An Unexpected Family

by Jenna Mindel

  He chuckled and pulled back into his lane. He preferred looking at her, though. “What made you change, uh, your hair?”

  “What if I did it for you?” Rose’s voice was whisper soft.

  Her admission slammed through him. No woman had ever made such a gesture. But then, no woman had made him create the alphabet out of Play-Doh before, either. He’d started reading those workbooks she gave him. It was a slow process, but worth it if everything he’d thought about himself might not be true.

  He pulled into the church parking lot, turned off the engine and faced her. “For me, huh?”

  She nodded. Her green eyes were rimmed with dark brown. Shimmery gold covered her lids. Not too heavy, but more noticeable than before.

  “I think you’re beautiful no matter what your hair color.” He caressed her cheek, running his thumb across her bottom lip. Leaning closer, he wanted those lips against his own, when he spotted something move beyond the truck.

  He shook his head and groaned at his brother Zach, making faces only a few feet away.

  Ginger tried pulling him away, but failed and mouthed the word, “Sorry.”

  Rose turned around to see what distracted him and blushed. “Nice.”

  “Real nice.” Cam’s opportunity to ask why she’d done this for him passed, right along with a perfect chance to finally kiss her.

  He watched Rose slide out her door. The strappy leather sandals on her feet matched the belt she wore cinched around her trim waist. His gut twisted. Man, she was beautiful.

  “Love your hair,” he heard Ginger tell Rose. The two chatted about their respective business traffic for the week as they entered the church.

  Sliding into the pews, Cam reached for Rose’s hand when he spotted a couple guys checking her out. She could have anyone. Would she really be happy with him? Knowing his limitations hadn’t stopped her from coloring her hair. For him.

  She threaded her fingers through his and didn’t let go, even when they stood to sing.

  Cam soaked in the song service. It was definitely longer than what he was used to, less formal, too. The sanctuary was simply appointed with tall windows that were topped with blocks of colored stained glass. Nothing ornate like his church. Three of his brothers went here now and Cam could see why. There was something inclusive about this church, something warm and welcoming.

  As he listened to the message, Cam’s ears rang as if it had been given for him. The minister spoke about living out faith publicly and with courage. He had read from the first chapter of the Book of Joshua and the words hit hard.

  No one will be able to oppose you as long as you live, for I will be with you, as I was with Moses; I will not abandon you or fail to help you. Be strong and brave...

  The rest of the verses read aloud were lost to Cam because that first verse echoed through his soul, over and over again. Instead of growing faint, it grew louder. He stared at the sermon note page that had been stuffed inside the bulletin. Zeroing in on one letter at a time, he realized that same verse was on there, in bold letters.

  Cam folded it and tucked the page into his back pocket. He needed to read that verse over and over until he knew it by heart. God had spoken. To him. And he needed to listen.

  As the minister wrapped up his sermon, Cam spotted Darren a few pews in front of them. He sat with Bree, his girlfriend, who’d flown in from Seattle for this past week. Those two sat close as if clinging to each other, knowing they’d soon say goodbye.

  Cam glanced at Rose. Her head was bowed and her eyes closed as the minister prayed over the congregation, dismissing them for a blessed day.

  He’d heard back from his manager and Monday’s meeting was a go. He’d be gone a couple days, three at the most. Cam bowed his head, too, but couldn’t focus on the prayer. He needed to tell Rose about the upcoming sponsor meeting. He should have said something to her yesterday, after he’d received a call from his manager on Friday night confirming flight information. He’d planned to tell her today, but then seeing her hair and makeup had knocked him for a loop.

  Last night, after fishing for hours, he’d worked through another exercise from those workbooks. He wasn’t sure if he’d done it right, but he’d do what he could to improve. He’d made a promise to be a better man, but could he be? It felt like he was heading for the lion’s den tomorrow, meeting with a potential sponsor.

  “Cam?”

  He looked up. People were leaving. Church was over.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yes.” He’d tell her later. Right now, he wanted to enjoy the day. Exiting the church, he took hold of Rose’s hand once again. “Ready for the beach?”

  “I am.” She flashed him a saucy smile. “I even bought a new bathing suit.”

  “Is that so?” All thoughts of telling Rose about tomorrow fled. He could hardly wait to get to the beach.

  * * *

  Rose tapped her foot to the music. A decent local band played old-time country hits on a small stage in Center Park. Cam’s church had also set up a big tent for their annual Fourth of July chicken barbecue complete with corn on the cob and coleslaw.

  Other than the tightness of her skin from too much sun at the beach this afternoon, today had been perfect and way more than a simple date. Rose wanted days like today for the rest of her life. She glanced at Cam, still loitering by the dessert table, and her heart squeezed tight inside her chest.

  Someone Cam knew stopped to talk to him, delaying the choice of desserts yet again. For a guy who wasn’t around much, Cam seemed to know everyone. He’d introduced her to many, boasting about her ability as the new owner of Dean’s Hometown Grille even though he’d been the one to make the place shine. Really, the success of the diner had much to do with him—not only his cooking, but his warm smile and welcoming attitude.

  “Having fun?” Monica slipped into the chair next to her.

  “I am. What about you?” Rose hadn’t seen much of Cam’s sister all evening. When Monica wasn’t working alongside Helen Zelinsky behind the food tables, she’d been talking to a tall man that Rose recognized as the Maple Springs chamber president.

  “I suppose, but I do this every year.” Monica shrugged. “You look amazing and Cam looks completely smitten. I think we succeeded.”

  Rose laughed. “I sure hope you’re right.”

  “It’s been far too long since he was home for this. I can tell he loves it.”

  Exactly the kind of words Rose wanted to hear.

  Cam returned and set down two plates before her—a slice of cherry pie and a huge brownie. “You choose. Hey, Monica, grab a dessert and join us.”

  “I’m good.” His sister stood. “Besides, I promised Mom I’d help with cleanup.”

  Rose grabbed hold of Monica’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thanks, for everything.”

  Monica gave her a quick hug and whispered, “Good luck.”

  “What’s that all about?” Cam asked.

  Rose splayed her fingers. The soft coral polish looked pretty even on her short fingernails. “She went with me to the hair salon and talked me into getting my nails done. See?”

  Cam inspected her hands. “That’s great. You two seem pretty chummy.”

  “Yeah, I like your sister a lot.” It was nice to have a gal pal.

  Cam shrugged. “She’s okay. Which dessert do you want?”

  Rose gave his shoulder a playful shove. “She’s more than okay and you know it. How about we share each dessert?”

  “I like sharing with you.” Cam offered her the first forkful of pie.

  “Yeah?” Rose took a bite without taking her eyes off him.

  He smiled. “Yeah.”

  More of what she wanted to hear. She offered Cam the first bite of brownie. They fed each other, alternating from each plate until Rose busted out laughing.

  “What?”
/>   “I feel like a teenager.”

  He brushed aside her bangs with his fingertips. “Yeah, me, too. Is that so bad?”

  “I don’t know, maybe. I just turned thirty-one years old.” Too old for this giddy feeling.

  “A perfect age.”

  “For what?”

  “I’ll show you later.” Cam made no declarations of his feelings, but the intensity in his eyes and the messages she read there were pretty heady stuff.

  Her belly fluttered. She’d never felt like this with Kurt. At eighteen, she didn’t know anything about men or relationships. Kurt had swept her off her feet with fairy-tale promises of fame and fortune. Cam didn’t promise anything. Her good time hit a speed bump and slowed her down. She’d better rein it in a little.

  Rose looked away, out over the bay. The sun sank low in the western sky, casting a luminous golden glow over the water’s edge. It wouldn’t be dark for a while, but some families had broken out sparklers for their kids. Rose stared at those little sticks of snapping light, praying her plans didn’t burn out as quickly and turn to ash.

  Rose gasped when tiny white lights strung throughout the trees came on. “Wow. So pretty.”

  “So are you,” Cam whispered.

  The band chose that moment to play an older Randy Travis song. A slow, sweet tune. Dozens of couples popped up and headed for the dance floor.

  Cam held out his hand. “Let’s dance.”

  “I was hoping you’d ask.”

  “You should have said something earlier.” He led her onto the already crowded square of parquet flooring set up in front of the band.

  “Yes, I should have.” Silly, but she’d been afraid of asking Cam to dance. How did she expect to have the guts to ask him to stay in Maple Springs and be her partner? He’d said he liked sharing with her. Would he share his future?

  Slipping one arm around her waist, he drew her close. “I’ve had fun today.”

  “Me, too.” She bolstered her courage. “In fact, I’ve been thinking...”

  He swirled them away from colliding with another couple.

  Her breath caught when he pulled her even closer. She swallowed hard. “Uhmmm, Cam—”

  “Just dance, Rose.” He looped her arms around his neck. “We can talk later.”

  They moved in lazy circles near the front, swaying to the soft music. She looked into Cam’s blue eyes and got lost there. No, not lost, but found. This felt right, as if the one man she’d been meant for had finally been revealed.

  He lowered his head and lightly brushed his lips over hers, tentatively, as if asking permission.

  Slipping her hand to his chest, she was about to push him back but the thump of his heart matched her own erratic pulse. “We’re in the middle of a crowd.”

  “So?”

  She opened her mouth and then closed it, having no good reason or desire to shut down this moment.

  He smiled slightly and kissed her again, softly. Ever so slowly he applied more pressure until she finally melted and responded in kind.

  The crowd, the music, even the shrieks of children playing with their sparklers faded away. She kissed him back, hoping to convey everything in her heart with touch and taste instead of words. Hoping for so many things.

  Cam broke away first and leaned his forehead against hers. “You’re amazing.”

  Now was the time to ask him, so he’d know. “Cam, would you consider staying to run the diner with me, for good?”

  His eyes widened. “Rose—”

  “We could be partners. You know, once the estate is settled and—”

  He laid a finger against her lips. “Let’s find a place on the beach for the fireworks, then we can talk.”

  “Oh. Okay, sure.” Rose looked around. Still pretty crowded but some were leaving. No doubt with the same idea. She’d finally said what she wanted, but Cam hadn’t reacted the way she’d hoped. Not even close. He didn’t look pleased, either. In fact, she’d say he looked trapped.

  “Come on.” He grabbed her hand and led her to their table, but wouldn’t look at her.

  A kernel of fear scraped deep in her belly. Rose knew disappointment well and this had every sign of becoming one big fat letdown.

  Chapter Twelve

  Silently, they gathered up their things but Rose couldn’t quiet her thoughts. The earthshaking kiss they had shared didn’t match this new tension.

  “Bye, Cam and Rose. See you in the morning.” Helen Zelinsky waved as she headed to the dance floor with Cam’s father.

  Rose gathered her wits and waved back. “Are they coming in for breakfast?”

  Cam reached for her hand again and pulled her along. “Let’s go.”

  “Cam?” Rose gave him a long look when he didn’t answer. She pulled her hand away. “What’s the hurry?”

  “You’ll see in a minute.” He turned and crossed the street.

  Rose followed.

  Once they turned the corner toward the beach, she understood Cam’s rush to get there. People were everywhere. A patchwork of blankets already dotted the sand and the grassy park behind them was a maze of chairs and coolers.

  “I see a good spot by that big tree.” Cam pointed and grabbed her hand once again.

  He still hadn’t looked her in the eyes. All that heat between them on the dance floor was gone. Even holding Cam’s hand, Rose didn’t feel the connection anymore. Whatever she was the perfect age for, this certainly wasn’t what she’d had in mind.

  They walked the length of the beach and Cam finally spread out their blanket half in sand and half on grass in front of a maple tree big enough to lean against.

  She plunked down.

  He did, too, and gathered up both her hands in his. “Tomorrow morning, I’ve got an eleven o’clock flight out of Pellston for a meeting with a possible sponsor.”

  The words were no surprise. “This is what you’ve been waiting for.”

  “I’ve already talked to my mom and she’s agreed to help transition the new cook.” His voice sounded too serious. Final.

  Rose pulled her hands away. “When were you going to tell me?”

  “I’m telling you now.”

  “When did this all come about? Last I knew, you were waiting to hear.”

  He leaned against the tree trunk with a deep sigh, looking worse than guilty. “Since Friday night. I got a call right before I left your place.”

  Rose closed her eyes and fought for control, recalling memories of Kurt springing news about gigs and tours on her at the last minute, so she’d have no time to make arrangements to go with him. He’d made decisions that affected her without saying a word, too.

  “I should have told you.”

  She opened her eyes. “Yeah, you should have. You could have called me Friday night. Or yesterday.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry.”

  He still hadn’t responded to her question about running the diner together, but then, that was a moot point. Rose had her answer. This was the trip he’d waited for and fishing was the career he wanted to return to. She’d known that from the beginning.

  How foolish of her to think new hair and some makeup would make him want to stay with her. If this meeting didn’t pan out, there’d be others, and Cam would still leave. Time to face facts and put away her pipe dreams. Cam wanted to leave.

  * * *

  “Your mom needn’t fill in. I’ll be fine.”

  Cam hated the disappointment in Rose’s eyes, knowing he’d put it there. She’d asked him to be her partner at the diner but he couldn’t accept. He didn’t even know if he wanted to accept. Not now, when he had to see this through and find out what he was really made of.

  “I’ll be there first thing and make sure they do things right.”

  “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of a new cook. You don
’t have to worry about that. Sounds like you’re sure of signing.” Rose looked at her hands, clasped tightly in her lap.

  “Yeah.” The date change for the meeting was a good sign they wanted to endorse him.

  “I appreciate all you’ve done, really. Thanks for everything.”

  “Rose...” He didn’t like the finality in her voice and reached for her hands once again. When she didn’t pull away, he traced the soft peach color of her painted fingernails, searching for what to say. He’d never been good with words. “I don’t want what we’ve started to end just because I’m going back on the pro fishing circuit. This isn’t goodbye.”

  “Isn’t it?” Her eyes filled with tears, but she didn’t cry.

  Another sucker punch to his gut. “I’ll come home between tournaments.”

  She shook her head. “Long distance doesn’t really work for me. Better to stop now before things get serious, you know?”

  As far as Cam was concerned, things were already serious between them. “I’m flattered that you’d offer me the chance to help run the diner, but—”

  She held up her hand, clearly not interested in hearing him. “I understand.”

  She didn’t.

  If he were a better man, he’d explain it so she could. How could he explain that he needed to look in the mirror without this burden of shame? Cam had carried the weight around since he was a kid. He had to make things right before he’d ever hope to get rid of it.

  He used to have confidence and the purest love for the sport. So much of that had been stripped away. What good was he if he didn’t try to reclaim what he’d lost by his own stupid actions?

  “There are some things I need to fix—” Cam’s stomach turned. He wanted to leave all that in the past, where it would stay buried, never to happen again. He didn’t want Rose to know how low he’d sunk.

  The whizzing sound of a small firecracker shot off from the dock of a nearby home caught his attention but didn’t quiet his thoughts. This morning’s sermon slipped through his mind as if confirming his course, steering him clearly. It was time for him to live his faith with courage. Time to heal some of his own hurts before he could effectively heal hers.