I can picture it—our little one in Christmas-themed pajamas, their excitement at the sparkling tree and the gifts stacked beneath. Cam beaming at my side, his arm around my waist as we watch their joy. Unexpected tears sting my eyes as my heart swells.
“I can’t wait, Madi. Truly. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“And you’ll have it. Your kids are going to be so blessed to call you their dad.” She laughs. “Especially with how much you’re going to spoil them rotten. Uncle Greg’s already bad enough!”
I chuckle. “What can I say? It’s my job as the best uncle ever!”
We continue to chat, my heart light as she talks about my two nieces and my nephew, and I end the call with a smile on my face.
Cam glances over from the driver’s seat, one eyebrow raised. “Good chat?”
“The best,” I confirm, placing my hand back on his thigh. “She’s already counting down the days ’til Christmas. Apparently, the kids are chomping at the bit to see their favorite uncles.”
Cam snorts, shaking his head. “I don’t doubt it. But hey, one holiday at a time, babe. We’ve still got to survive Thanksgiving first!”
“True,” I concede with a grin. “Speaking of which, what time are we supposed to be at your parents’ again?”
“Noon sharp. Mom’s got the whole feast planned down to the minute.” He shoots me a wry look. “And you know how she gets if we’re late.”
I shudder in mock horror. “Perish the thought! The last thing I want is to invoke the wrath of Mama Walker on Turkey Day.”
We’re still laughing as we pull into the parking lot of the hardware store and my spirits are high as we wander the aisles. I’m eager and excited by the time Cam pulls into our driveway, tires crunching over the gravel. He kills the engine, turning to me and waggling his brows. “Ready to get this renovation party started?”
“Born ready,” I quip, unbuckling my seat belt with a grin.
Together, we haul the paint samples and equipment out of the trunk. As we make our way up the front steps, I envision thissame porch decked out in twinkling lights and evergreen swags come December.
“Just think,” I murmur as Cam fiddles with the lock. “By the time we’re ringing in the New Year, this place will be looking better than ever. Fresh paint, new window treatments…”
“And maybe a nursery to decorate?” Cam meets my eyes, his own shining.
Throat suddenly tight, I nod. “That’s the plan, babe. A fresh start in every sense.”
He leans in, brushing a soft kiss to my temple. “I like the sound of that.”
Chapter Eight
Cam
I dodge the coffeepot as I reach for the paper plates, nearly colliding with Greg in our cramped kitchen. “Babe, watch out for the—” I warn, but it’s too late. The container holding the silverware teeters precariously on the edge of our makeshift countertop before crashing to the floor.
“Shit,” Greg mutters as he surveys the mess, running a hand through his hair. Tiredness is etched on his features and his shoulders droop.
I sigh. “It’s fine. Leave it for now. Let’s just get dinner sorted first.”
The scent of Kung Pao chicken wafts from the open takeout containers, momentarily distracting me from the chaos of our half-renovated kitchen. As I dish out the food, I feel a twinge of frustration. This house renovation is taking longer than we thought, and with the stress at CC’s, it’s all starting to feel overwhelming.
“You wouldn’t believe the week I’ve had,” I say, handing Greg a plate. “With Josh out sick, I’ve been run off my feet just to keep the place open.”
Greg’s brow furrows with concern. “That flu’s really going around, huh? I know you’ve had long days. How are you holding up?”
I shrug, spooning rice onto my plate. “Exhausted, to be honest. And now Sarah’s caught it too, so I’m down two servers. I swear, if one more thing goes wrong…” As if on cue, I kick one of the dropped forks, sending it clattering across the floor. “Fuck!”
Greg sets down his plate and wraps his arms around me from behind. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll get through this, just like we always do.”
I lean into his embrace, letting out a long breath. “I know. I just… I didn’t think running a coffee shop would be this hard sometimes.”
“You’re doing amazing, Cam,” he reassures me, planting a kiss on my cheek. “And once we get this renovation finished, things will settle down. I promise.”
