Through the commotion I was able to smile. Remnants of chocolate were still apparent on his face since he’d rushed out the door to come to my rescue. I used my thumb to wipe them off before he led me over to sit next to him on an oversized ottoman.
With my whole family present, my mom finally sat down next to my dad. She took his hand, I assumed to keep him from jumping up and killing Wes.
“We’re going to start from the beginning. Everything will be resolved before any of you leave this room. Is that clear?”
My dad always called my mother Blaze. She used to dye her hair a fiery red. Now I wondered if it was because she could put out a fire with the snap of her fingers.
Most of us either nodded or replied to her comment with a simple yes.
“Cammie, you’re going to tell us the reason you returned home.”
“You already know.”
She threw up her hands. “Do it again.”
Wes laced his fingers with mine and squeezed, reminding me I wasn’t alone.
“For several months I was involved with my professor. He told me he was in a loveless marriage. I refused his advances for a long time before anything happened between us. He told me he loved me and that we’d be together. He made me think he was leaving his wife. It all began to unravel when I heard things about him; how he’d been with other students in the past. I confronted him and of course he lied about it. He became more determined to prove his adoration for me. Then I found out I was pregnant. He ordered me to have an abortion and finally the real truth was revealed. Within twenty-four hours I was being called to his wife’s office and threatened for having an affair with her husband. I didn’t know what to do, so I packed my things and drove across the country to be with the only people in the world I thought would be able to help me.” I probably wouldn’t have gotten through the story without Wes sitting next to me. Even though I was sniffling, tears were falling from my eyes. I didn’t have heartache when it came to James, because I was learning the difference between love and infatuation.
My mother spoke again. I could tell she hated hearing about my predicament. “Conner, I want you to tell everyone how you felt when Cammie came home.”
My father sat with his arms crossed. He looked right at me as his spoke, as if he was piercing into my soul. “When she first arrived I was concerned she might be in trouble. I’m hurt. I feel like I’ve failed as a parent. How could the values we instilled in our daughter become so misconstrued? How could she assume any of her actions are justified?” His voice was becoming louder, so my mom stopped him.
“Okay. Now, Cam, explain what it was like to look at your father and tell him your news.”
“I hated myself. I felt like all my hard work was gone in an instant. I felt like a disappointment. You’ve always been so proud and I knew my news would crush the both of you. That’s why I didn’t say anything about the baby at first. It was too much all at once.”
“We can’t help you unless we know everything, Cammie.” My mother mentioned.
“I know, but you didn’t see dad’s reaction. I couldn’t stay in this house with him, especially when he gets angry.”
“We both needed time for it to sink in. It was a shock.” She explained.
“How do you think I felt? Do you think it was easy to drive across the country with all that time to think about the mess I’d made of my life? I’ve punished myself.”
“Actions have consequences.” My dad’s statements made me smirk.
“It also hurt me knowing that you and Dad were together when you were married to someone else. James made me believe he was in a loveless marriage. I thought you’d be able to relate to it. You of all people having been with mom for the same reasons.”
I rendered him speechless. How could he come back with an argument when I had a point?
“Let’s move on to someone else.” Of course Mom would want to change the subject when they were in question. “Callie, talk to your sister.”
“I don’t want to play this stupid game. I’ve got nothing to say.”
“I’ll talk first,” I offered. “I understand why you’re mad. You think I stole Wes from you, but you’re wrong. He wasn’t yours, Cal. He never was. I’m sorry I hurt you. I didn’t do it in spite. You’re my sister and I love you. What happened between Wes and I was personal. I didn’t want it to happen at first, but now I’m glad it did. He’s helped me. He’s held my hand through all of it. He’s even helping me fix what’s been messed up.”
Callie said nothing. Maybe it was for the best. She had a resting-bitch-face, so I knew better than to push for a response. Callie often blamed other people for what she couldn’t have. Hurting her wasn’t something I wanted to happen, but I refused to regret what I’d done with Wes. I could only hope she’d get over it. It wasn’t like she didn’t have guys hitting on her constantly. She did. She could have her choice of boyfriends.
“Joshua. It’s time to explain why you didn’t tell your father about Cammie and Wes.” Mom suggested.
He shrugged. “Wes is my boy. I told Cassie. I figured her and Logan would find a way to let you know she was in good hands.”
My father let out an air-filled laugh like Wes wasn’t capable of taking care of me.
I rolled my eyes but refused to get into a screaming match.
“All this bickering needs to end,” Mom added. “Cammie is home. She needs us to be supportive. I don’t give a shit what your take is on her situation. We’re a family and it’s time we all started acting like it. Wes, you’ve including yourself in this situation, so it’s only fair if you have a chance to speak.”
Wes adjusted but never let go of my hand. He seemed confident, as if he’d been waiting for this moment his whole life. “I’ve loved your daughter Cammie since I was thirteen or fourteen years old. You might think it’s not possible, but I can assure you it is. The moment I saw she’d returned home I knew I wanted to spend time with her. We spent a day riding horses and then hanging out at the swimming hole. We talked for hours. Later I came back for dinner, and just as I was leaving I heard someone calling my name. Your daughter was attempting to jump off the roof to sneak out of the house. To prevent injury, I helped her down and offered to take her somewhere she could calm down. She’s been with me ever since, and before you say anything about the two of us and what you saw earlier, I want you to know none of this could have been avoided. I want to be with your daughter. I can’t speak for her, but I hope she feels the same. These past few days have been the best of my life, and I’m not talking about the physical aspects. I needed to know her, really know her. In my eyes she’s perfect. She always has been.”
Callie got up and left the room. Cassie ran upstairs after her. I hated that she was upset with me. I didn’t realize how much she’d been interested in Wes. I thought it was another one of her weekly conquests. Callie wasn’t the best about serious relationships. She liked casual, so this was devastating news to me, and I suppose for her as well.
My dad looked at Josh and motioned his hands. “Go upstairs. Your mom and I need to talk to these two alone.”
Josh patted Wes on the shoulder before exiting the room. Even though my palm was sweating, I never let go of his hand.
My mom folded her hands together, looking at me as she spoke. “I can’t say I’m happy about the two of you becoming involved. You’ve caused complications with your sister and if this ends badly Josh will be affected as well.”
“I’d never come between Josh and Wes.”
“You can’t say that, Cam. Things happen. People change,” she explained. “You’re very young, and you’ve both got bright futures ahead of you.”
“All the more reason to be together. We’ve got our lives figured out,” Wes said.
“You call my daughter being pregnant by another man having things figured out?” My dad questioned.
“Sir, you’ve known me my whole life. Do you honestly think I’d sit here in front of you and fill your head with nonsense just t
o get into Cammie’s pants? I’m not some stranger. I’ve celebrated holidays with your family. I’ve gone on vacations.”
“All while fantasizing about my daughter,” Dad added.
“With all due respect, I was a teenager. Surely you can attest to adolescent hormones.”
“I need to know this isn’t some sick game to you, Wes. Cammie is in over her head.”
“Stop treating me like I’m a child. I have the ability to make my own decisions, and I know I screwed up, but Wes is different.”
“Cammie, we’re just trying to look out for you, for both of you. We don’t want to see anyone hurt.”
“I give you my word. It’s all I have to offer. If I hurt your daughter for any reason you have my permission to do whatever you think is necessary. I know Cammie doesn’t feel the same about me as I do her, but I’m hopeful her feelings will grow. I meant what I said. I love her. I’d do anything to protect her.”
My dad didn’t have anything left to say. He stood up and walked out of the room leaving only the three of us.
My mom rubbed her face like she did when she was stressed. “I know we can’t keep the two of you apart. I wish this would have happened slower. What’s done is done.”
I didn’t want to piss her off, but she had to know where I stood. “Mom, I’m going home with Wes. He’s helping me with some school issues, and hopefully I’ll have some good news in a couple more days. I know I’ve hurt you and Dad. It wasn’t my intention. I wish I could change things, but now I’m wondering if this is where I belong.”
“What about medical school? You got a scholarship that will pay for it. Please don’t throw it away, Cam.”
“I’m going to make you proud. You’ll see. I won’t stop trying to make this up to you and Dad.” When I said it I saw my dad lingering in the doorway of the kitchen. He’d heard everything I said and then finally disappeared. I hoped I’d gotten through to him, but I couldn’t be sure. He usually needed time to simmer before he could think rationally.
With no one breathing down my neck, Wes helped me gather my things and load them in his truck. He waited outside for me to go in and tell them I was leaving.
My parents said nothing. They both hugged me and let me walk out without an argument. It was better than being forced to stay.
I know it seemed like we were rushing. Maybe we were. Nothing felt right unless Wes was around. I knew that’s where I wanted to be; where I belonged.
Chapter 33
“Cam, babe, wake up. We have a doctor’s appointment this morning.” She been staying with me for four weeks and never once slept upstairs in her designated bedroom. In that time she’d been squeezed into the fall admissions to Duke. To be perfectly fair, I don’t know how much leeway my grandfather had on the final decision. Once they saw her test scores they wanted to snatch her up. As far as her scholarship went, Duke was a bit more expensive, even though she lived in the state. She’d owe a few thousand bucks when it was all said and done. For now she was working with the people to have the funds transferred from one school to the other. I suppose it was a ton of paperwork and a few headaches for the people managing it, but well worth the effort.
After she was accepted we met with the children’s program where she was placed on the waiting list for childcare. Being in the graduate program allowed her to qualify. We were hopeful by the time the baby was born we’d hear something.
I sat down on the mattress next to her and played with her hair. “Earth to Cam. Wake up.”
She adjusted and whined. “I don’t want to get up. I’m still tired.”
I pulled off her covers, exposing her naked body. Right away I felt the urge to climb on top of her and give her a reason to wake. “Aren’t you excited about meeting the new doctor?”
She finally came to her senses. “Yes. I think I’m not the only one though. You’ve been pacing around for hours, Wes.”
“It’s the first one.”
“One would think you’re the father.”
“I am.” When I said it I saw her glare at me like I’d shocked her. “What?”
“I just…I’d never expect…”
I placed my fingers over her lips. “You don’t have to ask. I love you. I want to be the only father this baby will ever know. I don’t care if we won’t share blood. Even if you decide to leave me somewhere down the road, I’ll still be there. I’ve been thinking about this since we first got together, Cam. It’s the right thing to do. I want this child to have my name.”
She folded her hands while replying. “What you’re asking is a forever commitment.”
“Are you afraid I’ll change my mind?”
She studied me for a moment. “No.”
“No one has to know that isn’t my baby growing inside of you. I’m going to be here the whole time, by your side.”
“What if James changes his mind and comes after visitation? I don’t want to upset you, but it could happen. I wouldn’t be happy about it, but how could I fight him?”
“Maybe you won’t have to. What if you had him sign off his parental rights? You said he doesn’t want the child. Maybe it’s as easy as his signature.”
“You’re asking me to contact him and asking him to relinquish rights to his own child?”
“Yeah, I am, because he doesn’t deserve to know this child, our child.” I kissed her on the side of the head and stood up. “Think about it. I’ll be a good dad.”
Cammie got ready for her appointment and met me in the kitchen. She was dolled up, her hair and makeup done to perfection. She wasn’t showing yet, though she swore she was getting fat. I hadn’t noticed, although she did eat a ton of food. She might not look pregnant, but soon I would be the one with the giant belly, since I ate as much as she did.
It wasn’t until we climbed in her car when she addressed what we’d discussed earlier. “Can you call your lawyer and have him draw up the papers?”
I’d only made it out of the driveway before having to pull over. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. I want this baby to have a real family. I need to know he or she will be loved from the start.”
“Consider it done.”
“I’m going to have to go out to California. I can’t do it through the mail.”
“I’ll go with you.” If she thought she was going to do it alone she was mistaken. “We’ll get everything situated and make the trip. I’m out of school in a week, so I’ll be able to go before I start at the bank full-time.”
“I can’t believe you’re graduating.”
“Thank you for this, Cam. I won’t let you down.”
I started to put the car back into drive, but she stopped me, putting her hand overtop of mine. “Wes, there’s something I want you to know. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but I kept waiting to make sure.”
“What is it? Are you okay?”
She smiled. “Yeah. I’m more than okay.”
“Then what?” I had to know.
“I love you.”
Words I’d waited my whole life to hear her say.
“Say it again.”
“I love you. I’m sorry I waited to say it. I think I felt it after a couple days, but I was too afraid it might not be real.”
“And now you know it is? You’re sure?”
“Yes. I’m in love with you. I know it’s real. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”
“You already know you’re the only girl or woman I’ve ever loved.”
“Then it’s settled. We’re crazy.”
We both laughed. I leaned halfway and watched as she matched my movements meeting me for a kiss. “I’ll be crazy as long as you’re by my side.”
“I don’t plan on going anywhere. I’m right where I belong.”
I didn’t know what to expect when we went into the doctor’s office. After she filled out papers, we were taken back to a room where she had to undress and wait.
A female doctor came in and introduced herself. When Cammie turned to me, s
he told the doctor I was the father. I’d never felt so relieved. She’d made it real. We were having a baby. I was going to be a father.
She did an internal exam I felt very uncomfortable witnessing. I didn’t know what she was feeling for, but apparently it had something to do with her cervix.
A few minutes later a device was put on her belly. A peanut showed on the screen followed by this rapid thumping. “That’s the heartbeat,” she explained. “It’s very strong.”
I held Cammie’s hand as I watched in awe. It was the most amazing feeling I’d experienced to date.
“In another two months we’ll be able to tell the sex.”
Cammie’s eyes filled with tears. She was happy, and it was contagious. I felt my own burning as I turned back toward the doctor only to see her handing me a set of pictures. “Here you go. These are for you, Dad.”
After our earlier conversation, the things she’d said, the plans we’d made, and then this, I lost it. I couldn’t contain my joy any longer.
Cammie and I cried together for a few moments when the doctor left the room. “Thank you for giving me that week,” I managed to say.
“Thank you for giving me your heart,” she replied.
Chapter 34
It had been two months since we discussed making this trip, and I was still every bit as nervous as I was back then.
“I think this might have been a terrible idea, Wes.”
He took my hand and brought it up to his lips. “Would you rather me wait outside?”
“No. I want you there. I need you to know I’m not harboring feelings for James. What we had was a joke. He used me. He made me feel special so he could get into my pants and make me do things I would have never dabbled in.”
“Don’t say never, babe. We’re pretty adventurous in the sack.”
I smiled, knowing he was always going to be around, making sure everything turned out the best it could. “I’m glad you’re with me. I don’t know if I could have gone through this alone.”
“You have the paperwork, and a pen? Do you know what you’re going to say?”
Cammie Healy (Mitchell/ Healy #8) Page 20
