I allow myself a small, wistful smile as I reach for Cam’s hand, lacing our fingers together. “It would be a dream come true. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—we still need to research the legalities and logistics of family surrogacy, not to mention all the psychological stuff. Maybe then we can have a long, serious talk with Madi.”
Cam bobs his head. “You’re right. One step at a time.” He focuses back on our list and his scrawled notes about additional research before looking back up. “Looks like we have our work cut out for us, huh?”
“We sure do.” I lift our joined hands to my lips, brushing a kiss across his knuckles. “But you know what? Bring it on. We’ve weathered tougher storms than this, you and me. We’ll find our way to fatherhood, no matter what it takes.”
I squeeze his hand once more before pulling away. “I’d better get some coffee brewing if we’re going to power through all this research.”
“Good call. I’ll keep plugging away here.” Cam turns back to his laptop as I pad into the kitchen.
Although the kitchen is a mess and I’m working on a job site, I move through the familiar routine—filling the pot, measuring out scoops of dark roast grounds, the rich scent filling my nostrils. As I wait for the coffee to percolate, I look back to the dining room table where Cam sits, his hair a disheveled mess as he rakes a hand through the wavy strands. He’s sucking on the end of the pen, totally absorbed in something on his screen. Even with the weight of the world on his shoulders, he’s gorgeous, and his determination makes him even more so.Damn, I’m lucky to have this man.
The gurgle of the coffee pot draws me from my reverie. I pour two steaming mugs and doctor Cam’s with a splash of creamer, just the way he likes it. Warmth seeps into my palms as I carry our drinks back to the dining room.
“One coffee for my husband,” I say, setting the mug at his elbow.
“My hero.” He takes a sip, and moans, the sound doing strange things to my belly. “Have I mentioned lately how lost I’d be without you?”
“Once or twice.” I slide into the chair beside him and grin. “But I never get tired of hearing it.”
Cam shifts to face me, one hand coming up to cup my cheek. “I mean it, babe. You’re my rock. I know all of this is daunting as hell. But we’re going to be amazing dads. I feel it in my bones.”
I turn my head to press a kiss to his palm. “I do too. And there’s no one else I’d want by my side every step of the way.”
Cam leans in until our foreheads touch. “We’ve got this,” he murmurs. “You and me against the world, remember?”
“Always.”
And just like that, I’m back on an even keel and return to my spreadsheet with renewed energy.
Later that day, as we head to the hardware store, my determination is still strong.
“I was thinking,” I say, watching the picturesque storefronts of Main Street scroll past the window. “What if we reached out to our families about all this? Not just for emotional support, but…” I hesitate, hating the necessity of what I’m about to say. “Financially too. If they’re able.”
Cam’s fingers flex on the steering wheel. “It’s worth a shot, I guess. I just hate the thought of asking for money, especially since they don’t have a ton to spare themselves.”
“I get that, believe me.” I lay a hand on his thigh, giving a gentle squeeze. “But we did say we’d investigate all options.”
He covers my hand with his own. “I suppose it can’t hurt to have the conversation at least.”
As Cam navigates the familiar streets, my phone rings. I fish it out of my pocket to see my sister’s name flashing on the screen. “Hey, Madi. What’s up?”
“Just touching base about Christmas plans,” she says, her voice bright. “Wanted to see if you and Cam were good to spend it with us this year.”
“Yeah, we discussed it and we’ll spend Thanksgiving with Cam’s folks and Christmas with you guys.”
“That’s awesome. The kids will be thrilled.”
“We’re looking forward to it too.” I swallow hard. I catch Cam’s gaze, his eyes crinkling with a smile as he nods. “Actually, Cam and I have some pretty big news to share.”
“Oh?” Madi’s tone sharpens with interest. “Do tell, little brother.”
“We’re… we’re going to start a family.” The words leave me in a rush.
There’s a moment of silence, then an earsplitting shriek that has me wincing. “Gregory James Freeman, are you serious?! Oh my God!”
Cam chuckles beside me, shaking his head. I can’t contain my own grin. Madi’s enthusiasm is infectious, even secondhand. “Dead serious. We’re looking into our options now. You never know, maybe by next Christmas…”
“This is amazing. Oh, just you wait. Seeing your children’s faces light up on Christmas morning, watching them experience the magic of it all. Greg, it’s everything.”
