by Darcy Burke
“You guys are the best,” Brooke said. “I can’t thank you enough for your support. Really.”
Alaina turned her attention back to Brooke. “I meant what I said about being here for you. You have options—you don’t need a kid of your own blood to be a mother. You don’t even need a baby. There are so many older kids who need loving parents.”
Brooke knew that, but it would take a special partner to agree to that kind of journey. Was Cam capable of being that partner?
They all stood and hugged again. Kelsey stayed to tidy up a little, and Brooke walked out with Crystal and Alaina, who squeezed her hand before they walked toward their car down the block.
Brooke strolled back to her loft, feeling better than she had in days. Maybe she’d even work out tonight. Yeah, some yoga sounded great.
She went into the lobby of her building and nearly tripped.
Standing up from the chair with a manila envelope in his hand was Cam.
Chapter Twenty-one
Cam watched the surprise on her face fade to confusion and then wariness. “Hi, Brooke. Before you yell at me for having someone let me in, I didn’t. I was waiting for you outside, and your neighbor insisted I come in and sit down.”
“Okay. Why are you here?” Her tone was as guarded as her gaze.
He missed the glow that usually emanated from her, that light that had drawn him to her weeks ago at the salmon bake. When she’d given him the brush-off.
“Did you know that I have a three-strikes rule?” he asked. When she shook her head, he continued. “I give myself three shots with a woman. If she shuts me down every time, I’m out.”
“Like baseball.”
“Exactly. I figure with you, I’m on about strike ten or something.”
She cracked a smile, and some of the tension left his frame. She inclined her head toward the envelope in his hand. “What’s that?”
“Oh, I’ll get to it. Can we maybe go upstairs?”
She hesitated, but only briefly. “Sure.”
He went ahead of her to press the elevator button. Once they were inside, he said, “I meant to text you about tomorrow night. You’re still coming, right?”
“Yes. Unless you don’t want me to.”
“Of course I want you to. You’ve been a huge asset.”
“Thanks.” She glanced at him with a small smile as the doors opened.
He gestured for her to precede him and then followed her down the hall to her loft.
Once inside, she set her purse on the counter and turned to him. “Can I get you anything?”
He stood on the other side of the island from her and shook his head, suddenly nervous, his throat going dry. He didn’t want to screw this up. “I messed up the other night. I’m afraid I might do it again.”
She shook her head too, but with more intensity. “No, I fucked up. Not you. I should’ve told you the truth. I was scared you’d leave.”
He wanted to kick himself. “Which is exactly what I did.”
“Yes, but I don’t blame you. Especially given your experience.” She took a deep breath. “Besides, you came back. With an envelope. I have to admit I’m very curious about that.”
He laughed and set it on the counter, sliding it across to her. “Open it.”
She picked it up, looking at him, and then tipped her head down to pull back the flap. She reached inside and pulled out infertility pamphlets and papers he’d printed from the Internet. Slowly, she sorted through them, setting them on the counter as she glanced over each one.
When she looked up at him, her eyes were wide and such a clear blue-green, he would’ve sworn he could see himself in their depths. “Where did you get all this?”
“Some of it I printed at home.” He’d stayed up until four this morning reading everything he could about infertility, surrogacy, adoption, everything he could find that might be pertinent to their situation. Yes, their situation. “The rest I picked up in Portland at a fertility clinic.”
Brooke stared at him. She opened her mouth but didn’t say anything. He waited another moment to give her a chance to find her words, but when she remained quiet, he continued.
“I’ve looked at a lot of options—probably not all of them—and I think there are avenues we can explore. If we get that far. I mean, you might tell me to get the hell out when I’m done rambling.”
“I won’t,” she whispered. “Not ever.”
His chest expanded with emotion. “I’m so sorry about the other night.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. It was my fault. I can’t—” She looked away for a moment, and when her gaze found his again, there were tears in her eyes. “What are you saying?”
He came around the counter, and she turned to face him. He moved as close as he dared, close enough that he could touch her, but not close enough that they were touching. “I’d like to give this—us—a try.”
“Even…even knowing what you know?”
“Especially knowing what I know. I didn’t realize I wanted a family until I met you. And now that I know I do want one, I don’t think I want it without you.”
She made a sound, a broken sob, and brought her hand to her mouth. A tear fell from her eye, and he reached out and caught it on his fingertip. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Not about this. We’re going to be okay. I hope. I’m going to try.”
She nodded and hugged him, her fingers digging into his back. She suddenly pulled back and looked up at him. “Are you sure? This isn’t going to be easy, and everything we try might fail.”
He’d thought about this intermittently during his nearly all-night research session. “I know. There are no guarantees in life, as much as we want them. I wanted to be sure no one would ever get close enough to hurt me again. But here you are. I nearly let my own hurt and distrust keep me from something wonderful, and I don’t want to live like that. YOLO.”
She laughed. “Did you just say YOLO?”
He shrugged. “You do only live once. I’ve spent eight years drowning in regret, and I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to be happy and feel good, and with you, I get both of those things. I can’t make you promises for how this will go, but I can tell you that I love you. I’ve been in love before, and it wasn’t like this. Once I got my head back on straight, I thought about moving on without you, and I just didn’t want to do it. And before you ask me again—yes, knowing what I know. You’re who you are, Brooke, faulty reproductive system and all. And I love every piece of you.”
She stood on her toes and kissed him, her lips soft and gentle and so sweet. “I love you too. So much.”
He kissed her back, deepening the connection as he claimed her mouth with his. She twined her arms around his neck and held on tight.
When they came up for air a few moments later, she beamed up at him. “I have no idea where we’re going, but I’m so glad I’m going there with you.”
Cam swept her into his arms. “I know exactly where we’re going. The bedroom.” He carried her around the island before stopping short. “Shit. I left my wallet at home. I don’t suppose you have condoms?”
“Nope, and you don’t need one. Not really.”
He grinned at her and planted a fast kiss on her lips. “Well, I’m just going to consider that a little bonus.” He carried her into the bedroom and set her on the bed.
She looked up at him, her eyes searching. “You’re certain this is what you want?”
“More than anything.”
The Arch and Fox restaurant hummed with conversation and a palpable excitement. Brooke stood with Cam as they talked with the critic from Wine Enthusiast. She and some others in the industry had come for a special tasting that afternoon and had been enthusiastic in their praise.
Brooke could tell that Cam was flying high. Dressed in an impeccable navy pinstriped suit, he looked good enough to eat. She’d never before considered the pride in having arm candy but had to admit she enjoyed the envious stares of the women who darted him interested glan
ces. Glances that turned to disappointment as soon as they saw him touch Brooke’s back or put his arm around her waist, which he did often.
All in all, it was a magical night. She’d been floating on air since Cam had come to see her last night, and she never wanted to come down.
She still couldn’t believe the time he’d spent researching her infertility and possibilities for the future. Darren had never done that. As if she’d needed any reminders that Cam was not Darren.
No, Cam was sensitive and caring and the most supportive man she could ask to have in her life. They’d made love and stayed up far too late talking about all of the procedures she’d tried and, to a lesser extent, his experience with his ex-girlfriend that had hurt him so badly.
Brooke found she wanted to look Jennifer up and punch her face in, much as Cam wanted to do to Darren. She smiled at that thought.
As the wine critic excused himself, Cam leaned his head close and whispered in her ear, “What are you smiling at?”
“You. Us. Last night. Later. Pick something.”
“All of it. I pick all of it.” He brushed a kiss against her flesh, sending a shiver down her neck.
Hayden and Bex approached them. Hayden smiled at Brooke, then looked at Cam. “You ready?”
Cam nodded, and they went to stand in front of the stone fireplace. Luke and Jamie joined them.
“Don’t they all look so handsome?” Bex asked. She was showing now, the gentle slope of her belly just visible beneath her dark purple dress.
“Very. Jamie and Luke better watch out. There are a lot of single women here. I’ve had to direct several death stares at a few of them because they wouldn’t stop checking Cam out.”
Bex laughed. “Oh, I still have to do that with Hayden. But you have to admit it’s kind of satisfying to have such a hot guy.”
Brooke watched Cam signal for everyone’s attention, and her heart turned over. “Definitely.”
“Thank you, everyone, for joining us tonight.” Cam looked around the room. It was filled with industry professionals, Ribbon Ridgers, and a lot of family. Brooke had come early and been introduced to every Archer and Westcott. She was pretty sure she’d need a flow chart later.
“As many of you know, this winery started as a bit of a dare.” Cam nodded toward his partners. “The four of us grew up together and never actually planned to do this. We were sitting around a table at The Arch and Vine, and we realized that each of us could contribute something valuable to a winery.”
Jamie piped in. “It was me, actually. It was my idea.”
Everyone laughed and no one louder than Cam. “That’s true. Yes, it was wee Jamie’s idea.”
Jamie rolled his eyes but grinned.
Cam turned to his youngest brother, and Brooke could see the warmth in his eyes. “And a damn fine idea it was.” He looked back out over the dining room. “So this idea somehow managed to find its footing. We were lucky enough to score this incredible vineyard, and Luke has turned it into something special.”
Luke glanced down but smiled. “Still working on it, but it’s coming along.”
“See what I have to deal with?” Cam said. “One brother who wants to hog the spotlight and another who wants to dodge it.” He shook his head, smiling. “But none of this would work at all without the winemaking skills of my best friend, Hayden Archer. Without further ado, I’ll turn it over to him because I know he has a ton of stuff to say.”
Hayden stepped forward, but Cam didn’t back away yet. “One more thing,” he said. “I want to thank everyone here. Your support and friendship means a lot to us.” His eyes found his parents, whom Brooke had met earlier. “Mom and Dad, thank you.” Then his gaze settled on her. “And Brooke—I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us.” He winked at her, then took a step back. “Okay, I’m done.”
Hayden gave him a look of mock exasperation, then grinned. “Thank you, Cam, for dreaming up this event tonight. And to my sister Sara, who coordinated it.” He continued with more thank-yous, then briefly talked about the wine they’d be pouring with dinner.
Soon after, they all sat and partook of the fabulous meal that Kyle’s staff had prepared. Kyle had felt bad that he couldn’t attend, but newborns kind of decimated one’s social calendar.
At the end of the night, after everyone had left, Brooke sat in a corner where she took off her shoes and massaged her aching feet. She wasn’t sure where Cam had gone but knew he was finishing up somewhere.
Just then he came from the kitchen, his hand behind his back. He walked to her table and sat down.
She was curious what he was hiding, but didn’t ask. “You must be exhausted.” He didn’t look it; his eyes were still bright.
“I am. We can go. In just a minute. I have something for you.”
“Behind your back?” She craned her neck, fruitlessly, to look.
He brought his hand around and handed her a bouquet. A dozen white roses and one red one in the middle.
Brooke’s throat knotted. After a moment, she managed to speak. “They’re beautiful, and they mean so much. Thank you.”
“Do you know what the red one is for?”
“Because you love me?”
He grinned and scooted forward in his chair until he was at the very edge. “Well, yes, but that’s not all. That red rose is our child. I don’t know where he or she will come from or when he or she will come, but they’re out there waiting for us. I know it.”
Her breath caught, and she just stared at this amazing man who’d captured her heart, her trust, and her dreams so completely. “When you say it, I believe it.”
He leaned forward, his mouth inches from hers. “Good.” He kissed her, and she wrapped her free hand around his neck, pulling him.
He fell off the chair and into her lap.
“Ack! My flowers.” She giggled.
He rolled away and fell to the floor, sprawling at her feet. “I think I’m going to stay here. I am exhausted.”
She set the flowers on the table and lay down next to him, curling against his side. “Okay.” She splayed her hand over his chest. He’d long ago shed his coat and tie, and it wouldn’t take much to divest him of his shirt…
He wrapped his hand around hers. “Oh, you don’t have to stay, but I appreciate the offer.”
“Wherever you go is where I want to be. You’re stuck with me.”
He turned to face her. “Good.”
Then he kissed her, and she knew that nothing had ever been so good.
Epilogue
Late September, West Arch Estate
The vineyard was bustling with people and activity on this first day of the harvest. Every Westcott, Archer, their significant others, and even Brooke’s family were here to help. They’d hired some workers, but not many since everyone wanted to pitch in.
Luke was overseeing everything, which meant he was running this way and that, with Hayden acting as second in command. Cam supposed he should be helping to manage things, but he was content to just pick grapes and make out with Brooke when no one was looking.
He looked at her backside as she bent to pick fruit and wished they were alone in the vineyard. He thought back to the midnight picnic they’d had up here a couple of weeks ago. They’d drunk Riesling and made love under the crescent moon. Up here, the sky seemed so close, like you could wrap yourself in the stars. Actually, that was how he felt when he was with her—as if he were embraced by the heavens. Wow, had he turned into a lovesick sap.
And it felt great.
She stood up and glanced back at him, then turned fully toward him. “What?”
“What what?”
She set her hand on her hip. “You have this weird look in your eye.”
“Weird, really? Not lustful or infatuated?”
She laughed. “Okay, those too. But intensely so.”
“Well, I was checking out your ass.” He moved toward her and slipped his hand around her waist. “And thinking about that night we came up here
to stargaze.” He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck, but she didn’t melt into him as he’d hoped.
Instead, she cleared her throat and whispered, “We have company.”
Cam didn’t let go of her waist but came around to stand by her side.
Evan Archer, Alaina’s husband, stood there, his gaze inscrutable, as it so often was. “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s lunchtime.”
“Thanks,” Cam said. “I’m hungry, as it happens.” He tightened his grip on Brooke’s waist, tickling her.
She tried to dance away, laughing, but he held her close.
“Yeah, well, if you want to stay up here for some alone time, I can try to make sure no one comes this way.” There was no innuendo in his tone, no teasing, just a straightforward offer to give them some privacy. He turned and left without another word.
Cam pivoted and pulled Brooke against him. “Evan is such a great guy.”
Brooke pressed her mouth to his. “Mmmm-hmmm. I like him and Alaina a lot.” Her stomach rumbled against his, and he laughed.
“I guess we should go eat.”
She pulled back and smiled at him. “Please? I’m starving.”
He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”
They walked down the hill to where tables had been set up under massive canopies. Bex and Sara and some others had put out lunch in addition to wrangling children. There was quite a spread of food and drink.
Cam and Brooke filled their plates and sat down at a table where his parents and her parents were getting to know each other. Brooke leaned toward him and whispered, “Is this weird?”
“Kind of, but it’s also sort of cute.”
Their dads had bonded over fishing and were even talking about taking a weekend trip together next summer.
“I guess we have to be in this for the long haul,” Brooke said as she scooped a bite of pasta salad.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, would you?”
She turned her head and her eyes were full of love. “Nope.”
Rhonda sat down opposite them. “Hey, guys. Thanks again for inviting all of us up this weekend.”