by Taylor Love
“These are perfect. Thank you.” He pulled her up and led her from the booth. “Let’s get out of here. I want to go reenact the ending to our first date. Remind me to pick up a little something for Mika.”
“Umm, I don’t think your woman is cool with you giving gifts to another chick.”
Cam grinned. “I like the sound of that…my woman.”
Chapter Twenty
The middle of April found Andrea headed back to her parents’ house, only this time Camden was driving. She normally visited this time of year for her mother’s birthday. Naturally she had stumbled over asking him to come. Luckily, he’d gotten the gist of what she was trying to say and had been excited to meet her family. In fact, he’d been a little more excited than seemed normal. Most men would have been a little apprehensive about meeting their girlfriend’s parents. Now they were minutes from arriving before he finally showed any nervousness.
“So, is your daddy going to meet me at the door with a shotgun?”
“No, though I do believe he knows how to shoot. Matter of fact, so do I.”
He took his eyes off the road for a quick second, giving her a look of surprise. “Really?”
“Yep. Mika convinced me to take a women’s only CPL class, a few years back. She ended up hating it, but I really enjoyed myself. I go to the range several times a year.”
“That’s hot, my baby packing heat.”
“I’m not packing!” For some reason, the thought had her cracking up. “I’m just licensed to do so.”
“I still find it hot. You should take me to the range and teach me how to shoot for my birthday.”
“Deal.” Andrea had told him to ditch the GPS once they got off the highway. “Turn left at this next street. Go down one block, turn right, then you’ll be on Baker Street.”
They arrived as her father was walking to the front of the house from his shed, waving at them as they parked. Her father opened the front door and shouted that the “kids” had arrived. It was a warm day for early spring, so she didn’t freeze while standing outside giving her daddy a hug. She waited until her mother arrived before making introductions.
“Camden, this is Earl and Bernadette Cole. Mama, Daddy this is Camden Holden.”
Bernadette studied the man who had an arm around her daughter’s waist. The pictures she had badgered Andrea into sending, didn’t do him justice. She waited to shake his hand and was happy when he gave her a firm grip. She gave him a small smile in return.
“It’s great to meet you in person. However, let’s all go in the house. It’s nice out, but not that nice.” She pulled Andrea forward and said over her shoulder, “Earl, help that young man with their bags.”
The two men watched the women disappear into the house before walking the few steps back to the car.
“You need any help?” Earl asked.
“No sir. We didn’t bring much.” Cam reached into the backseat, picking up their two small carry-on bags. They were only staying Saturday night, then leaving mid-day on Sunday.
“That’s what I figured. My wife just wanted Andrea to herself. I gotta warn you, we’re pretty possessive of our baby girl.”
“I don’t blame you sir,” Cam said as he made it through the door. “I seem to have that same feeling when it comes to Andrea.”
Andrea was feeling a sense of déjà vu as she found herself in the kitchen making lunch once again, while her mother questioned her.
“He is quite handsome.”
“You knew that Mama, from the pictures you made me send.”
“I was just trying to make sure he was black. That’s why I wanted those pictures.”
“What is wrong with you?” She ruined her scolding by laughing. “I told you last time he was black.”
“I just had to make sure. You can be secretive from time to time. I’d love any grandbabies, but I did have my heart set on some cute little brown ones.”
“You are crazy, and there will be no talk of babies. No one is having any. No time soon at least.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Bernadette wasn’t going to argue the point. “What’s that flashing on your wrist?”
Andrea slid up her sleeve to uncover the bracelet. She twisted her wrist this way and that way to show it off. “Camden gave it to me on Valentine’s Day.” Quietly, she added, “I told him I loved him.”
“Was that before or after he gave you all those diamonds and rubies?”
“After, but what difference does that make?” Andrea frowned, not liking what her mother was implying.
“Depends. Did you say it because of the gift? Did you say it because it was Valentine Day? Or did you say it because you meant it?”
“Of course I said it because I meant it. I don’t go around telling men I love them just because of a gift or a stupid holiday.”
Bernadette was reassured by Andrea’s outrage. She wanted to make sure her baby was moving forward, for all the right reasons. “I’m glad that’s the case, but you need lower your voice while talking to me.”
“Sorry.”
“I get it, and I’m happy you’ve fallen in love and had the nerve to tell him. That part can be frightening. I’m proud of you.”
“It was scary, but I’m glad I did. It felt right.”
“Well, I’m excited to see where this goes. I’m look forward to getting to know him.”
“I honestly think you and Daddy will like him. But enough about me. I’m here for your birthday!”
Bernadette waved her away. “It’s no big deal.”
“It is! Don’t forget I’m taking you to dinner tonight.”
“You don’t have to do that. It’s just another year that I’m thankful for. I’m hoping for many more, now that I got a shot of getting grandbabies.”
Her parents spent the morning talking Cam’s ear off and embarrassing her. Showing him her old pictures and art projects. Later that evening her mother got her wish, and they didn’t go out. Instead, Andrea insisted that she and Cam would cook for the family. After a quick run to the grocery store, they made a pleasing meal, topped off with a store bought birthday cake. Then spent a quiet evening talking and watching a few movies that everyone could agree on.
“Well we’re turning in. You kids can stay up if you want,” Bernadette said at ten o’clock.
Cam stood up, stretching, “No. I forgot how much a road trip can take out of you. I’m more used to a quick plane ride.”
“You put him in the guest room right?” Andrea asked.
“I sure did,” Earl spoke up, before patting Cam on the back. “We’re a relaxed household…but not that relaxed.”
“Daddy, seriously?”
“No worries, Mr. Cole. I’m on my best behavior.”
“Yeah, that’s what men always say, what they do is another matter. Didn’t I tell you to call me Earl?”
“Sure thing, Mr. Cole,” Cam said flashing Andrea a grin.
As Andrea settled down for the night, she thought about how well the day had gone. Like most things, Camden had made meeting her family feel easy and comfortable. The total opposite of when she had brought Damon here. Cam had answered all of her mother’s inquires, never once showing irritation. He’d gotten along with her father, discussing education and various other topics. Her father had even volunteered to show Cam his workshop in the morning before they left. Andrea was very pleased with the outcome of the day. In fact, she was downright giddy about it. So much in fact, that she felt like celebrating. Which is how she found herself sneaking into Camden’s room forty-five minutes after they’d turned in.
“Mrs. Cole, I know it’s your birthday and all, but you need to get that kind of gift from your husband,” Cam muttered as the door opened.
“You know what…that is not funny. My mother would never.” Andrea was choking on her laughter, as she went to turn on the small nightlight under her mother’s work desk.
“Hey, you never know. Some families are into some kinky stuff. Your mom does look good for her age but I didn’
t get the vibe that your father was down for sharing.”
“You are stupid.” He sat up over the side of the bed, and she straddled his lap, her knees on either side of him. “But since you’ve brought up kinky…”
Cam took the kiss she gave, as he ran his hands over her hips. “What are you doing in here? You were there when I told your father I was going to be on my best behavior.”
“I sure was. I never said I would be.”
Cam’s penis went from semi-hard to rock steady at that statement. “Come on, Andrea. I’m not having sex in your parents’ house. I’m trying to make a good impression here.”
“You have! That’s why I’m here. I want to celebrate how well today went.” She moved her hand between them, massaging him through his pajama bottoms.
“We are not doing this…no matter how bad I might want you. Your parents are close by. Plus, I didn’t bring any condoms with me.”
“They’re not that close. One thing I liked as a teenager was that the master bedroom was at the other end of the house. I could always sulk in peace.”
“Yeah…but condoms.” It was getting harder for Cam to remember why they shouldn’t do this, as more and more blood traveled down south.
“I never said we’d need any. I want to reward you for making such a good impression.” She kissed him again before sliding off his lap. There was enough light in the room for her to cross to the craft cabinet and open it. She quickly selected a short length of satin ribbon that her mother often used and came back to the bed. “Sit back and relax.” Andrea said, before dropping to her knees between his.
“You can’t-” That was all he got out before she pulled him out of his pj’s and put her mouth on him. Lord, he really hoped there were no guns on the premises.
Andrea got him good and wet before wrapping the satin around him. She concentrated on sucking the first few inches of him while she stroked the rest with the smooth material. She smiled around him as she heard him groan. The night was definitely going to have a happy ending.
Cam had slept like a baby after Andrea had crept back to her room. Since they’d resumed the physical side of their relationship, he was constantly shocked by how sexually free she was.
Once breakfast was over, he found himself following her dad outside to look at his workshop. He hoped to god he could keep his mind from drifting back to last night while he talked to the man. Mr. Cole showed him around and explained a few of the projects he was working on. He had zero experience with woodworking and asked some questions about the different machinery.
As they were finishing up, he asked. “Andrea said you built this yourself?”
“Yeah, not that she would really remember. Her mother finally let me get started on it when she turned five. Money and time were tight before that, with a toddler running around.”
Cam couldn’t help but grin. “Was Andrea a handful at that age?” He could just picture a little brown girl causing mischief and pouting when she was caught. Even with just the one day spent with her family, it was clear Andrea had been loved and spoiled as an only child.
Earl chuckled and shook his head. “She was, but then most young kids are. She was inquisitive. Always wanted to know how something worked, why it worked, what it was for. Full of questions, even after she got older. Probably what makes her so good at that job of hers. Drove her mother crazy. Me, not so much. You’ll learn when you have your own kids. Things that would normally annoy you, won’t.”
Cam had to clear his throat first before he voiced his next thought. “Speaking of…”
When Camden trailed off, Earl raised his brow and tried to help the young man out. “Speaking of what? Don’t get tongue tied now. You were doing pretty good. If you got something to say, say it.”
“Speaking of having a family of my own one day, I’d like to have a family with your daughter. I’d like to ask your permission to marry Andrea.”
“Well, I wasn’t expecting that! We’re not that traditional. Oddly enough, my wife grew up in a more religious family, and they had some strict expectations of how one should behave. Drove her crazy, as she’s always been a free spirit. It’s what attracted me to her, that shine and energy she had. I suppose I appreciate the gesture, but the only permission you should be worried about getting is Andrea’s. If my baby girl wants you, then so be it. Do you think she’s on the same page as you? Have you talked about marriage? About where you see your future going?”
Cam frowned. No, they hadn’t had those conversations. But he knew what he wanted, and what he wanted was Andrea. “Well no, we haven’t. I guess I just wanted to meet you guys and let my intentions be known.”
Earl couldn’t help it, he laughed in the young man’s face. “Again, I’m the wrong person you should be sharing your ‘intentions’ with. I like you, even more I like how you treat my daughter and how happy she seems with you. I think you have some more talking to do…with Andrea. I wish you good luck with that.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Her birthday was the last day in June, and it fell on a Saturday, which worked out perfectly for her. Mika and a small group of girlfriends had taken her out to dinner Friday, and tonight she was spending with Camden. She had told him it wasn’t a big deal, that they could just stay at home relaxing. She was only turning twenty-nine, not the dirty thirty. As this birthday rolled around, Andrea was extremely satisfied with where her life was at.
She would never have imagined being this happy and most of that was due to Camden. Her life was fuller with him in it. What they had, worked. He may not have known it but he was the best birthday present she could wish for. After much debate, they had reached a compromise. A simple dinner would be followed by chilling at her place, doing whatever she wanted. She was looking forward to curling up on the couch and just relaxing with her man.
When they had left the visit from Cincinnati, Cam had to admit her father made some good points. They hadn’t talked about children or a number of other important topics. Like how they managed their finances, or even their general goals for the next few years. So, he’d started asking her questions during the drive back and ever since. He snuck them in whenever he could. He found out she admired her parents’ marriage and hoped to have a strong one herself in the future.
When he asked her if she ever regretted being an only child, they had both talked about their experience growing up and agreed that having more than one child wouldn’t be a bad thing. Her father had been right. He needed to know more details of what his life together with Andrea might look like. None of what he had found out, changed his mind about having her in his life long-term. They may not have known every little thing about each other, but there would be plenty of time to learn once they were engaged and then married.
He had taken her to a low-key birthday dinner and now as they entered her home, he was both excited and nervous. The next few minutes would change the rest of his life. He would have preferred to do a big and extravagant wedding proposal, but he had to remember it wasn’t all about him. His end goal was getting the girl, and that meant giving her a proposal that would be meaningful to her. He snapped out of his thoughts, when she called his name for the second time.
“Camden, I was asking did you want anything to drink? I’m dying for some water. I don’t think I had enough between last night’s alcohol fest and the heat of the last few days.”
They were standing in the archway between the kitchen and living room as she waited on him to respond. He could actually use some water, as his throat was dry as a bone and his palms were actually sweating. Wiping them off on his pants, he took her hand and led her towards the couch.
“Can we just talk for a moment?”
“Camden, I told you no gifts and I mean it!” Andrea shook her head as she settled on the couch. When he hadn’t whipped out a gift at dinner she thought for once, he had listened to her. “I don’t need anything. Dinner and just being with you is enough. I just want to zone out tonight. I promise I’ll let you do someth
ing exciting next year for the big 3-0.”
“That’s kind of what I want to talk about.” When she gave him a questioning look, he continued, “Just hear me out for a few minutes.”
“I’m all ears. Though you may want to hurry before I die from dehydration.”
He smiled before taking her hand in his. He liked her dry since of humor. “Give me two minutes. Then I promise the birthday girl can have whatever she wants.”
She made a motion of zipping her lips and smiled at him.
Taking a deep breath, he went for it. “I want to start by saying I’ve enjoyed these ten months getting to know you. I’m glad that when you talk about your birthday next year, you still see me in your life, which is exactly where I want to be. I know it may seem fast, but what I know for sure is I love you. I want us to be together for many more birthdays, holidays, the good and bad days to come.” He reached in his pants pocket and took out a ring box.
“Andrea Renee Cole, will you marry me, so we can spend the rest of our lives making memories together?”
Andrea hated when people used clichés like time stood still. But now, she understood that one well. Time paused as her brain struggled to comprehend what he had just said…what he had just asked…what he was holding in his hand. The ring looked to be a one carat diamond with two purple diamonds on each side. My god are there even such things as purple diamonds? Her mind was all over the place and only came back when she heard him say her name.
“Andrea?”
“Cam…”
“You called me Cam, so that’s a good thing right?” He joked anxiously. He had expected some shock, of the happy variety. Not prolonged silence and the slow look of dismay that was creeping onto her face. “Say something baby. Don’t leave me hanging.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll marry me.”
Andrea finally looked up and focused on his face. She couldn’t do this. She scooted back and stood up. “I can’t…I can’t marry you.”
