Chapter 20 #2
As Madison launched into an excited recounting of giraffes and monkeys and an ice cream that melted too fast, Aaron leaned back into the armchair by the window, closing his eyes so he could just listen to her. The sweetness of her voice filled the room and settled something restless inside him.
It reminded him of Scarlette. How, no matter where he was playing a game, if she couldn’t be there to support him, she wouldn’t go to sleep until he called her. Before, the memory used to bring a sharp, aching grief.
Now, as he thought of Scarlette, he felt something gentler.
Gratitude. Happiness for the time they had been given, for the memories that would always remain, and most of all—for Madison.
He knew that the healing in his heart was God’s grace.
And he also knew, if he was honest, that God used Camille to be part of that healing.
After promising Madison he would call again the next day, he ended the call and sat quietly for a long moment, the glow of the city reflecting against the glass.
Then, with a slow breath, he turned to his laptop.
He logged onto the jeweler’s website, selected the Camille marquise diamond ring, and paid extra for next-day delivery.
~*~*~*~
Aaron and Camille’s next stop was Phoenix where they spent two packed days moving between virtual interviews and in-studio appearances.
By the end of it, they were exhausted—but encouraged.
The response had been strong everywhere, and the conversation around the film—and their chemistry—was very complimentary.
On their last night, Ray suggested they all go out to celebrate.
Before Aaron could answer, the elevator doors opened and Chris stepped out, tablet in hand, expression sharp with quiet satisfaction.
“Perfect timing,” he said. “Just got off a call with the studio. The numbers are strong. Engagement’s exactly where we want it.”
They drifted into the small lounge as Chris began outlining the next phase—trailers, press, screenings, a full campaign that would carry them straight through to the premiere.
Aaron listened, but only in part.
Across from him, Camille had slipped into one of the low chairs, one leg crossed over the other, her attention fixed politely on Chris. She nodded at the right moments, asked a brief question about scheduling—but every now and then, her gaze flicked to Aaron.
Just for a second.
Just enough to make it difficult to focus.
“…global press, major markets, back-to-back appearances,” Chris was saying. “It’s going to be intense.”
Camille shifted slightly, adjusting the sleeve of her blouse. Aaron’s eyes followed the movement before he could stop himself. When she glanced up and caught him, something unspoken passed between them—quick, charged.
He looked away first.
“Bottom line,” Chris said, lowering the tablet, “if this holds, the film doesn’t just open well. It dominates.”
A brief silence followed.
Ray clapped his hands once. “Then we’re definitely celebrating. Dinner—my treat.”
Aaron shook his head. “I’m going to pass tonight.”
Ray lifted a brow. “You sure?”
“Yeah,” he said, keeping his tone easy. “I’ve got plans.”
There was the slightest pause.
Camille didn’t look at him—but he saw the way her fingers stilled against her arm.
Chris gave a small nod. “Enjoy it. Things are about to get busy.”
Aaron slipped his hand into his pocket, his fingers brushing the velvet box.
Across the room, Camille finally glanced up.
This time, she didn’t look away.
Busy… was one word for it.
~*~*~*~
The restaurant Aaron chose sat atop a boutique hotel overlooking the Phoenix skyline.
Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the desert night, the horizon painted in deep indigo with distant mountains silhouetted like a quiet promise.
Candlelight flickered across white tablecloths, and a soft jazz trio played near the bar, their music weaving through the low murmur of conversation.
It was elegant, intimate, and secluded enough to feel like the rest of the world had faded away.
Aaron stood as Camille approached the table.
She wore a simple cream dress that skimmed her figure and fell just below her knees, paired with delicate gold heels. Her hair was down in soft waves brushing her shoulders.
“You look beautiful,” he said quietly.
“Thank you,” she replied, her eyes lingering on him.
He took a sip of his drink, but his gaze never really left her.
Her stomach fluttered.
Since that night in her hotel room in Chicago, he had kept a careful distance. There were still small things—the way he watched her, the way his voice dropped intimately when they were alone—but he hadn’t gone out of his way to get her alone again.
Until tonight.
He leaned forward and gently took her hand.
Her breath caught.
“Camille,” he said quietly, thumb brushing over her knuckles, “I owe you an apology.”
She blinked. “An apology?”
“You asked me to forgive you for deceiving me about filming the Shadow Peak episodes… and I never did.” His gaze held hers.
“so now, I’m saying I forgive you. And I also want you to forgive me.
I said some really hard things to you that day when I confronted you.
I was scathing and judgmental. I didn’t even let you explain.
And yet you forgave me. You remained civil and gracious throughout.
You demonstrated more Christian maturity than I did. ”
Her eyes filled instantly. “You were right to be angry, Aaron. I betrayed you.”
“Yes. But I wasn’t gracious. I wasn’t forgiving.” His voice softened. “I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?”
She nodded, tears slipping free. “Yes… I do.”
He lifted her hand and pressed a slow, reverent kiss to her fingers. “Thank you. That means more to me than you know.” He paused for a moment and then continued, “I want to ask you something else.”
“What’s that?”
“I want us to be together. And not just as friends anymore. As more than that.” His voice dropped lower, more intimate.
“I love you, Camille. I never stopped loving you. And I don’t want it to be a secret any longer.
I’m not willing to sit before another host and say we were just following a script.
I want to shout to the world that I fell in love with you on the set of Esther. ”
A startled laugh escaped her. “Really?”
“Really,” he said, eyes blazing. “In fact…”
He reached into his pocket.
When he withdrew the small black box, Camille gave a sharp intake of breath.
He opened the box.
The diamond caught the candlelight and scattered it into a thousand points of light.
“It’s called the Camille marquise,” he said softly. “The moment I saw it, I knew it was perfect for you.”
Then he pushed back his chair and dropped to one knee beside the table.
“Camille,” he said, voice steady but thick with emotion, “will you marry me?”
She stared at him, momentarily stunned. Then, regaining her composure she whispered, “Yes.” Then louder, breathless and tearful, “Yes, Aaron! I will.”
He exhaled a laugh of pure relief as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly.
He rose just as she flung herself into his arms, and he caught her tightly, burying his face in her hair.
She laughed through her tears, clinging to him, the diamond glittering between them like a promise sealed beneath the desert night sky—and in the midst of a world about to watch their story unfold.