by CBelle
God has forgiven me for my weakness, even though I haven’t managed to forgive myself. You were the son I never had, Cam. And hopefully you will someday be Paige’s husband. The two of you belong together. Please don’t let my sins affect your future. Your beautiful Emma deserves a family. The type of family you can build with my beloved daughter. Remember...tomorrow is promised to no man. Live with love while you can.
With love and regret,
Robert
Cameron let out a ragged sigh as he finished the letter, folded it in half and put it back in its envelope. He brushed a tear away. The missive couldn’t have come at a better time. Knowing that Robert had truly been remorseful provided the closure he so desperately needed. And hearing his old friend confirm his own thoughts about creating a family with Paige and Emma showed him that he was on the right path.
Like Robert had said, tomorrows were never promised. He was going to reach out and grab his happiness, not only for himself, but for Paige and Emma, as well.
If he kept quiet, he stood to lose everything he held so dear. What kind of man would he be if he walked that same path yet again? As a father, how could he ever look Emma in the eye and tell her that he’d done his best to keep their family together? Becoming a man of God meant stepping out on a limb and believing. Hoping. Praying.
With faith, hope and love, everything was possible. Instead of dwelling on how complicated his world had become, he needed to simplify everything. He needed to go to Paige and lay himself and his feelings bare before her. Like never before, he began to pray. He prayed that somewhere in her heart Paige still loved him. He prayed that he would find the words to convey the depth and breadth of his feelings. He prayed that it wasn’t too late to make things right and keep his family together.
Chapter Eleven
By the time Paige made it back to the homestead, she was just in time to put Emma down for the night. Even though she was a bit fussy, Paige managed to rock her to sleep. Although she felt at peace with regards to the resolution of the cannery project, thoughts of Cameron continued to run through her mind. Perhaps she should have chased after him in an attempt to smooth things over? Fear had held her back. Despite how far they had come, she still worried about making herself vulnerable.
If she was being honest with herself, all signs lately had pointed to a possible reconciliation for the two of them. He had been so tender toward her. And that wonderful kiss they had shared loomed large in her thoughts. It had been so full of hope and promise for a new beginning. But it hadn’t come to pass. Perhaps their painful history was too powerful to overcome.
The sound of tires crunching in her driveway drew her attention to the window. The outside light illuminated a truck that resembled the one Cameron drove. With her pulse racing, she watched as he stepped down from the pickup and began walking toward her front door. Not wanting the doorbell to awaken Emma, Paige pulled it open to greet him.
Looking a bit weary, Cameron stood on her stoop dressed in the same casual outfit he had worn earlier at the meeting. His rugged, strong presence was overwhelming.
“Cameron. I’m surprised to see you here. Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine. There’s no emergency,” he said. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” she said, opening the door wide and ushering him inside.
Cameron turned toward her. There was a strained edge to his features. He seemed jittery.
“I left the meeting rather abruptly. And I was short with you. Rude, even. I’m really sorry about that.”
Paige nodded, feeling relieved that he’d addressed the elephant in the room. “I understand. Things were so hectic afterward and I know you must have wondered why I didn’t talk to you about the information Dwight gave me.”
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me,” Cameron admitted. “I would like to think you could tell me anything. But, more important, I’ve been wrangling for weeks now with something that I need to get off my chest.”
Paige frowned. “What is it?”
“I’m ashamed about my blindness. All this time I’ve been holding on to the past when I should have been moving toward the future. I was wrong about you, Paige. I know you had nothing to do with your father’s embezzling from the town funds.”
She felt a heavy weight being lifted from her chest as Cameron spoke the words she’d been waiting to hear for two years. “H-how? Why now?” she asked.
“I’ve been putting the pieces together for a while. When you told me about the trust fund, it was the first time there was an actual explanation for the money you’d been tossing around.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know why I didn’t mention it all that time ago,” she murmured. “I suppose that I didn’t want you to view me as some pampered princess.”
He let out a groan. “You shouldn’t have had to, Paige. I was wrong in every way possible. My pride and anger and my history with my parents led me to think the very worst of you.”
Paige’s eyes pricked with tears. This moment had been years in the making. She had prayed about Cameron realizing he was wrong on numerous occasions.
The sound of Emma’s cries rang out from upstairs. Paige turned in that direction, ready to run to check in on her. Normally she would hear Fiona’s footsteps echoing from overhead as she walked the hardwood floors. This evening her nanny had taken ill and was resting comfortably in bed. Paige cocked her head to the side, listening for Emma’s cries.
“Is she okay?” Cameron asked.
“She might have had a bad dream,” Paige said. When the screams continued, Paige said, “I need to go check in with her.”
She quickly made her way up the staircase. Cameron was right behind her as she entered the nursery. She strode to the crib, where Emma was sitting up and howling. Her face was red and tear-streaked from crying. She was breathing heavily.
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Paige asked in a soft voice.
“Mama!” Emma cried.
“Oh, you’re warm,” Paige said, feeling slightly alarmed. Fiona also had a fever and they suspected she had come down with a virus.
Cameron reached out and touched Emma’s forehead. “She’s just a little warm. Why don’t we give her some pain reliever and something cold to drink?”
Paige nodded and quickly began to mobilize. Cameron had been right. After taking her temperature, Paige realized that she had only a slight fever. A cold cloth, pain reliever and apple juice helped to soothe her. For the next few hours Cameron and Paige sat up with Emma and calmed her as best they could.
Paige watched as Cameron rocked Emma to sleep in his arms. A groundswell of emotion welled up inside her at the sight of the two of them so interconnected. She craved more quiet moments like this. It felt amazing to not have to parent all by herself. Cameron’s strong, steady companionship was a blessing. With him in the picture, everything seemed sweeter and richer. It truly felt as if they were a family.
As she looked over at Cameron, then swung her gaze back to Emma, a single truth settled over her. For so many years she had been seeking a family. After her mother died, things had changed so drastically at home. And even though her father had grown to be a loving, engaged father, she had never again experienced that family dynamic. Until now. Until this very moment. Cameron and Emma were her home. Without the two of them, nothing really made sense in her world.
Once Emma was fast asleep, Cameron gently placed her down into the crib. For a few moments he stood next to the crib with Paige as they gazed down at her, listening to the light sounds of her breathing. There was nothing more precious in this whole world than their daughter. Paige resisted the urge to reach out and caress Emma’s cheek. She didn’t want to run the risk of waking her from her precious slumber. She looked so snug and secure wrapped up in the sheet and blanket. The only thing missing, Emma rea
lized, was Lola Bear. As if he had read her mind, Cameron took the stuffed animal from the top of Emma’s dresser and gently placed it down beside their child.
After a few minutes they made their way back downstairs, and Cameron turned to her and took her hands in his. He looked deep into her eyes, his expression intense. “I was wrong about you. You’re strong. Honest. And in case I failed to mention it, you’re a wonderful mother to our daughter. Emma is mighty fortunate to have a mom like you. You remind me of Alaskan fireweed. Despite the harsh climate, they persevere, bringing beauty wherever they’re planted. Two years ago this town did you a disservice. I did you a disservice. We were wrong. Period. End of story. I just want to say that I’m sorry about my role in it.” He heaved a tremendous sigh. “Sometimes we lash out in our pain and shock and fear. That’s what we did to you, Paige. And I want you to know I wish you had never been forced out of town. I don’t want to dredge it all up again, but I couldn’t let another day go by without apologizing.”
Her vision blurred as moisture gathered in her eyes. She had never dared to dream about being absolved of all guilt by Cameron. Or getting a sincere apology from him. Not after everything her father’s greed had cost his beloved town. It meant everything to her to hear his supportive words.
She sniffed back tears. This night had been full of emotion. “You’re going to make me cry. I’m going to be a sniveling mess.”
He reached out and ran his palm over her cheek. “There’s nothing wrong with tears. Don’t ever be afraid to show your humanity. Without it, we’re nothing. The letter from your father drove that point home to me. Thank you for making sure I received it.”
She wiped away the wetness from her cheek. “I’m so happy it was meaningful to you. He loved you, Cam. Despite everything he did, I think he wanted the best for both of us.”
Cameron nodded, his expression reflective. “Paige, I need to ask you a favor. Could you meet me over at the Moose Café tomorrow afternoon? Around two o’clock?”
A favor? “Sure. Unless Emma is still not feeling well. I expect her to be fine, though. She barely had a temperature.”
The glint in Cameron’s eyes hinted at things she wasn’t sure it was wise to believe in. “Great. You should get some rest, Paige. It’s getting late. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The moment Cameron left the homestead, Paige immediately felt the loss of him being at her side. For so long she had weathered parenthood alone. It felt so nice to share it with someone—the hardships, the joy, the small triumphs. Watching Cameron have such a calming effect on Emma as he crooned her a lullaby had been powerful. If she hadn’t already been in love with him, it would have made her tumble right over the edge.
But she was already madly, deeply, forever in love with Emma’s daddy. And although it was a scary feeling, she also felt triumphant and centered. It was pretty amazing to still experience those feelings after separation, turmoil and despair. And if nothing ever came of her feelings for Cameron, she still felt fortunate to have experienced them.
Hope still flourished in her heart for a happy ending. The future was stretched out before them with so much potential for joy and poignant moments. Paige hoped Cameron realized that it was never too late for new beginnings.
* * *
As the sun crept over the horizon, a fully restored Emma woke up ready to take the world by storm. Paige chuckled to herself as she listened to her over the baby monitor. She was giggling and talking to herself. The thermometer verified that she no longer had even the slightest of temperatures. Cameron had called to check in on Emma, endearing him even more to Paige. There had been so much love and concern in his voice it gave her goose bumps.
At quarter to two she settled Emma into her car seat and headed into town. She felt her heart constrict as she passed by the pier and the fishing boats, as well as all the quaint shops on Jarvis Street. How she would miss this fishing village she loved so dearly. Seattle had been a great place to live, yet it had never felt like home.
As soon as she entered the Moose Café, enticing aromas drifted in her direction. Her stomach grumbled at the temptation. She and Emma were heartily greeted by several townsfolk. Although a few people still snubbed her, she considered it incredible progress.
As she walked past a table, she noticed Declan sitting down with five women surrounding him. The expression on his face was one of supreme boredom. She let out a chuckle as he spotted her and waved her over to the table.
“Hey, Paige. Hi, Emma. Why don’t you come join us,” he called out. His face looked anything but relaxed. The woman seated to his right was clutching his arm.
“Morning, Declan. Ladies,” she said in a cheery voice.
Declan disentangled himself, then jumped up quickly and moved toward her. With his back to the table, Declan began making wild eye motions. He mouthed the words Help me.
Paige shook her head. “You’re on your own,” she said in a low voice.
He shook his head violently. “I know being sought after by five women might sound like every man’s dream, but trust me, it’s quickly becoming a nightmare. They won’t give me a moment’s peace.”
“Just think of how happy Jasper will be if you end up hitting it off with one of them,” she teased. “He might just throw you and your bride a fabulous Alaskan wedding.” With a wave of her hand and a grin, she walked away and toward Hazel, leaving him with a dumbfounded expression on his face.
“Hi, Hazel,” Paige said as she approached her at the coffee counter. “Is Cameron around? He told me to meet him here.”
“Hey, girls. Cameron was in the back making some sort of specialty drink last time I checked.” She let out a hearty laugh. “He loves coming up with new concoctions.”
Emma immediately squirmed in her arms to get to Hazel. If Paige hadn’t thought it was so cute, she might have been insulted by Emma wanting to ditch her for Hazel’s arms. Bless her charming daughter. She firmly believed that if not for Emma, she might not have made as many inroads with the townsfolk upon her return to Love. It seemed that no one could resist a chubby-cheeked, green-hazel-eyed baby girl.
“How is my little cutie?” Hazel asked as she came out from behind the counter. She swung Emma up, then placed her against her chest. “Cameron told me about Emma not feeling well last night. I would have been there in a flash if you guys had needed me.”
“Thanks for saying so. She’s doing really well this morning. In a strange way it’s almost as if it never happened, at least in Emma’s world.” Paige felt relieved that it was nothing more than a passing thing. She was already back to her usual self with no signs of not being well.
Hazel beamed as she looked at the little girl. “She’s blessed. We all are. Having this Little Miss Sunshine in our lives makes everything brighter.”
“Hey, would you mind watching her for a little bit? I’m going to go look for Cameron out back.”
“Take your time. Lots of single men in town are at the café this morning.” She winked at Paige. “I’m hoping Sophie finds her a fella. She deserves to find her happily-ever-after, just like you do, Paige.”
“Well, we can’t all be as fortunate as you and Jasper,” she demurred. She had the feeling that Hazel was throwing out a hint about her relationship with Cameron, but she wasn’t biting. “I promise to be quick. Give a shout if she’s too much of a handful.”
Paige walked toward the back. Along the way she took a moment to admire all that Cameron had built for himself with the café. It was such a cozy, warm place. It exuded charm. All the customers seemed happy and well taken care of by the staff. Cameron had been right. Some dreams couldn’t be denied. She walked into the kitchen and immediately saw him fiddling around with a blender. He must have heard her coming, because he swung his gaze up to her and gifted her with a gorgeous smile. He placed the blender down and walked toward her, quickly swallowing up the space be
tween them.
“Hey, Paige. Thanks for coming over.”
“Of course. It sounded important. Emma is in front with Hazel.” She ran her fingers through her hair. The way he was staring at her was making her nervous. She couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong.
“What’s up, Cameron? Has something happened?” she asked, her nerves suddenly on edge.
He reached out and grabbed her hand. “Paige, I can’t let another day go by without saying things to you that I should have said a long time ago.”
Suddenly Paige saw a glimmer of something in his eyes that caused her to hope as she hadn’t allowed herself to hope for a very long time.
Chapter Twelve
Cameron took a few steps toward her so that no gap existed between them.
“‘Where you go I will go. Where you stay I will stay.’” The tenderness in Cameron’s voice as he recited the Bible passage from Ruth threatened every ounce of her composure.
Little did Cameron know that it was one of her favorite Bible passages. It spoke to her, for a dozen different reasons.
“If you’re determined to go back to Seattle, I’m coming with you. I wanted to bring you here to the Moose Café to tell you so that you will never doubt that you and Emma are the most important things in my world. Way more important than this place that I love.”
One look at Cameron’s expression showed her he was serious.
Paige shook her head. Disbelief roared through her. “Seattle? You’re coming with us to Seattle?”
He reached out and placed both hands on either side of her face. “I can live without many things, Paige, but you and Emma are as important to me as the air I breathe. So I’m packing up all my belongings and coming with the two of you. I’ll leave it all behind. The Moose Café. My house. My truck. I’ll miss my family like crazy, but I can always visit. That’s what planes are for, right?” He let out a shaky laugh.