Before flipping the page, she glanced over to catch his expression as he watched her reaction to that particular ad. “Nice,” she said with a grin.
He did a face palm and grumbled into his hand, “Uh huh.”
“Somebody’s got to do it,” she said before closing the small book. “I love that Rain made this for you. I hope I get to meet her someday.”
Canyon pulled his hand from his face and looked at her, a new, indiscernible emotion playing over his expression. It took her a moment to recall the question she’d wanted to ask. She wasn’t exactly sure why she felt the sudden need to spark up a new topic, but as soon as the question came to mind, she spit it out.
“You used to be a pharmaceutical rep, right?”
“Yep,” he said with a nod.
“So what made you give that up?” Cambria stretched an arm along the back of the couch, leaned on it as she faced him. She expected him to break into some story of how his agent spotted him in some doctor’s waiting area and begged him to come work for his agency. But as Canyon held her gaze, that storm brewing beneath the furrowed set of his dark brows, she realized there was a whole lot more to his decision. It was less about modeling, and more about the job he left.
His mom. The thought struck her like a gut-punch. Was that it? Had he left the job behind after his mom abused one too many prescriptions?
Cambria searched his face for an answer, her breaths shallow and stilled.
With his eyes fixed on hers, Canyon lowered his chin, giving her the slightest hint of a nod, willing her to understand what he meant.
She did. A dull ache settled into her chest. He felt guilty on some level. Responsible in part for the wide spread of addictions throughout the country. Or at very least, his mother’s abuse of them.
How could she tell him that it wasn’t his fault? The cameras might be present, but she’d find a way. She had to. Anything to counter the hurt she saw in those blue eyes.
“I respect people in the pharmaceutical industry,” she said softly, carefully, eyes trained on his face. “If it weren’t for my Uncle Victor’s blood pressure meds, he’d be a goner. And my dad, he was diabetic. Did I tell you that?”
Canyon shook his head, but already, she could see the conflict in his face grow.
“Yeah,” she whispered. “They discovered it in his teens. Thank heavens he had insulin to keep him alive.”
She could see it then, a war of sorts battling behind his eyes.
“Canyon,” she breathed, but he only shook his head. His eyes clenched shut, and she realized he was trying to hold this back. To not let his torment end up on the TV screens across America.
At once Cambria rushed in and circled her arms around him. She pressed kisses against his cheek, moved her lips to his ear, and murmured, “It’s not your fault.”
His shoulders trembled and shook.
“It’s not your fault,” she said again.
This time he reached his arms around her in return. They stayed that way as a Christmas melody drifted over them like a blanket of warm, falling snowflakes. The tension melted off him in layers. Deeper breaths, softer shoulders, heavier arms.
“Thank you,” he mumbled against her neck.
Hope swelled within her, warm and peaceful. And something else too. If she had to name it, Cambria could in a heartbeat: it was love. She loved this man. Wanted to see the redemption her aunt and Marsha talked about. Wanted to gain the happily ever she was starting to believe could actually be hers. With him.
Canyon pressed a kiss to her temple, then nuzzled his face back into her neck. They stayed that way as his breaths slowed, each seeming to take him into a deeper level of acceptance. It would take her a while to fully appreciate what had happened between them, but one thing was certain: it was significant. And it was meant to happen.
Something occurred to her then. Perhaps this was what she’d been needing all along. To feel as if she wasn’t the only taker in a relationship. She’d lost her parents in a tragic accident at a young age. That made her the sad orphan who every man had to fix or rescue. But here, in this fast-blossoming relationship with Canyon Byer, Cambria felt like she had something to offer, and she’d needed that more than she knew.
Chapter 15
The ring box in Canyon’s pocket grew heavier somehow as they made their way to the tree, the weight of it like a promise. Had he proposed to Cambria an hour ago, he could have done it just fine. After all, each minute he’d spent with her over the last week had shown him more and more of the woman she was. Layer upon layer had revealed one of the most beautiful people he’d ever known.
But now she’d taken it even deeper. Reached into his soul, found the vice that haunted his nights and days alike, and did what all the self-help books and words of affirmation hadn’t touched: she’d silenced the raging voice of shame in his head. Brought a subject to light— one he hadn’t dared speak about with anyone— then put it to rest.
In one sense he had to wonder why he hadn’t brought it up to anyone before. But Canyon somehow knew that, for whatever reason, Cambria was the person meant to address it. She was so easy to talk to, in fact, that he’d revealed more about his father than he ever might have while the cameras rolled, but he couldn’t get himself to regret it. Canyon was sick of protecting a man who’d abandoned him so many years ago. He had a right to speak his truth.
He let Cambria hang the mini magazine ornament that Rain made for him. She looped it around a cluster of fragrant pine needles toward the top of the tree. “Face of an angel,” she said. “But devilishly handsome.”
Canyon couldn’t help but laugh. He looped his childhood-crafted wreath over a skinny bow and wrapped his arms around Cambria. “You, my love, have the face of an angel.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, the tip of her nose, and then her lips.
“I love you, Cambria,” he whispered.
Cambria pulled back to meet his gaze. If she didn’t return the sentiment, he couldn’t go on with the proposal. It’d be too risky. Just as the thought gained traction in his mind, she spoke up. “I love you, too.”
He broke into what was sure to be a very dopey grin. He’d never heard sweeter words. Words that made him feel like he could conquer the world.
Before he could talk himself out of it, Canyon dropped to one knee. He tugged the ring box from his pocket, cupped it in one hand, and held Cambria’s hand in the other. It took him a second to muster the nerve to look at her, but once he did, Canyon knew —as sure as the floor lay beneath him—that this was right.
Her brown eyes looked more gold with all the light reflected there. And as they widened in wonder, realization forming on her face, her pretty lips parted in a gasp.
“Cambria Patrice Wilson,” he said softly, “I know it’s only been a week since we arrived here…” He glanced down for a breath, and suddenly, he lost his words.
A streak of mind-numbing fear shot through him.
What in the world was he thinking?
It had only been a week. And at the beginning of that week Canyon hadn’t even liked Cambria. And heaven knew the woman who’d slapped his face on national TV didn’t have warm and fuzzy feelings for him when this all began. Now he was on one knee about to propose marriage?
He forced his gaze back on her, scrambling for a way out, when the confirmation he’d received only seconds ago came rushing back. Drowning the doubt, panic, and fear in one massive flood of assurance and peace. This was right.
He cleared his throat. “I know it happened quickly, but I can’t deny the fact that it did happen. I fell in love with you, Cambria. I fell in love with the passionate, fun, kind-hearted woman you are.” The warm truth of it sank further into his heart.
Canyon flicked open the ring box and presented the diamond ring. “The future we talked about—I’d like that to be more than just a fantasy. I want to make it a reality. But more importantly, I’d like to create that picture with you. Will you take a brave step into the future with me, and agree to be my b
ride?” He wanted to elaborate, to assure her they could have a long engagement; they just needed to take this step to continue their journey, but this wasn’t the time to ramble
He held his breath as he waited.
Don’t say no, Cambria. Just think about it.
But then he saw it. The tears welling in those baby browns as she held his gaze, surprise seeming to finally give way to acceptance. His heart stopped beating—he was sure of it. A tight ache built in his chest as she licked her lips, caught the bottom portion between her teeth, then sighed.
Please, Cambria. Just say yes.
She sniffed, a slight smile pulling at one corner of her mouth, and then she nodded. “Yes.”
With that single word, everything felt right with the world. Every swell of hope and warmth growing in his chest confirmed it. All was right in his world.
Cambria’s smile grew as Canyon shot to a stand and wrapped his arms warmly around her frame. He lifted her off the floor and stepped away from the tree so he could twirl her full circle, that glorious laugh of hers echoing through the room.
“I can’t wait to spend my life with you,” he said into her ear, already picturing the glorious years ahead of them.
She’d said yes. She’d said yes! He could hardly believe it. “Let’s get this ring on you.”
Cambria held out her left hand as he tugged the delicate band from the velvet case.
“My hands are trembling,” she said with a laugh.
“So are mine,” Canyon said as he slid it onto her finger. “Do you like this one?” he asked. “I mean, out of the others?’
She nodded and squeezed his hand. “It’s my favorite one.”
He squeezed her hand in return and led her back to the couch. Cambria sank onto the center cushion beside him, but Canyon quickly pulled her onto his lap. He needed her close, needed her kiss, needed her.
He slipped a hand up her neck and brought his mouth to hers in a slow, celebratory kiss. Loving the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her on his tongue, and the tiny moan she let out as he deepened the kiss.
She raked fingers up the back of his head, fisted his hair, and pulled back to hold his gaze. This woman is going to be my wife. That thought replayed in his mind as Cambria moved in and traced the shape of his mouth with her bottom lip, her hot breath teasing him every inch of the way.
Fire roared low in his belly as her full, passionate kiss became his once more. He’d never grow tired of Cambria’s kiss. Never. And if all went according to plan, he’d get to enjoy it all the days of his life.
* * *
Cambria smiled as Canyon walked her down the hallway to her room. Engaged. Had she actually just said yes, that she would, in fact, marry him someday?
She’d nearly forgotten about her conversation with Jack about the contract she’d signed. Even as she contemplated his proposal, the contract hadn’t come to mind. All Cambria had considered, all she could think about, was how wonderful their lives might be.
Canyon had the characteristics of a great husband, a loving father, and a wonderful man in general. Humility, despite his accomplishments. And a conscious heart, which was a rare thing to find. He’d endured enough hardship in his life to shape him into a compassionate, well-rounded person. Beyond that, he was fun to be around. They had a way of unleashing that silly, carefree side in one another. A side that usually only her friends saw. Never had Cambria been comfortable enough with a boyfriend to be so… her in front of him.
They were at her doorway now. Stan had gone before them and was already filming them from the front. Tina, who’d been trailing behind, moved in closer as Canyon took Cambria’s hands in his. He weaved his fingers through hers, eyes fixed on her face.
“Well, future Mrs. Byer,” he said under his breath, “I guess this is goodnight.”
A thrill shot through her chest. “Goodnight.”
He held her gaze as he moved in, then closed his eyes before their lips met at last.
Mmm. Another long, drawn-out kiss. She’d never known kissing could feel so good. “See you in the morning,” she said while she still had the state of mind to do it.
“That’s right. We’re going to visit our families.”
The statement knocked her mind off its tracks. “What?”
Canyon tipped his head. “You knew that, didn’t you? That we were going to visit our families tomorrow?”
No, she hadn’t known that. She shook her head, discomfort rumbling just beneath the surface.
“Oh. I guess they didn’t want to tip you off about the proposal.”
That made sense. So why did she still feel so unsettled? It was just that, she couldn’t help but think about the contract she’d signed.
Had Canyon signed a contract of his own? One that said he had to propose to her?
“Cambria?” Canyon’s voice sounded a dozen miles away.
She searched his face, seeking an answer to the question in her head. Did he propose because he was falling in love with her? Or was he just doing his job for the camera?
“Sorry,” she said. “I just…” she glanced at the cameras—Tina’s, then Stan’s, before setting her gaze back on him. Words like how can I know all of this is real shot to the tip of her tongue, but somehow she managed to hold them back.
His blue eyes seemed to read them just the same as he searched her face, a furrow gripping his brow. “Thanks for sharing parts of your past with me, Cambria. I love the advice your mom gave you. I know you’ve applied that here, and I’m glad.” He moved in, grazed her earlobe with his warm lips, then whispered, “I meant every word, Cambria. I hope you know that.”
He tipped his head back just enough to search her face once more.
Warmth and hope swelled within her at his sweet assurance. “I do,” she said softly. “And I meant what I said too. I can’t wait to marry you.”
Chapter 16
Cambria knew the grin on her face must look a lot like a silly schoolgirl’s. The thing was, she couldn’t get herself to care. According to her lawyer, Jack, Cambria was supposed to lie if she had to in order to convince her friends and family that she was genuinely in love with Canyon. If he actually proposed to her, that is.
And now, sitting at Vickie’s kitchen table across from not only Vickie but also Mae and Leah, Cambria had no need to lie. Because what she and Canyon had was the real deal. He’d only assured her of that even more as they packed up and headed to their hometown of Lake Tahoe to visit first her family and then his.
The three women held identical postures as they leaned far over the table to watch Canyon head out back with Victor and his sons, Shawn and Caden. Cambria hadn’t been terribly close to her cousins, seeing that they were already out of the house by the time she moved in with Vickie and Victor, but she knew they felt a protective, brotherly love for her, and she was glad they’d taken the time to come and meet Canyon. Despite the fact that they were doing so on a popular TV show and would likely get some unwanted airtime while grilling Cambria’s fiancé.
“Okay,” Mae said under her breath. She shot the camera a look before setting her eyes back on Cambria. “Now that the guys are gone, do you want to tell us how you really feel?”
Leah and Vicky leaned forward in unison.
Cambria chuckled. “I hate to break it to you, but I really have fallen for Canyon.”
Vicky tightened both fists and grinned. “Yes!”
Leah let out a squeal. “I’m so excited for you guys.”
Mae only folded her arms, face flat and anything but amused.
“He’s so different from the way I thought he was,” Cambria explained. “You’ll just have to watch the episodes as they come out and see what I mean.”
“We did watch the first one,” Vickie said. “It was on last night. Shawn and Caden have been really concerned about this whole thing. And you already know how Victor is. Forget the third degree, they’re probably giving Canyon the forth, fifth, and sixth degree out there.”
Cambria
craned her neck to see the men standing around the deep fryer on the snow-covered patio, ready to lower the turkey into the hot oil. She imagined Shawn threatening Canyon. You hurt our baby cousin and you’ll wish you could get off as easy as this bird.
She smiled. “Canyon can take it.” She turned back to see the three women studying her once more. Leah’s smile was as wide as her face. Vickie’s smile was impossibly wider. Meanwhile, Mae’s lips warranted a missing sign, the thin line barely evident beneath the scowl on her face.
“This doesn’t even seem like you. I mean, I know charm and good looks can go a long way, but… ” She shook her head in disgust. “But I just didn’t figure you were the type to fall for it.”
Cambria didn’t appreciate the insinuation that Canyon was nothing more than an attractive package. “Listen,” she said, not wanting to sound too defensive. “There are reasons he made the decisions he made while filming. I think he and I got to the bottom of those issues. I know he didn’t give viewers a whole lot to go off of the first time around, but trust me, he’s got an entire canyon of depth to discover, and the more I learn, the harder I fall.”
This time Leah and Vickie hugged each other and squealed some more. Mae shot up from her chair and groaned. “I give up with these two.”
“Just give him a chance,” Cambria said as she came to her feet. She stopped Mae mid-pace, rested her hands on her shoulders, and squared a look at her. “That’s all I ask, okay?”
Mae’s green eyes narrowed as she looked beyond Cambria and out the window.
Cambria couldn’t help but smile. Mae really was the ultimate doubter. “Will you do that? Will you give him a chance during dinner?”
Mae shrugged. “I’ll try. Don’t be disappointed if I don’t change my mind about him.”
Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiancé: Christmas Romance Series Page 11