Her eyes drifted to the house behind them, a masterpiece of stone and timber. It blended seamlessly with the landscape, warm light spilling from its windows. “I still can’t believe you designed this for us. You had me giving input on every detail, and I never even guessed it was for me.”
Allen chuckled, the sound rich and deep. “I’m still patting myself on the back for that little ruse. I wanted it to be your dream home.” He tipped her chin up kissing her affectionately, his blue eyes warm with affection. “Every inch of this place has you in it, Camellia. It’s our sanctuary.”
She smiled, her hand drifting to rest on the gentle curve of her stomach, where a tiny bulge had risen—a tender reminder of their little one’s movements. “Your family loves it too. Your mom calls it the perfect mountain retreat. Speaking of your family…” Her lips curved into a playful grin as she glanced at him. “Do you think your dad will mind if one or two of your siblings decide to stick around after the summer?”
He caressed his unborn child as he pondered her question. “He won’t mind as long as they’re happy. Though I know Mom and Dad will miss them terribly.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “But if more than two stay, they might have to bunk with some little Calhouns in the future.”
Cammie giggled, nudging him gently. “Getting ahead of yourself there, mister. Let’s focus on delivering this one before we start planning for more. Besides, I already promised your sister she could stay in the loft apartment above the shop while she helps me run things after the baby comes. If she or your brother decide to stick around, they can share the space—and avoid sleepless nights with a crying infant.”
Her gaze softened as her thoughts turned to her parents. “I’m so glad Mom and Dad decided to lease one of the houses behind Main Street. Having them close when the baby comes means so much to me.” A grin spread across her face. “Honestly, I neverexpected the Carters to warm up to you so quickly. I couldn’t tell who was more excited when we announced the pregnancy—Mama or Elouise. And when Eloise asked if she could be an honorary god-grandmother? I almost lost it. After everything with Judson, I thought that relationship was gone for good.”
Allen tilted his head, studying her. “It’s because of you, sweetheart. They genuinely love you and see how happy we are together.” His voice turned serious. “But I can’t say I feel bad for Judd. His dad was right to make him work for his second chance.”
Cammie nodded. “It couldn’t have been easy for them, but they did the right thing freezing his trust and postponing his partnership. Judd needs to learn that respect has to be earned. Not because of status or money but through character. I hope he gets there someday—for his sake and theirs.”
“I think he will,” Allen said confidently. “And if he doesn’t, well… that’s on him.”
A peaceful silence settled over them, the only sound the faint rustle of pine trees and the distant call of an owl. Cammie sighed contentedly. “This town… this life we’ve built here… I can’t imagine raising our child anywhere else.”
“Neither can I,” Allen said, his voice rich with warmth. “Hickory Falls is more than just beautiful—it’s the people. Family, friends… and my brothers in arms. Knowing our child will grow up alongside their kids, surrounded by a community that would protect them as fiercely as their own? That kind of loyalty, love, and support is rare. Here, they’ll always belong. They’ll always be safe.”
Cammie glanced at him with a teasing smile. “I just hope this baby doesn’t decide to come early like Becky warned at my last OB appointment. I’d hate for our little one to steal your graduation spotlight.”
Allen shrugged, his expression softening as his hand brushed over her bump. “If they do, I won’t mind. Meeting our baby would mean more to me than walking across any stage.” He pressed a tender kiss to her temple, his voice low and sincere. “This family we’re building is my greatest accomplishment, Cammie. Nothing else even comes close.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she laughed softly, brushing them away. “Hormones. Don’t mind me.”
Allen rested his cheek against hers. His voice a quiet murmur filled with conviction. “I mean it. You and this baby are my whole world. I’d walk away from everything else if it meant keeping you both happy and safe.”
Cammie tilted her head to meet his gaze, her fingers lightly brushing his cheek. “You’ll never have to. We’re in this together. Always.”
The wind stirred around them, carrying the scent of freshly fallen snow. As the swing swayed gently beneath them, she marveled at how far they’d come.
“Two years ago,” she said, her voice soft with wonder, “I never would’ve believed this was possible. It’s everything I didn’t even know I needed.” She turned her eyes to Allen, warmth and gratitude shining within them. “Thank you for waiting—for giving my heart the time it needed to bloom so we could share this life together.”
Allen smiled, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. “Two years ago, I prayed for my soulmate. Then you came into my life—and you’re more than I ever dared to hope for. God knew exactly what He was doing when He brought us together.” His thumb caressed her cheek as his voice softened. “Watching you grow into the woman God intended you to be, so we could share this adventure called marriage, has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”
He paused, his gaze brimming with warmth. “A heart in bloom is a beautiful thing, Cammie. But two? That’s even better.” His voice dropped to a tender murmur. “And ours will keep growing—together. Growing older and bolder. Growing wiser. Growing deeper in love, every day.”
Cammie rested her head on his shoulder, her fingers laced with his as their child did somersaults under their hands. “Do you think it’s possible to be this happy forever?”
Allen’s arms tightened around her, his tone filled with quiet certainty. “With you? Absolutely.”
As they gazed out over the lake and Hickory Falls, a sense of completeness settled over them. Their journey had brought them here—to love, to family, to a life filled with promise. And as they sat together, dreaming of the future, the stars above seemed to shine just a little brighter, as if blessing their forever.
The End
