I force a smile and squeeze his hand again. “Of course. Whatever you decide.”
He looks at me for a long moment. “Thank you.”
Chapter Twenty
Felix
I’m running late but can’t summon even the slightest bit of regret. Those extra few minutes with Kit were worth every bit of the hassling I’m bound to get from my friends. For a second I’m disappointed he’s not with me, but the twinkling lights and festive garlands adorning the lampposts lift my mood. Collier’s Creek looks like a holiday card.
Stepping out into the brisk night air, I’m grateful I got a park not too far from the restaurant. My breath clouds before me as I step carefully onto the sidewalk. I love the snow and cold that come with Christmas—the holiday season in Florida with Mom and Dad just isn’t the same.
Fox’s Restaurant is ablaze with lights, and warmth greets me as I step inside. Shrugging my coat, I look around and spot Cam, Greg, and Georgia seated in one of the beige booths at the back.
“Well, look who finally made it!” Cam says as I slip in beside Georgia. His grin is wide, eyes crinkling at the corners. It’s good to see him smiling and I hope that means his mom is doing better.
Georgia arches one eyebrow. “We were about to send out a search party.”
“Yeah, thanks for finally joining us,” Greg jokes.
I hold up both hands in mock surrender. “Sorry, I got caught up helping with something in the cabins.”
“Uh huh, likely story,” Georgia says with a smirk. “I bet we can guess what you were helping with.”
She makes air quotes around “helping” and I’m sure I blush because she’s not far off the mark.
“What are you drinking?” Greg asks.
“I’m driving, so I’ll stick to Coke, thanks.”
Greg motions to Fiona, who comes over to serve us. We make small talk until she returns with my drink and then takes our food orders.
“So, Cam, how’s your mom doing?” I ask.
His expression turns serious. “The treatment is going okay so far. There are signs of remission and she’s still got a long road in front of her, but she’s being positive. To be honest, I’m not sure how she does it.”
Georgia reaches over and squeezes his hand. “We’re here for you guys, whatever you need.”
Cam smiles. “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you all.”
“Luckily, you never have to find out,” she replies. “I’ll always be here for you.”
Her words remind me I need to finalize my decision, because leaving Collier’s Creek is still on the table. But, even if Cam doesn’t need me to manage the coffee shop after next month, he still needs my support.
Cam takes a deep breath. “Anyway, enough about all that. We’re here to celebrate Christmas. We’ve got something we want to show you. Greg, have you got the photos?”
Greg pulls out his phone, brings up some pictures, and passes it across. The photos are of a house. It’s not very large but has a pretty garden out the front. It looks familiar.
“Is that the cottage down past the school?” I ask.
Greg nods. “It is, and it’s all ours.”
“Oh! You bought a house!” Georgia’s voice is loud in the restaurant and a few heads turn.
“Shh.” I nudge her and chuckle before looking at Cam. He is grinning from ear-to-ear. “Congrats, man. That’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you guys.”
“It needs a lot of work,” Cam says.
Greg leans in to his side. “But we’re up to the job, right, babe?”
