Page 51 of Only in Our Dream


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“Babe, I don’t have any other option.”

Biting her lip to keep from smiling too big, Melanie found a parking spot near the bar. She and Cameron exited the car and walked side by side into the crowded restaurant. Melanie was glad she knew Cameron was the same way as they asked for a booth away from the bar. Although the bar offered more one-on-one time with the staff and was closer to the pool tables and karaoke stage, it was also the loudest part of the entire restaurant. Everyone wanted to sit there.

Except Cameron and Melanie.

They settled into a booth tucked away by the large window overlooking Main Street. Melanie ordered a water and a cheeseburger while Cameron ordered a Diet Coke and chicken fingers.

“You and Isla and your Diet Coke,” Melanie laughed.

“It’s an addiction.” Across the table, Cameron grinned at her over the cup. As she sat it down, she leaned onto the table slightly. “So, I have a proposition.”

“Oh,” Melanie sat up straighter in her seat, “okay.”

“Nothing crazy. Just something I talked with the kids about earlier and I wanted to run it past you now.”

Melanie’s mind ran crazy with possibility, but thankfully Cameron cut straight to it.

“We would like to officially invite you to spend Christmas with us.”

“Aww,” Melanie put one hand on her chest and the other over her mouth as she processed what Cameron had just said. “Really?”

“Really,” she laughed. “The kids kept asking why you didn’t join us for Thanksgiving so we all decided you should join us for Christmas. If you want. No pressure if you already have plans or…”

“I don’t.”

“Good.” Cameron’s smile melted Melanie. “The kids will be so happy. And so am I.”

“Me, too.”

Slowly, their hands inched closer and closer together on the tabletop. Their fingers intertwined slower as Melanie savored the way it felt to hold Cameron’s hand like this. She could have stayed like that forever if their food hadn’t arrived at the most inopportune time. They chatted about the kids and work while they ate before circling back around to Christmas.

“So, what do I need to bring?”

“Your hot ass,” Cameron smirked, which made Melanie roll her eyes.

“Seriously, Cam. I’m not coming over empty-handed.”

“Honestly, we don’t go big for Christmas. It’s usually pancakes for breakfast before the kids open gifts, then we make homemade pizzas for dinner and watch Christmas movies.”

“That sounds perfect. Much better than singing Christmas carols with Rob’s family around the kitchen table.”

“Woof,” Cameron groaned, “I forgot about that.”

“Those memories are forever engraved in my mind. I just feel bad for my nieces.” Melanie felt her shoulders slump slightly. “I always loved reminiscing with them about that afterward because we all hated it so much.”

“I’m sure they’d still love to see you.”

Melanie shrugged. “Maybe. I haven’t been the best at reaching out to them since everything happened.”

“You’ve had a lot going on.”

“It’s not an excuse to be a shitty aunt to them, though.”

Reaching out, Cameron put her hand on Melanie’s arm.

“Melanie Lucille Wright, you are a lot of things but you arenota shitty aunt. Those girls love you and you love them. They’re lucky to have you. Just like my kids are lucky to have their Aunt Mel.”

“Cam…”