“Well, we’re rooting for you,” I say, giving her a thumbs up.
Cam asks Donna some questions about her baking technique as Sue comes around the table and joins in the conversation. They may be competitors, but Donna and Sue are friends too and I love the way they smile and encourage each other in the true spirit of this community. I watch as Cam chats with them both, his face alight with happiness. He fits so seamlessly into this town. Collier’s Creek is a wonderful place to live.
And a wonderful place to raise a family.
The idea of fostering, of opening our hearts and our home to a child in need, suddenly feels less like a distant dream and more like a tangible reality. Cam was right—it’s not a last resort, but a choice born of love and a genuine desire to make a difference.
“Hey, you ready to head back out?” Cam’s voice pulls me from my reverie.
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “Yeah, let’s go.”
We make our way back outside, the crisp evening air a contrast to the warmth of the town hall. Josh is busy juggling orders as he chats with customers at the hot chocolate stall.
“Hey, Josh,” Cam says as we approach. “I’ll take over if you want to head inside and wish your mom good luck.”
Josh’s face lights up. “Really? Thanks, Cam! I’ll be quick, I promise.”
“No hurry,” I say. “I can help out.”
As Josh hurries off towards the town hall, Cam turns to me. “Alright, babe, you ready to serve up some holiday cheer?”
I grin, grabbing a spare apron and tying it around my waist. “Born ready.”
Side by side, we fall into an easy rhythm, filling cups with steaming hot chocolate and topping them with generous dollops of whipped cream. Cam sneaks candy canes to the kids when he thinks I’m not looking, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Inbetween customers, I steal glances at him, his smile saying more than words.
Suddenly, raised voices catch our attention. I crane my neck, trying to see what’s going on, but the crowd obscures my view. Cam frowns, as he tries to see.
“Is that Nick?” he asks, straining to hear. “And Kyle?”
I nod, as I glimpse the two of them, wondering what’s going on given they broke up a while back.
But before we can speculate further, a hush falls over the crowd. I rise on my tiptoes and catch sight of the scene unfolding before us.
Jordan Ellis is standing between Nick and Kyle, his hands raised in a placating gesture. And then, in a move that stuns us all, he pulls Nick close and kisses him.
Cam’s eyes widen, his mouth opening in surprise. “Well, I didn’t see that one coming,” he mutters with a shake of his head.
Given we thought Jordan was straight, I understand his surprise. I chuckle.
“Penny for your thoughts, babe?”
I have one last glance at where Jordan and Nick are wrapped in each other’s arms, then turn to Cam. “Just thinking that Collier’s Creek still holds some secrets and has the power to surprise me. Never a boring moment. Looks like those two are pretty loved-up.”
Cam sidles up beside me, his arm slipping around my waist. “So, what do you say once this stall is closed, we head home for some loving of our own?”
I thrill runs through me at the thought of being alone with him. “We’ve got another hour or so yet.”
“I don’t know, I think we’re running awfully low on cocoa,” Cam says, looking into the practically full container, then offering a wink.
“You’re incorrigible.” I laugh, swatting at his chest, then lean in close and drop my voice. “Delayed gratification does have its benefits.”
Cam groans, but he’s smiling as he leans in and brings his mouth to mine to steal a quick kiss.
Josh returns and starts cleaning up, carting away the trash. Cam and I continue to serve up hot chocolate, touching occasionally, and brushing against each other. The simple contact sends sparks through me, each shared smile a promise of what’s to come.
Finally the line dwindles and the last cup of cocoa is served.
I don’t think I’ve ever worked so fast in my life, but before too long, everything has been put away, and the equipment transferred to the back of Cam’s dad’s truck.
