Chapter 28 #2
So. Much. Better.
Paradise.
It truly is.
He slides behind me, wrapping me up in his muscular arms from the back. Kissing my cheek, he wonders, “Are you ready?”
“Yes. But no.”
“Why no? We talked about this already. You can take my side of the bed.” I swear I hear his eyes rolling in his head. But it’s exactly what I need to break this funk.
“I’m not attached to anything here. Not one thing. Yet, it’s like I can’t say goodbye. Even to go with you to paradise. Weird, right?”
“Nostalgia’s a funny thing. You never know when or where it’s going to hit.”
Every once in a while, he’ll say things that make little sense, and we’ll start down a path of an awkward and confusing conversation like we did when we first got together at the wedding. It’s become our thing.
Except this time, maybe what he’s suggesting is it’s not so much about the condo, but everything else. Isn’t that the truth?
“Your mom and dad are waiting to say goodbye.”
“More of a ‘see you soon.’ I’m not ready for the g word.”
In a lot of ways, I had an easier time heading off to Michigan for college.
It was temporary, whereas this is more permanent.
Cameron and I have had several long talks about our relationship and what the future holds for us.
Things won’t always go the way we want, but we’re equipped to deal with whatever comes our way.
There’s still a bit of the “one day at a time” and “live in the present” mentality.
We both decided there’s no rush on forever, though at some point, if we want to have kids, we should probably get on it sooner rather than later.
My mind’s a funny creature. I should not be thinking about babies at the present time, but it’s a way of not dealing with having to say farewell to my parents.
“Okay. Let’s get this over with.” My eyes closed, I inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Yoga breathing is going to get me through this.
“Remember, we’ve got plans to come back for Thanksgiving. Tickets already booked. Paid the bill yesterday.”
“I can still be sad,” I protest.
“Of course. I’m not saying you can’t. I’m trying to remind you when we’ll be back. And they’ll come visit. They’ve got more than you to visit there.”
So many things are changing. Wonderful changes all around, but it doesn’t mean acceptance is easy.
Spinning in his arms, I glance up at him. His smile melts my heart. “I love you, Cameron Fairbanks.”
He swipes his hand across his forehead. “We’re finally at that stage? Phew.” He places his hands on my ass, tugging me closer. “I love you, Juliana Langley. I’ve waited like years to say that.”
I swat his chest. “You have not. It’s been a week at most.”
His expression grows serious. “Not true. I wanted you to believe it hasn’t been that long. The truth is, it’s been longer than that. It took me a while to realize exactly what it was.”
“We don’t have time to argue about it.” He goes to speak, but I cut him off. “Not that I want to argue about it anyway. Not even a little.”
“Okay, good. ‘Cuz it seems like maybe you do. Even a little.”
He’s goading me, trying to rile me up. It’s his new thing, but I’m stronger than he is and not falling for it.
“Thanks for letting me say it first.”
That’s how it all got started, but if I get into it now, I’ll cry more. And I’m already on a path of mini-destruction.
“You’re welcome.” He leans in for a kiss, one thing I will never not oblige.
Ever since the time he went all Hulk about the Whispering Tide share, and we missed out on five days of kisses, I decided when he asked, I’d submit. It’s not a hardship to kiss him. To feel his lips on mine. To share the connection of being loved by him.
Nope, not at all.
This one doesn’t last long. We’re in somewhat of a hurry.
“New mattress got delivered yesterday. All set for us to christen.”
His comment excites me. “Best news ever.”
With our relationship being so new, we’re still figuring things out.
The latest bone of contention was his bed.
As much as he convinced me the mattress was new and not shared with anyone, I didn’t want to start life with him on a used bed.
I ordered a new one without telling him.
He was more upset about the money, not that I went behind his back.
He’s still adjusting to that, so he gets a pass.
As much as he “grew some balls and accepted the fact I bring more money to the relationship,” he still has qualms and hang-ups. Things he’s working on.
Was it my best decision? Hardly. I’m still learning what it means to be part of a loving relationship, one built on trust, honesty, and open communication. We’re learning how to navigate it, each in our own way. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. I found my forever mate in Cameron.
One last hug and glance around my room, I motion for us to head out. Mom and Dad stand in the living room, waiting.
“Juliana, you don’t want to miss your plane. Will you have time to make it?” Mom worries.
I grab Cameron’s wrist to check the time. “We’ve got time to say goodbye.” I shake my head. “Nope, not goodbye. See you soon.”
She wraps me in her arms. “Call us more often than your brother does. Come visit. Don’t lose touch.”
Tears track down my cheeks. I’m going to miss her.
And Dad, too. Elisa the most. She came this morning to wish us off, not able to deal with the fact I was truly leaving.
She pretended she had somewhere to be tonight and had to come this morning.
I saw right through it, but didn’t give her any trouble. She has to grieve in her own way.
“It’ll be okay. I’m closer than I was in Michigan.”
“You were never going to be a resident of Michigan. I can’t say the same about South Carolina.
” Apprehension lingers in her voice, just above the guilt.
I can’t give in to it though, or I’d never leave.
As emotional as it is, moving to Magnolia Cay, becoming a resident of South Carolina, is the right choice.
Rather than get into it, I say, “I love you, Mom. I’m going to miss you so much, but I’ll be in touch so frequently, you won’t realize I’m gone.”
A sarcastic laugh emanates. “That could never be true. But I’m going to pretend you’re still here.”
“That’s the spirit.” It’s a little unconvincing to my ears because there’s a lot of truth in her statement. In some ways, I’m going to pretend I’m only at Whispering Tide for vacation. Except I’m not actually staying there, but with Cameron.
I’m still working out my own kinks.
Next, I fall into my father’s arms. “Bye, Daddy. I’ll miss you, too. Don’t work too hard. And maybe think about retiring soon.”
He clears his throat. “That will free up more time to spend in Magnolia Cay. It’s definitely on my agenda for soon.”
My smile is semi-weak but filled with as much bliss as I can muster. “Sounds good.”
Closing my eyes, I lean into him, my arms wrapping tightly around him for one last see you soon hug.
Homesickness rears its head, and we haven’t left yet.
I allow the tears. If I held them back, I’d be more emotional for sure.
If I don’t feel the emotions, I’ll blow at some point. Probably at Cameron.
What a way to start this new life together.
After a long, somewhat weepy goodbye, Cameron and I are off.
Dad wanted to drive us, but Cameron insisted on a driver.
He could tell I needed to say goodbye at home, not drag it out at the airport.
How he knew it is beyond me, but I’m grateful he did.
As hard as it is to leave and say goodbye, it’s easier to do it in the comfort of my home.
Or what was my home.
In the back of the car, Cameron pulls me flush against him. “You okay?”
“No, but I will be. Hold my hand.” I hold it out for him, and he takes it easily and willingly.
“I took tomorrow off. Figured we’d need a day to get settled.”
I peer up at him through teary eyes. “You’ve taken a lot of days off for me lately. Are you sure it’s okay?” I bite my bottom lip. Of course, I want him to spend the day with me, but I don’t want him to put himself in a position of not being comfortable.
“Yep. It’s good. Cleared it with the other bosses and everything. Made sure all was kosher with the events and activities. I know we have the next however long together, but let’s start this relationship just you and me.”
“Thoughtful of you. Didn’t know you had it in you,” I tease.
Except it’s the complete opposite of who he is.
Ever since he waltzed back into my life, he’s been nothing but thoughtful.
Making sure I’m taken care of. Maybe not in the financial way my father takes care of my mother, but I’ve got that covered.
In all other ways, Cameron is exactly the man I want to spend my life with.
Living in paradise is the icing on the cake.
“I love you, Juliana Langley. And if you’ll let me, I’ll show up every day and let you know how much.”
“Oh, I’m going to let you for sure.” I snuggle into him, wanting to be as close to him as possible, without climbing onto his lap in the back of the car. “I love you. It feels fantastic to say that aloud.”
“It’s about damn time. It feels great to hear it from your pretty lips.”
“Know what I want first thing?”
He lowers his head next to my ear. “My cock?” he rasps.
“Steak fries.”
His laugh resounds around the back seat. “I’m glad I get to call you mine, Jude.”
“Me too, Came. Me too.”