31. Lizzy
Just as I get out of the shower, I receive a text.
Cameron: Good news! Milli’s doing better than expected, and they’re releasing us in a few hours. Instead of coming back here, meet us at the house?
Me: That’s great news. I’ll see you there.
Thinking of the state I left his house, I pick up my pace. There isn’t a bed that’s ready for Milli or Cameron for that matter. I’m sure they must be exhausted. I washed all the blankets while taking care of Milli yesterday but never got around to making any beds.
As I rush downstairs, I find Lanie in the kitchen. “Great news, Milli’s being discharged this afternoon. I’m going to head over to their house and make it so they’ll have beds to sleep in.”
“Liz, you’re exhausted. Have you even slept?”
“A little at the hospital this morning,” I admit.
“Here,” she says, grabbing her purse. “I’ll head over there and help you. Who knows how long they’ll take, but I don’t want you running yourself ragged.”
I’m seriously dead on my feet, and only the thought of finally telling Cameron how I feel is what’s getting me through this.
“Sure. Wanna take your car since I have Cam’s?”
“How about I drive? I’m well rested, and you’re clearly running on fumes. I’ll walk back or get Ryan to pick me up…Oh, don’t give me that look. I’m not negotiating with you. I’m driving.”
Rushing to her, I hug her fiercely. “I love you, Lanie. You’re the best.”
My sister lives up to her word. She and I make quick work at getting Cameron’s place ready for their return. We make all the beds, she does the dishes, and I put another load of laundry in the wash. She even has the forethought to order takeout for us before heading back home.
With nothing left to do, I sit on the couch to wait for them.
Who knew a couch would be my kryptonite?
Well, that and the remote being on the counter in the kitchen.
The couch is soft, inviting, and I’ll be honest, I don’t even remember closing my eyes.
The next thing I know, I’m being lifted into Cameron’s arms.
“Wha-what are you doing?” I mutter, still half-asleep.
“Putting you to bed, beautiful,” Cameron says, walking to his room.
“But you just got here,” I protest. “Where’s Milli?”
“She’s resting on the chair in the living room. We’ve been home for a bit, and you haven’t budged.”
“I… I need to talk with you,” I say on a long yawn when he sets me on his bed.
“We have all of forever to talk, Elizabeth. For now, let’s get you into some pajamas and into bed. You need sleep more than any conversation.”
Walking to his dresser, he snags a t-shirt and pajama pants for me to wear.
I want to protest, but my body still feels like lead weights have been anchored to each limb. It takes everything in me to just remain seated and stare at the clothes he’s set beside me.
“Here,” he says, helping me lift my shirt. “Let me take care of you for a change.” He grins adorably. “You really are out of it, aren’t you?”
“Mmm-hmmm,” I moan.
In no time at all, he has me changed into pajamas and under the covers. Leaning down, he kisses me softly on the lips.
“I really do… need to talk with you.” I yawn heavily again.
“Get some rest, Elizabeth. Milli won’t be up for long. She’s due for some medicine, and I’ll be back to join you shortly. I’m beat.”
Kissing me once more, he heads for the door and turns off the light.
Just as he’s about to leave, I remember. “The baby monitor is in the kitchen.”
I can hear the laughter in his voice. “You always do think of everything.”
The moment the door shuts, and my head hits the pillow, I’m out for the count.
*****
As I drift into consciousness, I’m vaguely aware of the wall of heat cocooning me. It spreads along my back, over my hip, and up my sternum. I feel safe and protected and never want to break this bubble of bliss.
That is until I feel a light tap on my nose. Instantly, my eyes bulge open, and I’m greeted by two large navy-blue eyes staring at me from the edge of the bed. Her eyes barely reach over the top of the bed.
Seeing me awake, a beautiful smile spreads across her face as she whispers, “Hi, Iz.”
“Hi yourself, Mills,” I whisper back.
She cups her hand over her mouth and attempts to whisper, “There’s no room on Daddy’s side. Can I snuggle with you?”
Shit. This is one of the things I should’ve stayed awake and talked to Cameron about.
When I don’t answer, I suddenly hear, “Climb in, kiddo. Daddy needs five more minutes.” He lifts the blankets and reaches an arm for her.
Within seconds, she’s snuggling into me, and he’s got his arm around both of us.
“Hmmm… best morning ever,” Cameron says, squeezing his arm around us both. “I’ve got both my girls and nowhere to be until tomorrow.”
Milli’s voice is filled with wonder when she innocently asks, “My Iz is your girl, too?”
“Yep. Elizabeth’s pretty special. What do you think, Mills? Should we keep her?”
“I love My Iz,” she says matter-of-factly, and my heart melts into a giant puddle of goo.
Looking at Cameron to see his reaction, I’m greeted with the most dazzling smile. His navy-blue eyes pin mine as he says, “I love Elizabeth, too. You okay with that?”
My response bubbles out of me before I can contemplate whether he’s asking me or her the question, “I love you, too.”
Leaning down, he presses a kiss to my lips. “What do you say, Elizabeth? Wanna start forever with me?”
My body stiffens as the meaning of his words hit me right through the chest.
Holy shit. What is he saying?
Laughing, he leans down to kiss me once more. When he pulls back, a devilish grin spreads across his face. “You don’t have to answer just this moment. But you should know… that’s where I’m going with this. I love you and knowing you love me back is all the answer I need… for now.”