calm all day, and while all of Cherish was a winter wonderland, the sun was finally coming up over the Peterson farm.

After primping, brushing on some bronzer, and teasing her hair, Camille felt a little of her old glow come back. The empire waist of her dress caused it to poof around the middle, accentuating her stomach and making it seem bigger than it was.

“Maternity dresses always looked so cute on everyone else!” Camille growled. The pattern was fun and the style modern, but her new shape would take some getting used to.

There was a short knock on her bathroom door, and Camille poked her head around the corner to see Daisha peeking in. “Hey, lady!” Camille said.

“You look fabulous!” Daisha gave her a bulky hug, her winter coat crinkling in Camille’s ears.

Camille grinned. “Thanks for coming, Daisha.”

“Wow! Is it me, or did you pop out overnight?”

Camille groaned. “You’re not supposed to say that to pregnant women.”

Daisha shook her head. “It’s one of the few times weight gain is considered not only acceptable but important. I hope you’ve been taking all your vitamins.”

“This dress makes me look like I’m six months pregnant instead of three.”

Daisha bit back her smile. “But it’s a party dress, and it’ll help set the mood.”

Camille’s eyebrows rose. Why did they need to set the mood? “Are you saying no one wants to come to my party? Or are you afraid of what kind of party my mom’s going to throw?”

“No. And no and yes.”

“I only asked two questions.”

Daisha smirked. “I’m not so sure about your mom’s party. She invited all your brothers-in-law, which is super nontraditional. She also invited a ton of people from church.”

“The guys know, then?” She sighed, pushing away her disappointment. “Wait, she didn’t invite people from the church the Petersons attend, did she? I know two or three people there, and I wouldn’t call them friends yet.”

Daisha shrugged. “Benson tried to plead your case. He’s so sweet like that.”

Camille’s frown faded into a small smile. “You gushed about Benson! You never gush!”

“I gush—just not as thoroughly as some.”

“You like him!” Camille pushed her finger into Daisha’s shoulder, and her friend’s expression turned euphoric. “Oh, wow—you love him!”

Daisha sighed and fiddled with Camille’s makeup bag. “I don’t know how it happened. It’s only been what? Nearly three weeks?”

“This is payback for all of you ladies giving me a hard time about my relationship with Aiden.” Camille made a deep witch cackle. “Come on.” She nudged her lovesick friend. “Let’s go help my mom before she finishes all the food and takes away my fun.”

Once the preparations were completed, the guests began arriving. Camille’s mom posted her at the door to greet them. It was the worst possible job. The only woman she knew outside of her roommates was Charlotte. Fortunately, Charlotte had left Paul at home, so the only men were Camille’s brothers-in-law. Benson was missing, but Daisha was humming happily, so apparently no offense was taken.

A gray-haired woman approached Camille. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Whitmer.” She pointed to Camille with her cane. “You have the pregnancy glow!”

Camille smiled in response to the compliment. She certainly didn’t feel like she was glowing.

“Weren’t you married in a church, in the eyes of God?”

Camille nodded slowly, confused at where this was going.

“Times have changed. They never would’ve allowed that sort of thing when I was your age.”

Camille furtively glanced around for a means of escape, but the hallway was empty. “Why don’t you go find a seat.” She put her hand behind the woman to guide her inside. Her cane caught the rug, and Camille had to grab on to the woman’s frail arm to steady her.

“You don’t have to push me!”

Camille’s eyes widened. “No, I was—”

“You can’t hide sin.” The woman motioned to Camille’s stomach. “It’s in the scriptures.” The woman slowly hobbled away, leaving Camille speechless at the accusation. At least her hair looked good.

The doorbell rang, and Camille stood there in the hall, without moving. Maybe if she didn’t answer, no one else would come. The house was overrun with strangers as it was. She could always put a Closed sign on the door. It certainly worked at restaurants.

The door cracked open. Oh no. She was in Montana, not back East. People here were too friendly to let a closed door keep them away.

When she reluctantly turned to greet the next guest, she was shocked to see Aiden’s face peeking around the edge of the door.

“Aiden?” Camille blinked, her breath catching. “Aiden!” She jumped backward and grabbed a large present bag off the floor. She held it tightly in front of her dress, keeping her stomach from view.

Aiden let himself inside. Benson waved from behind him, then bolted past them and around the corner. Alone with her now, Aiden gently closed the front door behind him. He looked sheepish and adorable. Hesitantly, he dropped his duffel on the ground and unzipped his jacket.

“Is it all right that I’m here?” Aiden’s uncertainty made her want to cry. This was his house, and she’d made him feel unwelcome.

“Of course.” Camille clutched the gift bag closer to her. “You’re just in time for the party.”

Aiden looked at the gift bag in her arms. “Oh, is it someone’s birthday?” His eyes bulged. “It’s not your birthday, is it? No, that’s not until January.”

Camille bit back her grin. “You’re safe; it’s not a birthday party. Actually, it’s a party for us.”

Aiden’s demeanor shifted to surprise. “What?”

“We’d better put this in the office for now. We don’t want any of the guests to trip, and I’ve already pushed one of them.” Keeping the gift bag in place with one hand, Camille grabbed his duffel with the other.

Aiden grabbed the duffel at the same time, and their hands touched. Camille snatched hers back as her whole arm erupted in goosebumps.

“You pushed one of the guests?” Aiden raised his eyebrows.

She laughed uncomfortably. “Mrs. Whitmer thought I did, but it would’ve been a good idea.”

She and Aiden crossed to the office, and he dropped his bag and coat onto one of the chairs. She moved to follow him back out of the room, but he closed the door, leaving them alone.

He put his hands in his pockets and stared at her. A lock of his hair fell across his forehead, and without thinking, Camille reached up with her free hand and pushed it aside. Aiden closed his eyes at the gesture and leaned toward her. He thought she was going in to kiss him, and she’d missed him so much she couldn’t resist. She stepped on her tiptoes and proved him right. His arms slid around her, and he returned her kiss, crushing the gift bag between them. She didn’t know she was crying until she tasted her tears. When she opened her eyes, Aiden was crying too.

“I’m so sorry!” he whispered.

“Me too,” she said, her voice cracking.

“I never should’ve left. I love you so much.” He wrapped his arms around her, holding her and letting her cry. “I’ve talked to my brothers. They’re going to move out. Benson’s going to set up an apartment in the barn and build a house on the property. It’s all arranged. My brothers don’t have to live here for me to be there for them, and you and I deserve a chance to build our own life together. I see that now. Will you please forgive me?”

A sweet peace settled over Camille, and as she realized the anger she’d harbored no longer had a hold on her, she nodded. She’d needed to know the extent Aiden was willing to go to fix things, and his words had offered her healing. It wasn’t just his apology but her letting go of her own pride so she could forgive and admit her contribution to their troubles. She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry too. I haven’t been myself lately, and instead of seeing the good you’re trying to do, I only saw the negative.”

Aiden shook his head. “I haven’t been the best communicator. I’ve run a family for so long that I thought a marriage could be run the same way. I should’ve put you first.”

She smiled through fresh tears. “And I should’ve communicated when I was feeling neglected and hurt well before I exploded over Thanksgiving. I thought I was tough enough to handle everyone’s problems and my own. I’ve always insisted I can take care of myself, but the truth is I need you.”

Aiden’s lips went tight. “Do you still love me?”

Camille’s heart broke. How had she let this wound fester between them? “If possible, I love you more than ever.”

After a sigh of relief, Aiden kissed her again.

She felt the yearning and love she’d been missing return with his touch. She missed the warmth and heat of his lips the moment he pulled away.

“I feel the same way about you.” He studied her face. With his thumbs, he wiped at her tears.

Camille took a deep breath. “I have to confess something.”

The door pushed open behind her, and her mother stuck her head into the room. “Camille, we’re waiting for the guest of honor. Who’s this?”

Camille blinked away the surprise interruption and appraised Aiden. His shirt was a little wrinkled, but he was clean-shaven and as handsome as ever. This was it. Time to introduce her husband to her mother. “Mom, this is Aiden. Aiden, this is my mom.”

Her mother’s mouth formed a perfect O. She fumbled with the door, then finally extended her hand. “Call me Terry.”

Aiden smiled. “Terry it is.” He bypassed her hand and crushed her in a hug.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. She awkwardly patted Aiden’s back. “How about you two come in for the party instead of making out in the closet?”

Camille grimaced. “Mom, we’re married. And this isn’t a closet.”

“All right, all right. But keep the reunion short and hurry in. You’ll have more time for yourselves after the party.”

After her mom left, Aiden looked at her. “Your mom, huh?”

“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.

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. “Haunting might 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.”

“Her daddy?”

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.”