“Love you, too, Kiwi.” Camden winks conspiratorially and trails his hand to my ass.
“Seriously, bro?” Easton grumbles, turning around and sitting on the couch. Faith, Camden, and I laugh before giving my brother a break and ordering pizza. I’ll never be able to repay my family for the amount of love they’ve given me.
“Where’s Mom?” Easton asks as he scrolls through the channels.
“She went to dinner with friends. I told her to go, although she felt guilty leaving. She needs a break and to enjoy herself.” My mom has given up teaching a few classes to be by my side, but I want her to continue her routine and not worry more than she has, which I know is a lot to ask for now that I’m a mother myself.
“We should watch the new Ronan Connolly movie,” Faith suggests once we settle on the couch and wait for the pizza to arrive.”
“A chick flick?” Camden lifts his eyebrows.
“It has some action,” I defend.
“You only want to watch it because of Ronan,” Easton counters.
It’s true. Ronan Connolly is a Hollywood hunk, and his Irish accent adds to his hotness.
“Fine,” Camden appeases. His arms wrap around me, holding me close as his warmth and love surround me. I close my eyes for a bit, basking in the way he makes me feel cherished and protected.
I could stay like this with him forever, and soon we’ll be creating special moments like this with our son.
chapter 33
Camden
I take in Ally’s tired face and the dark circles under her eyes. I want to reach out and hold her, but our son is finally breastfeeding, so I’ll have to wait to have her in my arms. Despite the exhaustion she carries, Ally’s been a warrior. I’ve never met anyone as strong as her, and I have no doubt in my mind that she’s the best mother that exists. I’m a lucky bastard that I get to witness her day in and day out.
Our life has been turned upside down the last six weeks. Ally and I have been dealing with what we experienced in different ways. She cries when she’s alone, and I swallow my guilt. Rationally, I know that neither of us is at fault—it’s just something that happened as it does to many other parents.
I’m focusing on the positive—we have our son alive and healthy. Other parents can’t say the same. I’ve met some of the others who have their babies here in the NICU, and Ally and I are truly blessed. A lot of these parents don’t know if their child will make it through the night.
On the other hand, Walker will be going home with us soon, especially now that he’s breastfeeding.
We’re also lucky our families have been here to help us. My parents and sister came to Richmond for a few days to meet Walker and help us in any way they could. Sammy bought him a onesie that says, Auntie’s New Homie. I chuckled when I saw it—typical Sammy.
I smile when I hear a small sound come from him. He already looks so different than when he was born, a lot more alert to our voices. When he finishes eating, Ally keeps him on her chest so she can continue to bond with him.
I stand behind her and tip her chin back. When our eyes meet, all the love I feel for this woman crashes down on me, wonderfully overwhelming. I kiss her lips and place my hand on Walker’s back as he begins sleeping. The medical team has finally removed the breathing tubes, and his lungs are pumping on their own. That was a huge relief for us.
Each day since that dreadful one where I found Ally in pain has been stressful but followed by good news. Once Walker was born, and we knew he would survive, I dropped to my knees again and thanked God. If He wanted to make me more of a believer, mission accomplished.
“Do you want to hold him?” Ally whispers.
I shake my head. “You keep him there. He’s already sleeping. I’ll grab him next time.” I sit next to her again, gently stroking his back. We’re going to be all right.
A little later, a nurse comes in to check on Walker. I smile when she talks to him as if he were a big kid and not a tiny infant that has been fighting for his life.
“Mom and Dad.” The nurse smiles. “Walker is doing great. The doctor will be by this afternoon to check on him herself, and I’m sure she’s going to have positive things to say. He’s a fighter.” She gives us a few updates on Walker and moves on to another baby.
“A fighter like his momma,” I say.
Ally shakes his head. “I’m convinced it was my dad helping him fight.” Her eyes mist over, and I pull her into my arms.
“Kiwi…” I kiss the top of her head. “You’re right. It was him watching over our son and you. He wouldn’t let anything happen to the two of you.”
My lips brush over her forehead before finding her lips. I inhale all that is Ally, grateful that she’s here with me right now. I wouldn’t survive losing her.
“Thank you,” she mumbles against my chest.
“What for?” I lift her chin so I can look at those stunning eyes. Emotional and tired, Ally’s still the most beautiful woman.
“For staying when you could’ve left. I know this isn’t easy to deal with, but you’re here.”
My eyebrows pinch together as I stare at her. “Why would I leave? Babe, I love you and our son more than you’ll ever know. I’m not going anywhere. A premature birth isn’t enough to scare me away. I’m here for the long haul.”
She’s insane if she thinks I would leave her alone to deal with this. My mind wanders to the ring I bought before this all went down. Waiting for the perfect time to propose, I hadn’t done it yet. I’m changing that. No way am I going to let her think I’m not all in.
With Walker sleeping in the incubator, I grab Ally’s hand and say, “Come on. Let’s go down and get some coffee.”
She gives Walker a longing look, and I squeeze her hand. “He’ll be okay,” I promise her, finally feeling like I have a foundation to keep my promises.
“Okay, I’ll tell the nurse to call us if anything happens.” Of course, I’ll give her that. I’d want that as well.
As we sit in the hospital cafeteria with shitty coffee, Ally and I discuss our plans for the future. Moving to Everton is still on, and Faith sent us a few house options to look at. Sitting side by side, Ally shows me the different houses and we narrow them down to our two favorites.
We want to give Walker time to mature before we make such a big move, but I’ll feel better when we have a house to move to, even if it takes us a month or more to get to the point where we actually move.
The doctor told us that once he’s discharged, we can live our lives normally, but Ally and I both want to stay here for a bit so he won’t be as young when we make that move. I’ve got all the time in the world to live out my life with my family.
“I really love this one.” Ally sighs as she stares at a one-story ranch house with wood siding and large windows.
“It’s beautiful. And realistically, having one floor is safer than a two-story home.”
“It’s in our price range.” She smiles over at me with wide eyes.
“How can I say no to that?” I swing my arm around her shoulder and pull her to me, keeping her safe in the crook of my body.
She sighs softly, placing her head on my shoulder. “It’s going to be amazing.” Her voice is soft, almost dreamlike when she speaks.
“Yeah, and I’m going to hold you to those horse riding lessons,” I tease.
Ally giggles next to me, her body shaking lightly. When her arms wrap around my body, I want to pull her to my lap and keep her there.
We go back to the NICU where Walker is, and I hold him against my skin. When the doctor makes her way over to us, she informs us that Walker will be ready to go home in a few days, which gives me a sense of happiness and relief I’ve never known. I look down at him and smile.
“You’re coming home with us soon, buddy. I can’t wait to teach you everything I know and learn from you. You’ve already taught me so much.” I place a soft kiss on the top of his head.
I look over at Ally when she sniffs and see tears in her eyes. I la
ce my fingers with hers and wink, keeping my other arm on Walker. Nothing has felt more right in my life. Only one thing is missing, and I’m going to change that really soon.
chapter 34
Allyson
My body is tense and tired when we get to the apartment, but my heart is so full of joy knowing Walker will be home soon. What a whirlwind of emotions.
Camden runs a hand through his hair and hesitates before opening the apartment door.
“What’s wrong?” I ask around a yawn.
“Nothing.” He unlocks the door and steps in, holding it open for me.
My eyes pop open, and my heart stops beating for a second as I take in the transformation in the living room. Blush pink peonies with baby’s breath sit in a vase, and candles flicker in the dim room. My head snaps over to Camden, and I see him down on one knee. I bring a trembling hand to my mouth as tears stream down my face.
“Allyson Kiwi Locke.” Camden winks. “You are everything I never knew I wanted—my whole world. You’ve made me a better man, shown me what love feels like and how to love someone besides myself. You’ve made this selfish man selfless, all because of a one-night-stand.” A laugh bubbles up in my throat.
“I love you more than words and flowers can show. You’ve given me a son that I never knew I wanted and the opportunity to experience unconditional love. I promise I will always take care of you and Walker. You two will always be my priorities and owners of my heart. Marry me.”
I swallow thickly and nod, my words caught in my throat. “Yes,” I croak through tears.
The smile that covers Camden’s face is unlike any I’ve seen before. His eyes light up, and the small wrinkles around his eyes deepen. He stands and wraps his arms around me, swinging me around. I laugh and hold on tight, searching for his lips and melding mine to his in a deep and passionate kiss.
Camden places me on my feet and slides a princess cut ring down my finger. “I can’t wait to continue spending the rest of my life with you, Mrs. Steele.” He grabs my face and kisses me hard.
“I guess this cock really belongs to Ally now.” I wink and cup his crotch.
We both freeze when we hear giggles and whispering from nearby. “What the…” Camden says, turning around.
He looks behind the couch and crosses his arms, lifting an eyebrow at whoever is there. “What are you doing here?”
Noel and Berkeley stand up, and I snort a laugh. “What are you doing here?” I lift my brows.
“Camden asked us for help organizing this, but we wanted to make sure you had pictures and a recording of the proposal.” Noel shrugs, holding up her phone.
“Yeah, you would hate it if you had no evidence of this day,” Berkeley adds.
“Evidence,” Camden huffs. “As if this were a crime.”
“Not a crime, but thank goodness you didn’t get naked and get your freak on with us in the same room.” Noel wipes her forehead in jest.
“Thank you for your help, but I’d like time alone with my fiancée.” Camden tilts his head.
“Sure thing. We’ll make sure to edit out the cock owner comment,” Noel winks.
Camden groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “Please do.”
I can’t help but laugh. It’s just like my best friends to place themselves in a situation like this. Berkeley smiles and gives me a thumb’s up before grabbing my hand and staring at my ring, Noel following behind her.
“Good job, Camden,” Noel praises. When she looks at me, her eyes water, but she blinks them away. Wrapping her arms around my body, she whispers, “Congrats, babe. You deserve this so damn much.” I hug her back and thank her. Accepting Berkeley’s hug next.
Camden sighs when they finally leave. “I didn’t think they’d stay.”
“Clearly, you don’t know them well enough.” I chuckle and walk toward him. “This was amazing and so unexpected.” I loop my arms around his neck.
“I’ve had the ring for weeks. I was planning on proposing before Walker was born, but our plans changed.” His head tips down.
“This is perfect.” I place a finger under his chin and lift his head. “You’re perfect. Thank you.”
My mouth finds his, our tongues tangling. We get lost in each other, savoring the moment and tattooing this memory to our personal storybook, making love and promising forever.
- - - - -
“Welcome home, buddy,” Camden says as he opens the door to our apartment, holding Walker in the carrier. It’s been a few days since Camden proposed, and we’re finally home as a family of three.
“I’m pretty sure he’s asleep,” I joke.
“Let me have this moment. I’ve been thinking about saying that since the doctor told me we could bring him home today.” A beautiful smile paints his face in shades of happiness.
“We are finally home.” I nod, carrying in the bag from the hospital.
Walker is completely healthy, as healthy as a full-term baby. Now, it’s time for us to be parents, and I’m so excited to experience this with Camden.
The offer we put on the ranch house in Everton was accepted, and we’ll be closing that sale soon. Our life is finally back on track, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. What we lived through was scary, but it’s only made Camden and my relationship stronger. I’ll never be able to give enough thanks for the man that stands by my side.
We settle in and sit on the couch with Walker in my arms and Camden’s arms around me. I smile as I begin to relax for the first time in almost two months. It’s been a long journey, but we’re here now, safe and sound.
Later, my mom comes over to visit, and we let her cuddle Walker all she wants. Her very first grandson and she feared she wouldn’t have the chance to watch him grow. She didn’t need to tell me that for me to read it on her fear-stricken face when I was in the hospital.
I show her pictures and videos that Faith took of the house in Everton when she went to see it in person and tell her our plans to move once the doctor gives us the okay to travel with Walker. I can’t wait to raise him in my hometown and watch him run around our yard. Hell, I’ll even teach Camden how to ride a horse just to watch him ride with our son.
Camden winks at me from across the living room, and I know deep in the pit of my stomach that we can overcome anything that comes our way.
Once we’re alone, we get into a routine, changing diapers, feeding Walker, and holding him until he’s sleeping soundly. When I crawl into bed with Camden, I make sure that Walker’s bassinet is next to me so I can hear any cry while I’m sleeping. I won’t be able to overprotect him forever, but on this first night at home with him, I plan to keep a watchful eye.
Curling into Camden’s arms, we talk about our wedding, the move, and raising Walker. As nice as a big wedding like Easton and Faith had was, I’m a simpler person.
“I was thinking something small, maybe in a barn with our family and close friends. Nothing flashy, but a ceremony and a nice dinner.”
“Whatever you want.”
I shake my head and smile. “No, you have to tell me what you want, too. It’s our wedding, not just mine.” My hand skims up his chest and around his shoulder as I shift closer to him.
“Not with the baby in the room.” Camden teases me with a crooked smirk, his hand landing on my hip. I giggle.
“I just want you to hold me,” I whisper against his lips before kissing him softly.
“Mhmm…” He deepens the kiss.
I laugh when he groans and moves back. “This is probably stupid, but I can’t do it with Walker in the room.” My laugh grows louder, and Camden shushes me. Gripping my stomach, I let it all out.
“You’re insane, and I love it.” He pins me on the bed, his body over mine. “I’m going to marry you, make love to you for the rest of our lives, and when we’re ready, make another baby.”
My laughter catches in my throat as heat consumes my body. I quietly moan when I feel his hardness against my core.
“Challenge accepted.” I tease.<
br />
Camden shakes his head. “Being with you is no challenge, Kiwi.” He kisses me again. In the quiet of our room, Camden forgets about the awkwardness and strips me before making sweet love to me.
chapter 35
Allyson
Two months later…
“It’s fucking freezing out there.” Camden walks into our house, wiping his feet on the rug and removing his gloves.
I laugh and shrug. “Welcome to spring in Everton.” Truth is, I forgot how cold it got here.
“I can’t imagine what the dead of winter is like.” He steps into the kitchen, where I’m bouncing Walker in my Boba wrap. “You’re warm,” Camden adds when he pecks my lips.
“I know.” I wink teasingly.
The move to Everton was smoother than I imagined, thanks to Camden hiring movers to do all the dirty work for us. We decided to take our bedroom furniture, Walker’s furniture, and the sofa Camden had in his apartment. We’ll buy the rest of the furniture here.
Camden washes his hands and grabs Walker from my wrap, lifting him a bit and kissing his stomach. His wedding band shines under the kitchen light, and I smile widely.
My sexy husband. He gives me butterflies every day. We got married as soon as we moved to Everton, our families surprising us with the exact ceremony we wanted. Intimate, whimsical, and joyous. Faith and her best friends helped transform the barn at her house into a magical setting where I married the love of my life.
I couldn’t ask for a better homecoming. The people in town have been so welcoming as well, sharing their excitement to have me living back in Everton and asking if my mom will be the next to move.
Although she says she’s happy in Virginia, I think she’ll be making her way over here, especially when Easton and Faith tell her that they’re having a baby. A well-kept secret on my end for now because I noticed Faith’s pale face one day and the mention of nausea.
I’m ready for Walker to have a cousin to play and bond with, to create memories the way Easton and I did growing up. I’m confident my dad is looking down at us with a huge smile. We’ve come full circle, honoring his memory and our roots. Honoring him with Walker’s name as well. Our little and strong Walker James, a fighter like his grandad, charming like his father, and green eyes like his mother. He’s perfect and he’s mine.
The Right Kind of Wrong: A Brother's Best Friend Romance Page 22
