“I love using your body wash.”
As they lay beside each other, Cameron couldn’t believe how lucky she was to get to love Melanie Wright. And to be lovedbyMelanie was just as magical. The fact that every night for the rest of their lives would be like the one they were currently experiencing was enough to almost make Cameron burst into happy tears.
Beside her, Melanie sighed happily. “I can’t believe this is going to be every night for us for the rest of our lives.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Great minds,” Melanie giggled as she propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at Cameron. “And you know what else we can do every night, don’t you?”
The way Melanie’s eyebrow sexily arched told Cameron sleep was going to be happily delayed.
Chapter 32
Melanie
How a year had passed since her first Christmas with Cameron, Jonah, and Dylan was beyond Melanie. It seemed like time had gone by so fast and yet slow at the same time. She’d been sure to savor every moment with her new family over the last year.
Since moving in over the summer, Melanie had never been happier. She loved spending so much time with Cameron, Jonah, and Dylan every day. Melanie loved being able to take the kids to school with Cameron as they rode to work together. Family dinner had become the highlight of her day. Listening to everyone talk about their days always made Melanie happy and thankful for her family. Melanie treasured all the memories they’d made together and was excited for all the new memories yet to be made.
Especially the one that was going to be made later in the day.
Melanie had purchased the silver engagement ring a few weeks ago. They had been in a jewelry store for Cameron’s watch to be repaired when she saw the ring. She knew instantly Cameron was in love but tried not to make it obvious that she was making a mental note of exactly which ring it was. She’dkept it in her locker at work to ensure Cameron wouldn’t find it. It had been harder than Melanie had ever thought to keep it a secret.
Which was precisely why everyone in her life but Cameron knew about the pending proposal.
Jonah and Dylan were the first ones to know. She’d sat them down after buying the ring to ask them if it was okay with them if she married their mom. They had, of course, said yes. Dylan was so happy she cried and she even noticed some tears ready to fall from Jonah’s eyes.
After the kids knew, Melanie had spilled the beans to Vera.
Then Isla.
Then Palmer.
Then pretty much anyone she talked to. It was a miracle Cameron was still clueless that a ring was waiting for her under the tree.
But Cameron wasn’t the only one getting a special gift in her stocking. Melanie had also added two small gifts for the kids under the tree as well. She’d done so stealthily in the middle of the night, using the guise that she needed to get some water as she snuck out of bed. Her heart had been beating fast in her chest as she carefully placed the three most important gifts of her life under the tree. Now all she had to do was wait for them to open it.
With breakfast behind them now, thankfully she wouldn’t have to wait much longer. The four of them gathered around the living room as Hank and Lucy inspected the presents. Hank seemed intrigued with a particularly shiny bow on one gift while Lucy expertly sniffed out her gift bag full of treats. As the kids started opening their presents, Melanie brought fresh cups of coffee into the living room for her and Cameron. She handed one to Cameron as she sat beside her on the couch.
“Thanks, baby.”
“You’re welcome, love.”
They’d all worn matching pajamas for the day, which Melanie loved. She’d always dreamed of a Christmas just like the one she was lucky enough to be a part of. A classic Christmas album played on the vinyl record player while the Christmas tree lights sparkled. Outside, a layer of fresh snow had brought a winter wonderland feel to the day.
Melanie tried to focus on the moment instead of overthinking proposing to Cameron in a matter of minutes. She’d done practice rehearsals with an empty chair too many times to count so she was comfortable in what she wanted to say. Now she just had to not forget the words. Or drop the ring.
At least I can’t lose it in the house. Unless Lucy or Hank eat it.
Shaking the thought from her head, Melanie focused back on Jonah and Dylan opening their gifts. She and Cameron took photos on their phones as the kids excitedly unwrapped all their presents. Instead of gifts for each other, she and Cameron had decided to go to an all-inclusive resort in the spring for their present. Melanie was already counting down the days until that vacation arrived.
After all the presents were opened, Dylan pointed to the three small presents tucked under the tree.
“What about those?”
“Those are special gifts.” Melanie winked at her. “Why don’t you give Mom the one with her name on it and then you two can open yours, okay?”
Dylan did as she was asked and Melanie watched as Cameron took the small gift from her. With tears in her eyes, Cameron looked at her.
