by Dora Hiers
And now her daughter was dressed and ready to go. She sighed and dropped down on the bed beside Violet. She patted the denim over her daughter’s thigh. “I’m so sorry, Violet. I should have checked on you sooner. Are you excited about tonight?”
“Oh yeah. Over the moon.”
If only Sierra could scrounge up that kind of excitement and confidence. But she’d been lost in wonder over whether tonight would be as enchanting as the dance. If a relationship with Camdon would really work or if she was just fooling herself. Or hurting him.
“What about you?” Violet asked.
“Me?”
“Yeah.” Her daughter studied her. “You haven’t been on a real date since I was born. How do you feel?”
“Honestly? Nervous. Scared.” She’d already sampled the pleasure of Camdon’s kisses, kept hearing his deep voice rumbling sweet words in her head even when he wasn’t around.
If it didn’t work, could she silence what sounded like hundreds of horses thundering in her heart every time she was near him? She gulped and hugged her chest. What had she done? Why had she ever allowed him to kiss her in the first place?
Violet wound an arm around her neck. “Mom?”
“Yes?”
“We’ll be fine. Camdon is going to be a great dad someday. But even more than that, he’ll make a wonderful husband. He’s kind and thoughtful, generous and caring. It’s obvious that he loves you, and…he won’t hurt you.”
A glob of emotion crawled down her throat as she stared at Violet, her daughter’s features so much like her own, her body beginning to blossom from girlhood to womanhood. But what really struck her was Violet’s insight. When had her daughter grown up into such a wise young woman?
The doorbell chimed.
Violet jumped off the bed and squealed, racing down the hallway. “They’re here.” She shrieked loud enough that Camdon and Wyatt could hear her outside. Maybe even the neighbors.
Chuckling, Sierra rose from the bed and smoothed her moist palms against her jeans. Her little girl wasn’t so little anymore. In a few years, she’d be fleeing the nest to make her own mark on the world. And where would that leave Sierra?
****
“Thank you for this, Mr. Lambright. I’ll be back in a couple minutes.” The car door closed with a quiet click, and Wyatt followed Violet to the front door.
“He seems like a nice kid.” Sierra’s voice came out muffled. Her puffs of breath fogged the passenger window in the front of his car.
“Yeah. He does. I’m glad we did this tonight. Even the pizza, although my stomach probably won’t agree later tonight.” Chuckling, Camdon stretched an arm across the back of the seat and angled toward Sierra.
She laughed. “Well, it might not have protested if you hadn’t eaten a whole pie.”
Obviously satisfied that there wasn’t any smooching happening on Wilma’s front porch, she turned to face him, resting an elbow on the center console, cupping her chin in a palm.
“Hey, it was only a medium. And besides, it would have gone to waste.”
“You have a point. Seriously, Camdon. Since when have you ordered banana peppers on your pizza?” Moonlight danced off her face, but otherwise the car was dark.
He caught a glimmer of the amusement curving her lips. “Well, now that there’s a new man in Violet’s life, and he looks to be an eater, too—”
Her gasp stopped his momentum. “Ouch. That’s kinda scary.” Her face disappeared back into the shadows.
“That he eats as much as I do? Yeah—”
She swatted his arm playfully. “No. The new man in Violet’s life.”
“You probably need to get used to the idea.”
She grimaced and didn’t respond.
“Would you like me to go run him off the porch?” he teased.
“No.” She chuckled. “After having to tag along with us all evening, I guess we can give the youngsters a few minutes alone.” The sparkle had come back to her eyes.
“The drive home didn’t work out quite like I’d imagined.” No. What he’d hoped to do was take Wyatt home first, and then enjoy a bit of time alone with Sierra. But Wyatt had mentioned that he’d like to see Violet home. Camdon could understand that. Respected it even.
“No? What did you imagine?”
“Taking the boy home first. Then an hour or so snuggling with you on the couch.”
Her mouth rounded in a silent o. “Well, you could always come back after you drop Wyatt off.”
The heater didn’t warm his insides as much as the mere mention of a few more minutes alone with his girl. He gave it some serious thought, even glanced at the illuminated digital numbers on the dash. Ten thirty already. Disappointment settled in his gut. “By the time I drop Wyatt off at his house and got back here, it would be after eleven.”
“If I recall, Wyatt and Violet are the ones with the curfew.” Sierra’s hair shielded half her face, but he could see the glimmer of something dangerous in her eyes.
His knuckles grazed her soft cheek. “That could be a problem. Especially if Wilma and Violet have already gone to bed.” Especially with the fire sparking every nerve to life in his body.
“Yeah. You’re right.” Her teeth nibbled her bottom lip.
Yearning swelled in his chest. To wait together for Violet to return home from a date. To hear the car door while they snuggled in front of a glowing fireplace, waiting for Violet to come in and share about her evening. One day, perhaps, to watch Violet come and go with her own family with Sierra at his side.
“It’s probably not a good idea tonight.” He forced the words out past the need clogging his throat.
“I understand.” She cleared her throat and reached for the door handle. She was embarrassed, and that’s not how he wanted her to feel. Not even close.
“Wait.” He slid a hand to her thigh, halting her progress. “I don’t think you do. I want the whole package, Sierra.”
She tilted her head slightly to the side and studied him with an intensity that thrilled him and boosted his confidence.
“I want evenings just like this. Watching Violet and her date make goo-goo eyes at each other over dinner. Joking around with you until you relax and stop worrying that your daughter might make the same mistakes that you did. But, knowing even if she did, that we’d be there for her. Trusting that I’d be there for her, supporting her, standing beside her, protecting her. Because if a guy doesn’t treat Violet with respect, I’d have something to say about it because I love you and your daughter more than life itself.”
A lump slid down her throat, and her eyes glimmered. Her jaw dangled.
But he wasn’t finished. He scooped up her hands and wrapped them inside his bigger ones. “I want love and laughter and faith to overflow from our home so that there’s no room for fear or regret. Starting now.” The leather seat creaked as he leaned in and cradled her cheek with his hand, his gaze caressing every inch of her face.
****
His sweet words and the gentle lines etching his eyes shifted something inside of her. Years of locked up fear and pain broke loose and gushed out, leaving room for something else, something much better to fill her heart, to nourish her soul.
Anticipation tingled along her arms as she lifted her face and closed her eyes. Longing swelled. For Camdon’s lips to connect with hers. Then he would see that she finally believed that forever was possible.
The back door whooshed open, and a chilly breeze drifted into the car. Along with Wyatt.
She jerked and backed herself against the window. Heat crawled up her neck. Of all the rotten timing. To think her daughter’s boyfriend almost interrupted their kiss.
The teen rubbed his hands together. “Phew. It’s cold out there.”
She stole a glance at Camdon. He was smiling! Grinning, actually, as he winked at her. The rascal!
Camdon angled around to face Wyatt, his arm still stretched out along the back of her seat. “Give me a minute, Wyatt. I’ll be right back, and we’
ll get you home before your curfew.”
“No. It’s okay. There’s no need.” She fumbled with the door handle and finally managed to open it against the stiff wind. “Thanks, guys, for an absolutely wonderful evening.”
She didn’t wait for a response. Just bolted from the seat, braving the blast of unusual arctic air, and hustled to the front door. Her fingers gripped the doorknob—
“Sierra, wait!”
She glanced over a shoulder.
Camdon had followed her and stopped just shy of the porch. Moonlight danced off the metal of his silver car, exposing the raw vulnerability shadowing his face. Was he worried that she’d reject him again after his confession?
This guy had been her best friend since…forever, it seemed. And knowing her like he did, accepting all her past mistakes and listening to her crazy “no dating” comments, he’d never once been judgmental or pointed a condemning finger. And yet…he loved her. Enough to want a forever with her. It was all too much to take in tonight, but that didn’t stop her heart from tumbling, leaving her organ weak from the unaccustomed exercise.
“Can I pick up my three beautiful gals for church tomorrow?”
She felt the smile take over her face. “I’d like that.”
The worry left his forehead, and his dimples flashed. “So would I. See you in the morning, sweetheart. Pleasant dreams.” He spun around, leaving her frozen to the front stoop, her fingertips clinging to the knob.
Pleasant dreams? She took a long, lingering look at him. At the wide, sculpted shoulders, the muscles in his upper arms clearly bulging underneath his teal sweater. With that image burned in her brain, she wouldn’t sleep at all. Pleasant dreams indeed!
He was already back in the car and pulling away from the curb when she waved.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside, the heat a welcome relief from the frigid wind. She closed the door with a gentle click and pressed her back against the cool wood.
Nothing had changed. Yet everything had changed.
Camdon was still the same great guy. Caring and sensitive to her and Violet, even Wilma, yet he was different. His gaze settled on her often, tender and expressive. He touched her more. Whether it was an arm draped along her shoulders or the back of the seat, his fingertips threading through her hair. And his hand nearly always found hers.
She liked it.
22
Camdon gestured for Violet and Sierra to go ahead of him into the sanctuary. His sister waved at them from near the front. He acknowledged her with a nod. They waited for the cluster of people milling in the aisle to clear.
His family took up most of a row now. There was Remi and Mason, home since the season had ended, Jillian and Carson, and his mom and stepfather. Corbin, the vet, sometimes sat with them but not so much now that Carson and Jillian had married. Last he heard, the vet was dating a lady who lived in the county north of Harrison.
“Would you mind if we sat with my family?”
“I would love that.” Sierra smiled, and Violet nodded her agreement.
It was a good thing that worship hadn’t started yet because the entire row filed out for hugs.
“It’s great to see you, Violet. Sierra. Camdon.” His mother curled her arm around Violet’s shoulder.
“It’s great to see you all, too.” Sierra gave his mother a one-armed hug and offered the same warm greeting to his sister and sister-in-law. She fit in so well with his family. They loved her and Violet.
“Where’s Wilma?” Lessa asked.
“She’s home nursing a bit of a sore throat this morning,” Sierra responded.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. There’s a nasty bug going around. I hope she feels better soon.” His mother’s brow furrowed in sympathy.
The band members took their positions on the stage, and chords from the guitars blended with a keyboard as the music filled the sanctuary. His family reclaimed their seats. Violet settled in next to his mother then tugged his arm, motioning to the seat next to her.
Chuckling, Sierra sat down on his other side. “I see how it is.”
He squeezed her shoulder and stared into the most gorgeous eyes he’d ever seen. “Life doesn’t get any better than this.”
When the music director invited them to stand, he did so, shuttering his lids for a moment, gratefulness overwhelming him. Thank You, Lord, for the beautiful gift of today. For the wonderful blessing of Sierra and Violet at my side.
****
“God’s love never fails. Unlike earthly parents, He will never give up on you. No matter what you do or what you’ve done, He never considers you a failure.” The pastor’s gaze roamed the congregation then appeared to settle on her. “Nothing, not life or death, past or present, can separate you from His deep, everlasting—”
Sierra closed her eyes as the pastor concluded his message, allowing the words to penetrate and soothe her wounded spirit.
Oh God, thank You for not being like my father and stepfather, and for never giving up on me or treating me like I’m excess baggage. Thank You for bringing Camdon into my life, and for the sweet way he’s modeled Your example of a lasting love. Is true, lasting love possible? I want to believe that it is. Will he ever give up on me? On us?
“Mom?”
Sierra startled, whipping her head around to face her daughter. “Yes?”
“Camdon just invited us to lunch.”
“Oh. That sounds great.” How had she ended up in the lobby, huddled between Camdon and Violet? And where were the rest of the Lambrights?
Before the question left her mouth, Camdon answered. “I sent them on ahead. You looked like you were deep in thought, and I didn’t want to rush you.”
His deep voice and crater-sized dimples combined with the soft touch on her back were wreaking havoc in her heart. Cinnamon flecks danced in eyes the color of a rainforest after a good soak, mesmerizing her. She gobbled some air, but only managed to breathe in more of him. Nature and sky. Fresh and clean, and so addictive she kept gulping in more.
“Thank you, but it’s…I’m okay.” Her voice came out in a squeak. How had she missed his whole family leaving? She gave her head a little shake. What was up with her lately?
His dimples deepened and his smile grew wider, as if he knew the thoughts going through her head. The hand on her back applied gentle pressure. “Let’s go before you pass out from not eating.”
Not likely. If she passed out, it would be from her lack of breathing like a normal person.
Or because she just realized she was in love with her best friend.
****
Tonight was the night. So far, it couldn’t be more perfect.
He had invited Sierra and Violet to a neighboring city’s tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display, a holiday event that rivaled Harrison’s. This way Sierra didn’t have to work, and neither of them had to worry about how things were running. Why hadn’t he thought to do this before?
“This is totally rad!” Violet clapped and spun around in a circle. Her cheeks and nose were watermelon red. Her gaze jerked from the beautifully decorated shops to the oversized horses clomping down the cobbled streets, their proud gait tugging brightly colored carriages with large wheels. Snow white lights twinkled from every tree lining the street, including the horse carriages, and the reflection danced from her eyes.
“Fun, isn’t it?” Camdon chuckled, enjoying the teen’s starry-eyed look of wonder.
“This was a great idea, Camdon.” Sierra rubbed her hands together, her face just as red and as awe-struck as Violet’s. “Especially since I don’t have to work. I can actually enjoy it.”
“That was the plan.” And every detail seemed to be working out. He jammed his hand in his pocket and curled his fingers around the tiny boxes, the velvet soft and warm against his palm. “How about some hot chocolate?”
“Sounds delightful.” Sierra rewarded him with a smile.
He bought hot chocolate for three, and they sauntered down the sidewalk, huddling ti
ghtly together to deflect the frosty air.
“I can’t believe how cold it is for this time of year.” Sierra hugged her waist, gripping the cup with her free hand. Steam curled up from the rim as she sipped.
He tugged her against his side. “Yeah. It makes me think we’re in for a tough winter.” He smiled at her shudder. Sierra preferred summer and sun, warm temperatures and being outdoors to winter.
After downing the last of his drink, he tossed the cup in the trash receptacle and did the same with their cups. He stole a glance at the time on his phone. Soon the horses would be whisked away for the evening, tucked out of sight and sound before the display of fireworks started.
“Come on.” He ushered them to a waiting carriage and paid the driver.
“A carriage ride? Really?” Violet squealed and danced a jig right there in the street.
“After you, milady.” Camdon swept his arm wide and bowed. When he straightened, he extended a hand to help Violet up the step. When she was settled in the carriage, he held out his hand to Sierra.
She’d backed away. Her hand covered her mouth. Moisture glimmered from beautiful wide eyes.
Oh, no. What had he done? “What’s the matter, sweetheart?”
“It’s…”
He waited, worry curdling in his gut. Had he gotten the timing all wrong? Mixed the signals?
“It’s so…lovely. Everything is so…so perfect,” she whispered.
Perfect? That was later. After she said yes. “The night’s not over, yet.”
Lord, please let her say yes. Please don’t let me ruin our friendship by wanting more than she’s willing to give.
He held out his hand again, silently crying out from the depths of his soul for her to link her hand with his and join their lives. Take it, Sierra, please.
Her gaze never wavered. She reached out and took his hand.
Thank You, God. He breathed a prayer of gratitude. Contentment seeped in to replace the anxiety twisting his insides. Smiling, he helped her up the step and then settled in next to her. Finally, with his arm around her and her head pressed against his side, he nodded at the coachman.