Chasing Castles (Finding Focus #2) (26 page)

After getting my ass chewed out by everyone for not calling sooner, I make my way back to Cami’s room. She’s back in a wheelchair and looks like she’s ready to leave.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

“Everything’s fine. I can go home now. I’m just waiting on the final paperwork, and I’ll be on my way.”

“Let me drive you home.” The idea of her driving home after everything she’s been through today has my stomach in knots.

“Don’t be silly, Deacon. I can drive myself. Besides, don’t you have to work tonight?”

“Micah already knows I’m here with you. I doubt he’s expectin’ me to show up.” In fact, he already told me not to come back until Cami was safe and if he or Tucker found out I let her drive home, they’d both beat the shit out of me. Well, they’d try anyway.

“But what about my truck? I can’t just leave it here.”

“Sure, you can. Micah and some of the guys from Grinders will take care of it, I promise. Your job isn’t to worry right now, it’s to keep that little guy and his mama safe, got it?” I point to her small but rounded stomach.

She laughs before conceding. “Okay, fine. I have to admit I’m pretty tired. Sorry in advance for falling asleep on the way home.”

A few minutes later, Cami is buckled into my truck, and we’re on our way to French Settlement, but not before we drive through a fast food place and order almost everything on the menu. Neither one of us had lunch and didn’t realize how hungry we were until we saw those golden arches.

“Thanks, again, for comin’ to my rescue. I’m sorry you had to waste almost an entire day at the hospital,” she tells me before shoving at least four fries into her mouth at the same time.

“Stop apologizin’. And, I didn’t rescue you; I just kept you company for a little bit,” I say before winking at her. “Besides, spendin’ a day with you is never a waste.”

“I bet Janie would disagree.” I can tell she’s surprised that she blurted her comment out which only makes me laugh harder.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I wipe my eyes on my shirt sleeve before taking a drink of my coke.

“Does she know where you’ve been all day?”

“Yep.”

“Was she okay with you going to the hospital to see me?’

“Nope.” I wish I could tell her differently, but I’ve never lied to Cami intentionally, and I don’t plan on starting now.

“I’m sorry.” She looks away from me and out of her window.

I grab her hand to get her attention. “Didn’t I tell you to stop that? You don’t need to worry about Janie. If she has a problem with you or with me seein’ you, then she can take it up with me. She knows you’re family and family comes first with me. Always.”

“But she’s your family, too, right? I mean, don’t you think you’ll get married eventually?”

I hate this. I have no desire to hurt her any more than I already have or throw my relationship with Janie in her face.

When did life get so fucking complicated?

“I don’t know,” I say, sighing because that’s the truth. I feel like I don’t know what the hell is going on in my life these days. “Usually, we’re just easy, but lately, everything is a big fight. I’m tired of arguing with her, to be honest.”

She sits quietly for a second, and I wonder if I’ve said too much, but I’m not ready for our conversation to be over.

“I’m an asshole, huh?” I ask, truly wanting her opinion.

“No, you’re not. You’re just confused or somethin’. But don’t ask for romance advice from me. We both know that’s not my forte,” she says with a small laugh.

My blood still boils every time I think of that prick, Tristan.

“Let’s not ruin this day by mentioning Mr. Douche,” I say.

Her laugh is music to my ears. “Deal.”

When we reach my cottage, I help her out of the truck and into the house. I’m so glad she’s agreed to stay here until the baby is born. I’d worry myself sick if she lived in town by herself. I know she did it for years in New Orleans but, now that she’s back home, I can’t imagine her not being on this property.

“You sure you should be drivin’ back to Baton Rouge tonight?”

“I probably should, but I think I’m gonna go see the folks for a bit. I might even spend the night over there.”

“You really are tryin’ to piss Janie off, aren’t you?”

I laugh. “No, I’m really not. I just don’t feel like leavin’.”

“Well, this is your house, you know. You can stay here. I don’t mind sleepin’ on the couch.”

All humor has left my face, and I give her a stern look. “I’m not even gonna acknowledge that comment. You’ve had a long day and need your rest, so I’m going to get out of your hair. But, if you need me for anything, you call or text me, okay?”

“Yes, sir,” she says while saluting me.

Damn her for being so cute. Truth be told, I don’t trust myself to stay here with her any longer than what’s necessary. I’m not a cheater, but I can’t handle any more temptation. Being with Cami in my cottage, in such close quarters, is pushing me to my limits. She’s everywhere here. It used to be bad enough with her art on the walls and little touches that have always reminded me of her, like looking out my front window and seeing the pond. It’s always been our pond in my mind. But since she’s moved in here, her sweet smell permeates the walls and her shoes are by the door and her half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich is in the refrigerator. And all of it is too much.

“I’ve gotta go,” I tell her with my hand already on the door.

“Okay.”

I hesitate for a split second because the slight disappointment on her face and in her tone is enough to make me want to stay. Forever. But I can’t.

Damn it, if I don’t want to.

“I’ll talk to you later,” I say, needing to assure her in some way that I’m here for her. I just can’t be
here
. If I’m going to be here, then I can’t be with Janie. And I don’t know what to do about that right now. The torn feeling I have when I shut the door behind me is jarring.

Camille

Present

WHILE THE NURSE IS TENDING
to Deacon’s wounds before bedtime, I walk Sam and Annie out to their truck. They’ll leave Annie’s car here until Micah and Dani can drive it back to the Settlement tomorrow.

I can’t help but notice the difference in the way we’re exiting the hospital compared to how we entered earlier today. I’m grateful for the change. Grateful and exhausted.

Annie loops her arm around mine and smiles at me. “How you doin’, sugar?”

“I’m fine,” I answer automatically. Annie quirks her eyebrow at me, and I laugh. “I am. I’m tired but, all things considered, I’m doin’ great. Today could’ve been so much worse, you know?”

“I do know. Believe me; my mind has put me through all kinds of scenarios today. I’m looking forward to a quiet drive home followed by lots of Carter snuggles.” It warms my heart the way her face lights up when she talks about my little boy. It’s kinda crazy when you think about it, because he’s not related to her by blood, but there’s no doubting the bond those two share.

“Annie, you don’t have to keep Carter tonight. I’m sure it’s fine if he stays with Daddy and Kay. Besides, you and Sam need a restful night, and you know that won’t happen with him there.”

“You hush right now. I’m takin’ that boy to my place and won’t hear another word about it. Your daddy and Kay are leaving early to go fishin’ anyway, so if he stays with us, he can sleep in.”

It’s a good thing we’re now outside of the building because I let out a laugh so loud, I even surprise myself. I think it’s the first time today I’ve laughed, and it feels good. “You know good and well my son doesn’t know the meaning of sleepin’ in.”

Annie joins me in laughing. “True, but he naps like a pro.”

We reach Sam’s truck, both of us wiping our eyes, but this time it’s happy tears instead of fearful tears. Annie turns to me with a serious look on her face. “Thank you, Camille.”

It’s not often she calls me by my given name, so it catches me off guard. “For what?” I ask. I can’t imagine why she feels the need to thank me for anything.

“For bein’ you and for lovin’ my son like it’s your sole purpose in life.”

“It
is
my purpose, outside of Carter, of course. I was meant to love Deacon. There’s no choice in the matter. But, even if I had the choice, I’d still choose him.”

She hugs me tightly and whispers in my ear. “I love you so much, baby girl. Now, go take care of our guy, you hear?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I smile at Sam and wave goodbye before walking back toward the hospital.

Camille

Past

SITTING IN THE OLD BARN
on a stool Annie let me borrow from her greenhouse, I close my eyes and take in a deep cleansing breath. Ever since my scare with the Braxton Hicks contractions, my doctor has given me strict instructions to take it easy. He wanted me to quit my job, but I told him that just wasn’t possible. I needed to save as much money as possible, so I’ll be able to provide for my baby. He understood even though he didn’t like it. Kinda like Deacon. And everyone else, for that matter. They finally realized they were causing me more stress than good, so they’ve let me be and let me do my own thing.

Well, for the most part.

They still check up on me every day I’m at the diner. One of them will stop by. Usually, it’s my daddy and Kay, or Sam on his way out of town. They play it off by ordering a piece of pie or a cup of coffee, but I know what they’re up to.

Deacon calls me at least twice a day.

Tucker calls when Deacon doesn’t.

Sometimes I wonder if they have some secret schedule.

But now, the watch has officially started.

As of yesterday, I’m in my 39th week of pregnancy. According to my doctor, this baby could come at any time, and I’m so ready.

Even sitting feels taxing these days.

I can’t eat, because there’s no room for food.

I can’t sleep because the baby is pressing on every vital organ inside my body.

If it weren’t for this glorious extra-large box fan that Sam installed in the barn, I would be pouring buckets of sweat.

I’m miserable.

And I feel like a tank.

Annie assures me that my motherly glow is in full swing, but I think she’s just saying that to keep me from crying.