“Okay, enough you two.” Cameron locked eyes with Jonah. “Jonah, take the flowers and put them in vases, please. Don’t burn down the house while I’m gone.”
“I never have before.”
“There’s a first time for everything.” She turned her attention to Vera. “Thanks again for helping me get ready and for taking Dylan for the night.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Do I need to go with her too, so you two can have the house to yourselves tonight?” Jonah’s question caused Cameron to quickly snap her head in his direction.
“Jonah!”
He held up his hands, looking honestly sorry. “Sorry, Mom.”
Taking a deep breath, Cameron tried to remain calm. She knew Jonah was teasing, but the added pressure of what could happen that night suddenly barreled into her like a dump truck. Cameron tried not to let her emotions show as she said goodbye to the kids and Vera.
Melanie helped Cameron into her jacket before they headed outside. She stopped for a moment before opening Cameron’s car door. Her eyes showed Cameron she was concerned for her.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Yeah,” Cameron sighed, “I’m sorry. I just started to overthink tonight and…”
“Do you still want to go?”
“What? Mel, yes.” She grabbed Melanie’s cold hands. “I’m so excited about our date. Nothing could change that.”
“It’s what comes after the date though,” Melanie lowered her gaze, “isn’t it?”
It wasn’t a question which broke Cameron’s heart. How had her overthinking brain managed to ruin the date before it had even started?
“Mel, look at me.” She waited until Melanie’s eyes met hers again. “I’ve loved you for a long time as my best friend and I’m so excited to be able to love you as my girlfriend now. I don’t have any of this figured out and I know I get lost in my head sometimes, but nothing, and I meannothing,will change how excited I am to be going out with you tonight. I’m not expecting anything after dinner. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” Melanie nodded. “I love you too. I’m so happy to be going on this date with you. And I got into my own head about tonight too on the way over here. Isla had me pack an overnight bag, but I left it at home because I didn’t want you to think I was expecting more from you than we were ready to do together.”
“Vera had me pack a bag, too.”
“Those bitches,” Melanie laughed. “Do you think that’s their key to a happy marriage? Have an overnight bag packed on date one?”
Cameron chuckled, pulling Melanie in for another hug. “Who knows? Those two got married like five minutes after meeting. All I know is I can’t wait to have dinner with the prettiest girl in town.”
“Mhmm,” Melanie hummed happily, “that’s going to be hard sinceI’mhaving dinner with the prettiest girl in town.”
Chapter 22
Melanie
Although she’d lived in the Cove for most of her life, Melanie had only been to the Moonflower Cove Inn a handful of times. Most were for events like weddings or hospital galas. She’d only stayed at the inn once after winning a weekend stay at the hospital’s holiday party a few years ago. Rob had complained the whole time, which made them leave before their stay ended.
But tonight wasn’t about old memories. It was about making new ones with Cameron.
Despite the chilly temperatures and snow outside, the inn was perfectly cozy. Fires blazed in the gigantic fireplaces as Christmas decor still adorned the lobby. A large tree stood tall in the middle of the lobby with more lights and ornaments on it than Melanie could count. She stood in awe in front of it as she took in its beauty.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Just like you.”
“Are you comparing me to a tree?” Melanie laughed, making Cameron’s cheeks redden.
“No,” she waved her off with a smile. “Just commenting on how beautiful the night is.”
