Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Camilla stood on the front steps, watching the flurry of activity around her. Suitcases were being loaded into waiting cars, last-minute hugs exchanged, and promises to stay in touch made with varying degrees of sincerity.
Jade was beside her, kneeling down to Emma's level, carefully taking the folded piece of paper the young girl was offering.
“I made this for you and Aunt Camilla,” she said.
Jade opened it to reveal a colorful crayon drawing.
Camilla smiled, looking over Jade’s shoulder. “Thank you, honey. That’s beautiful.”
“Very good. You’re already an artist,” Jade agreed.
The page was filled with stick figures in a scene that caused another twist of guilt in Camilla’s stomach.
In the center were two taller figures wearing what looked like wedding dresses - one with long dark hair like Camilla's, the other blonde like Jade's.
In front of them stood two smaller figures - a girl in a frilly dress and a boy in a little suit, clearly meant to be Emma and Jack.
Jade's eyes widened as she took in the details. "Oh, Emma," she said softly, "is this... is this our wedding?"
Emma nodded eagerly, her pigtails bouncing. "Yes! See, that's you and Aunt Camilla getting married. And look, there's me in my bridesmaid dress, and Jack with the rings!"
"I love how you drew your bridesmaid dress. It looks so pretty! And Jack looks very handsome in his suit.”
The innocence and excitement in Emma's eyes made Camilla’s heart ache. The wedding Emma was so eagerly anticipating was off and she’d have to cancel their fake wedding day. She exchanged a quick glance with Jade, seeing her own conflicted emotions mirrored in her eyes.
Pushing aside her guilt for the moment, she knelt down next to Jade and Emma. "Thank you so much for this beautiful drawing, Emma. We'll find a perfect place for it.”
Just then, Mark's voice called out from near their car. "Emma, Jack, time to go! Come on, get in the back seat."
"Looks like it's time for you to head home," Camilla said, opening her arms for a hug. Emma rushed into them, squeezing tight.
"I'm going to miss you, Aunt Camilla," she said, her voice muffled against Camilla's coat.
"I'll miss you too, sweetie. But we'll see each other soon, okay?"
As Emma released Camilla, Jade opened her arms for her turn. "Come here, you little artist," she said warmly.
Jack, not wanting to be left out, bounced over for his goodbyes as well. Camilla and Jade each gave him a big hug.
"Well," Theresa said, her tone neutral, "it was... good spending Christmas with the both of you. Have a safe trip back."
Camilla nodded, forcing a smile. "You too, Theresa. Take care."
Before she could elaborate, Aunt Lara approached, her face alight with enthusiasm.
"Oh, girls, Just before you leave... I wanted to ask about the wedding plans.
Have you found a florist yet? Because I know the most wonderful one.
She did the flowers for my friend's wedding last spring, and they were simply breathtaking. I'd be happy to give you her details."
"Oh, that's so thoughtful of you, Aunt Lara," Camilla managed. "But we, uh, we actually already have a florist lined up. Right, Jade?"
Jade nodded. "Yes, we do. A friend of mine from college. She's just starting out, so we wanted to support her business."
"How lovely," Aunt Lara beamed. "Well, if you need any other recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can."
"We appreciate that," Camilla said, guilt gnawing at her insides at the thought of disappointing her family, especially sweet Aunt Lara.
Uncle Robert joined them, clapping a hand on Camilla's shoulder. "So, tell me, girls. Are you nervous for the big day? That will probably be the next time we see you."
“Not at all,” Jade said. “It will be intimate and informal. Just close family and friends, so there’s no pressure."
"Ah, that sounds perfect," Uncle Robert nodded approvingly. "Seeing you two together reminds me so much of Weston and your mother, Camilla. They had that same spark, that connection that's rare and precious."
Aunt Lara nodded. "It's true. And if there's one thing we've learned in our years together, it's that that spark is worth fighting for, even when things get tough."
"What's your secret?" Jade asked, her hand finding Camilla's. "To staying so happy together after all these years?"
“For one, we don’t have children,” Uncle Robert joked. He chuckled, sharing a fond look with his wife. "Just kidding. No, I’d say communication is core. Never go to bed angry. And remember to laugh together, especially when things are hard."
"And compromise," Aunt Lara added. "But never compromise on the big things, the values that make you who you are."
"Most importantly," Uncle Robert said, his gaze moving between Camilla and Jade, "always be each other's biggest supporter.
The world out there can be tough, but if you have each other's backs, you can face anything." He glanced over his shoulder as a black SUV pulled up the drive. “That will be your ride to the airport, so I guess this is goodbye. Jade, it was truly wonderful meeting you. And Camilla, don’t be a stranger. You know I’m here for you, kiddo, and you and Jade are always welcome at our home.”
“Thank you.” Camilla said sincerely, squeezing his arm as she met his eyes. “You both mean the world to me.” She and Jade hugged him and Aunt Lara goodbye, then stepped outside as one of the staff members approached, gathering their luggage and taking it to the taxi.
Just then, Aunt Vivian emerged from the house, her designer coat perfectly draped over her shoulders.
"Vivian," Camilla said, "I wanted to remind you that the offer to fly back with us on the jet is still open if you'd like."
Aunt Vivian waved a manicured hand. "Oh, no need for that, dear.
Robert and I have already made our arrangements but thank you.
" She cleared her throat. "Well then, it was lovely to meet you, Jade, and great to catch up, Camilla.
" Her gaze flicked between Camilla and Jade, assessing.
"We'll be seeing you at the wedding, of course. Do keep us informed of the details."
"We will," Camilla said, plastering on what she hoped would be the last manufactured smile of the day. She turned to Jade. "Ready to go?"