Clearwater Romance

by Marissa Dobson

  “You’re welcome.” Jordan stayed sitting on top of the picnic table, watching the women.

  “Come on, let’s go organize your room while Jordan starts dinner.” Chloe turned them around and started walking towards the cabin.

  “Wait a moment…I thought you said you were cooking tonight?” Jordan rose from the cabin eyeing his wife with question.

  “Oh love, but the steaks taste so much better when you do it. Won’t you do them? They’re already marinated, and the veggies and potatoes for the grill are on the counter.”

  “Fine.” He acted like he was upset that he had to cook, but everyone knew Jordan loved his grill almost as much as he loved Chloe. “Tessa, why don’t you come over to the house for dinner? It will do you good to mingle with the guests.”

  “Okay.” Tessa nodded, before she followed Chloe into the cabin.

  “We’re going to need to wash the clothes and bedding before we put them away, but we can at least start setting up the other things we bought.” Chloe explained as they entered the bedroom again. “Things are going to be snug with the baby furniture in here, but you’ll make it work. Once the baby is born you won’t have long before you…”

  Tessa knew she was about to say before she was gone. They both knew the close friendship they had formed would soon be strained by distance.

  “I’ll visit…” Tessa told Chloe when sadness filled the silence, but they both knew visits would be far between. They both had their lives, and commitments. She’d be busy with her daughter, and Chloe with Winterbloom and soon her own family.

  “I know.” Chloe smiled trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry we have a lot of time left still.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Alone again in her cabin, she was surrounded by reminders that soon her daughter would be born—not that the protruding stomach, and movements weren’t to enough let her know she’d soon have a little life depending on her—she couldn’t help but be sad, too. She seemed to be stuck always losing someone. First, it was Cameron to his deployment and soon it would be Chloe. Loss kept following her and she only hoped that the new life forming within her would change all that.

  In her favorite spot, snuggled deep within the covers of the bed, she pulled open the laptop again. It had become her nightly routine to email Cameron before going to sleep.

  Cam,

  Thank you doesn’t seem like enough but it’s all I can say. Today after shopping for baby clothes, I came back to a surprise. Jordan made our daughter a beautiful crib, it has hand carved flowers into the design. It’s striking, and matches the crib set I wanted. That leads me to the surprises Chloe had laid out on the bed from you. It means so much that you did that, our daughter is going to have a beautiful nursery when we return to North Carolina, until then everything in crammed into the cabins bedroom.

  Today for the first time I felt a true kick from our little girl. Wow, she has a power kick. It’s like she’s playing soccer in my stomach with my organs. She’s going to make her daddy proud. Oh, but it’s wonderful. I can’t believe I’m almost six months pregnant now. Soon our daughter will be here.

  Stay safe. I miss you,

  Tessa

  P.S. I think we should name her Rosalie after your mother. She seems to have the same fighting spirit your mom had. I can’t think of a name better for our little girl.

  * * *

  Rosalie? She wants to name our girl after my mother…I can’t believe it. Cameron sat there at the computer looking at the pictures of Tessa’s growing stomach that she shared. He yearned to be there to feel the kicks of his daughter. He clicked the reply button, with anticipation of telling her of his plans.

  My Tess,

  Rosalie is perfect. Mom was an amazing woman; she made us the people we are. It would be an honor to have you name our daughter after her. Thank you.

  Today I put in the paperwork for my leave. I planned it for the end of your pregnancy, with any luck I’ll be there for the birth of Rosalie. I know you were hoping I’d be home sooner, but this way I have a better chance to be there for the birth. I wouldn’t want to miss being there when our Rosalie made her grand entrance. Just three months…

  Cam

  He signed out of his email, beyond ready to get some sleep, to be with Tess if only it was in his dreams.

  * * *

  Cam,

  Though it means we’ll be apart longer, I understand. To have you there with me when I bring our daughter into this world means more to me than having you here now. Rosalie will be here soon.

  Until I see you again stay safe. Missing you,

  Tessa

  Chapter Fourteen

  The months passed quicker than she would have guessed, but the biggest surprise was how her stomach grew, extending to give Rosalie room to grow. Now with just six weeks until her due date, her nerves stretched taut, as hard as her stomach. She wasn’t sure if she was more anxious about her upcoming due date or for Cameron’s leave.

  She curled on the couch while Chloe knelt near the coffee table, packing the last of the care package for Cameron when her cell phone rang. After two tries, she was able to scoot forward enough to grab her cell. “Hello?”

  “Mrs. White?” An official sounding voice filled the line making her heart beat faster.

  “This is her. Who’s this?” She rubbed her stomach, doing her best to calm Rosalie, who was picking up on her unease.

  “I’m Second Lieutenant River. I’m calling to inform you, your husband has had an accident.” There was a pause as if he was letting it sink in. “The injuries he has sustained are not life threatening but they are required to transport him stateside. He’ll arrive at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina tomorrow, you can see him after twelve hundred hours.”

  No, not my Cameron. “Injuries?”

  “They are not life threatening, he’s busted up, but he’ll heal.” His voice was calm as if he was telling her the weather. Only serving to upset her more, this was her husband they were talking about. She wanted to know what happened to her husband. “There was an attack on the compound, his leg was broken in two places, and he’s banged up—bumps and bruises.”

  “Is there a way for me to get in touch with him?” Her voice sounded weak to her own ears, but she needed to hear his voice, to know he was okay.

  “I apologize, Mrs. White. Your husband has undergone surgery to repair his leg, he’s stable and is to be transported shortly. During surgery to repair the damage to his leg they had to put in two screws to keep the bones in place, he’ll need physical therapy, but he’ll heal with time. They will be transporting him back to North Carolina where you can see him tomorrow afternoon.” She heard a ruffle of papers; it sent the distinct feeling that she was another assignment to him.

  “I’ll make arrangements.” She hit the end button and turned to Chloe, sobs wracking her body. “I’ve got to go…” She pressed a hand over her mouth, trying to stifle the sobs. There was so much she needed to do but her mind couldn’t wrap itself around any one thing. She stood there at a loss as to what to do. Reservation…pack… Her thoughts were all over the place.

  “What happened?” Chloe came to her, laying her hand on Tessa’s arm.

  “Cameron…” She fell into Chloe’s embrace, and sobbed. Tears coating her throat making it hard to breath, let alone talk. Chloe held her, rubbing her back, as she tried to pull herself together. When she was finally able to speak, she told Chloe what happened. “I’ve got to go to him…he’ll be in North Carolina tomorrow.”

  “Shhh…I’ll make us reservations. Just sit down, and breathe. Cameron’s going to be okay.” Chloe pulled her cell phone from the pocket of her shorts. “Jordan, I need you over here.”

  Chloe had just powered up Tessa’s laptop to make the reservations when she heard the sound of a four-wheeler squealing to a stop in front of the cabin.

  Jordan didn’t bother to knock he came rushing into the cabin, looking around to see what the emergency was. “What happened?”


  Tessa’s tears returned with a vengeance as Chloe explained the situation. Part of her knew she was overreacting, according to the Marine that called, Cameron’s injuries weren’t life threatening but she wouldn’t be convinced until she saw him. Right now, she couldn’t convince herself that he wasn’t on his deathbed, and until she knew, her emotions were uncontrollable.

  “Go pack for her, I’ll make the reservations.” Jordan came and knelt in front of Tessa, taking her hand in his. “Words mean little comfort in a time like this, but whatever comforts they can give you, know the Marine that called wouldn’t give you false hope. If he said Cameron would be okay, he will.”

  Tessa knew his words were true yet she found little peace in them. She held tightly to the dog tags around her neck, praying he would be okay. “I’m going to lie down, if you could book me on the first plane out I’d appreciate it.”

  She went to the bedroom, and lay on top of the covers, pressing his shirt to her nose. She wished his smell that clung to the shirt was stronger but it was fading quickly. Chloe moved around her, packing her a small suitcase but Tessa didn’t pay attention. Her thoughts occupied with concerns for Cameron.

  * * *

  Dusk was beginning to set over Clearwater when Tessa woke to Chloe gently shaking her arm. She let out a soft moan, and rubbed her sore eyes. Dried tears coated her cheeks, making her face feel stiff. “I’m sorry, I must have fallen asleep.”

  “You needed the rest.” Tessa could see the sadness in Chloe’s eyes, reminding her all over again, of what happened. “We need to be leaving for the airport shortly, if you want to freshen up. I’ve got your suitcase in the car, but if you need something from it…”

  Tessa shook her head. “It’s fine. I’ll just put on pants, the airplane might be too chilly for shorts.” She didn’t care about changing or freshening up, all she wanted to do was to be on her way to Cameron. Each minute ticked by like an hour, making her stir crazy.

  Jordan poked his head in the bedroom door and when he saw that she was awake, he came in. “Hope’s here.” He told Chloe.

  “Great. I’ll bring her up to speed, if you want to…” She nodded towards Tessa, as if she meant for Jordan to keep an eye on her and rose from the bed. She strolled out of the bedroom, leaving them alone.

  “Who’s Hope?” She swung her legs off the bed and used her hands to push herself off the bed. Rubbing the small of her back, she walked to the dresser, and grabbed out a pair of gray yoga pants, with pale pink trim at the top. If she was going to have to travel most of the night, she might as well do it in comfort.

  Jordan leaned casually in the doorway, watching her. “She’s normally our winter help. She’s going to take over for a few days while we’re away.”

  “I’m fine to go on my own. You guys don’t have…”

  He took two quick strides to her, and took hold of her hand. “Tessa, we’re not going to let you go on your own. He asked us to watch over you until he could do it himself, and that’s what we’re doing. Plus you’ve become like family in the last few months, we wouldn’t want you to be alone in a time like this.” When she started to protest he added. “Save your strength, you’re not going to be able to sway me. Winterbloom only has a few guests, and Hope will manage. She’s used to doing it when the place is full, she can manage two guests. Go ahead and get changed, we’ll be leaving in ten minutes.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tessa rushed through the halls of the hospital, trying to find Cameron. Reception sent her to one area, only to find out when they got there that he had been moved. Damn it, where is he? She wanted to scream at the nurses, at anyone that would listen but she knew it would get her nowhere.

  “Third door on the right, down that hall…” Jordan explained. After the third nurses’ station she let Jordan deal with it or her temper that was hanging by a threat might break.

  She didn’t wait for him to finish; she took off down the hall towards him. Cameron, I’m coming. In the dim light of the room, she could see Cameron asleep in the bed. Her strong, handsome man looked fragile, breaking her heart. His normally tanned skin was pale and drawn, the white hospital gown and linens seemed to make it worse.

  She sank into a chair by the bedside, watching her husband’s sleeping form. She wanted to take his hand in hers, but didn’t dare to disturb him. Sleep was the best thing for him, in his condition. She did her best to push the tears that were welling in her eyes, there was no way she wanted him to wake to find a weeping wife by his side.

  Chloe stepped into the room, walking quietly to Tessa. “I just wanted to let you know that we’ll give you privacy. We’ll be down the hall in the waiting room, whenever you’re done, or need a break.” She squeezed Tessa’s shoulder and then left.

  Alone with Cameron she couldn’t stop herself from wrapping her hand over his, he slept so peacefully she had to watch his chest to know he was still breathing. She kept reminding herself it was the pain medication but it did little to calm her nerves. “Oh Cameron.” Tears running down her face, she whispered more to herself then him.

  She must have fallen asleep waiting for him to wake up because the next thing she knew she woke to his hand stroking through her hair. “Cam…” Their gazes met, and she had to blink the tears away again.

  Pain shot across his face as he moved to the far side of the bed. “Come here, love.” He patted the space he’d made. She didn’t have to be asked twice, she rose from the chair, stretching out her muscles before squeezing in next to him. Lying next to him, she wrapped her arm around his chest, and held him close to her.

  “Shh, love, I’m okay.” He used the hand that was around her and gently rubbed small circles down her back. “It’s only a broken leg. I’ll be back on my feet and my old grouchy self in about twelve weeks. I know it’s bad timing with Rosalie due in six weeks. I’m sorry.”

  “You big dope…” She lightly hit his chest, and instantly regretted it when the same pained look shot across his face again. His teeth set and his eyes snapped shut. “I’m just glad you’re okay. A cast and crutches don’t matter to me as long as you’re all right.” She gently lifted her hand, not wanting to hurt him more than she already did. “I saw the look, besides your leg, what other injures do you have? What’s wrong with your chest?” She tugged the blanket down, her hand diving under his hospital gown.

  “Hey, I’m naked under there.” He teased, and grabbed her hand. “I’m fine.”

  “Cam…”

  “Bumps, bruises…”

  “Don’t forget the burns.” The doctor stood by the door watching them. When she saw him, Tessa, moved to get out of the bed. “Don’t get up on my behalf. I just wanted to see if the patient was awake. The surgery went well, we had to put two screws in your leg to join the bone back together. You’ll be in the cast for twelve weeks, and physical therapy, but you’ll be good as new in a matter of months. It’s been over seventy-two hours since your surgery, if you were going to show an infection you’d have done it. As long as things continue on track you’ll be released the day after tomorrow. Depending on your mobility after you’re healed, your military career might be over.”

  “No worry Doc. I decided to retire…I have a family now, a daughter on the way.” He raised the arm that wasn’t around Tessa and ran his hand over her swollen stomach.

  After the doctor left Tessa turned back to Cameron, surprise still coursing through her. “I never intended for you to give up your career. You don’t have to do this…”

  “I know…this is what I want. I want to make a home with you and our daughter, and I was thinking of doing it in Clearwater. It’s the perfect place to raise a family.” He slipped a strand of hair behind her ear. “Tess, I fell in love with you years ago, and all these years I’ve been stuffing it into a box, using the excuses that Marines and family don’t mix. It was stupid and I wasted all those years…now I want to make up for that. I love you.”

  “Oh Cam, I love you too. I’ve always loved you.” She pressed her l
ips to his, kissing him deeply, trying to make up for all those lost years.

  He pulled back from her, his eyes wide. “Was that…”

  “You felt that?” From the look on his face, she knew he did. “That is our daughter…Rosalie is letting Daddy know she’s there. I can’t believe you felt that, she refuses to do it when Chloe touches my stomach.” He moved his arm down her body until his hand was on her stomach. Rosalie took it as an invitation to become active. She kicked against Tessa’s stomach as if to say hello.

  “Is she always so active?”

  “Yes. She’s full of spirit. Right now she’s showing off.” Tessa lowered her hand to her stomach. “Shh, baby girl. Daddy’s not going anywhere. You have plenty of time to show off.” She had read a lot of different pregnancy and parenting books and they all said different things. A rare few say a child can’t hear you in the womb but she tended to disagree. When she talked to Rosalie, her baby listened. Now was the perfect example.

  She stayed curled in his embrace for a few moments, enjoying the warm security his arms offered, before she moved away.

  “Where are you going?” Cameron protested.

  “The bed’s not big enough for you to have enough room with my pregnant stomach pressed against you.” She ran her hand down the length of her stomach, as if he couldn’t see just how big she was before.

  “Stay, it’s fine. I’ve waited too long to hold you in my arms, to feel your body pressed against mine. I don’t want to let you go now.” He ran his hand over her stomach, exploring the curves of her stomach. “You have a glow about you that I’ve never noticed before. You’re beautiful.”

  He raised his arm from her stomach, and used the back of his hand to rub his fingers down her cheek. “I was serious about settling down in Clearwater…we have nothing to keep us tied here, no family, or job. We can start over, make a new life for our daughter and us. You’ve grown close to Chloe and Jordan and I are good friends. It seems like a good place to start over. What do you say?”