I sniff, tears flooding my eyes.
His shoulders sag, his lips turning down. “Baby girl, please don’t cry. It kills me to see you sad.”
He reaches for me, but I step back and swipe my cheeks, tipping my chin up.
His eyes fall shut and he balls his fists at his sides. “I fucked up. I own that,” he grits out. “And you may be better off without me. I acknowledge that too. But I’llneverbe better off without you. You brought me back to life.” His tone is laced with passion, with pain. “You gave me a purpose. Loving you will forever be the reason I was put on this earth. So if you know only one thing, please know that you are loved.Always.”
The tears are back. This time I don’t try to stop them. I’m frozen inplace, wanting so desperately to launch myself into his arms but knowing I can’t.
I’m letting you go.I can’t reconcile that statement with what he’s saying now. Can’t decide if he should let me go or if I should fight to hold on.
Eyes falling shut, Camden takes a deep breath. When he looks at me again, he smiles. “Go inside and celebrate with your friends. Tonight isn’t about us. Tonight’s a good night.”
Without waiting for a response, he takes two steps back. Then he turns and strides out the door.
FIFTY-FOUR
CAMDEN
Aiden: How do we feel about cheeseburgers?
Brooks : In general, or is this something you want to eat right now?
War: Fuck, a burger sounds incredible.
Daniel: I could go for a burger.
Noah: Burger sounds good. Gavin and Beckett are with me. They agree. Want to meet at Dubliner?
Aiden: Sorry. Autocorrect. I meant Chinese food.
Brooks: I’d rather have a cheeseburger.
War: Same.
Daniel: Dubliner it is. What time?
Aiden: Sorry. Autocorrect. I meant Camden.
War: You’re asking what we think of Camden? Pretty sure he’s in thischat. Cam? You there?
Daniel: He’s def in the chat, but if he wasn’t, I’d tell you I think he’s awesome.
Me: What the hell would you say if I was in the chat?
Aiden: FINALLY. Shoulda known food wouldn’t get you but talking about you would. Vain much?
With a chuckle,I type a quick response and hit Send.
Me: Heading in to see your sister, but if you’re nice, I’ll meet you guys after for a drink. Can’t deny it feels good to know you’re all dying for my attention.
Daniel: Noah, what’s Sienna want?
Noah: No idea. I don’t track my wife’s every move.
Aiden: You should. It’s hot. But, like, don’t because she’s my sister and that’d be gross.
Brooks: 1000%
