“Honestly,” she said with a sigh, “it’s such a big step. And I do want to make it with you. But we need to talk more about the logistics and talk with the kids before we do anything.”
“Absolutely. I totally agree.”
“Thank God. Because for a while I was starting to think I wasn’t lesbian enough to not be UHauling it with the love of my life already.”
The wordslove of my lifelingered in Melanie’s mind as Cameron kept talking.
“I know we’re in a different situation than most couples. We didn’t just meet a few months ago and want to rush things. We’ve known each other for a hundred years. We’ve been with each other through so much together.”
“And will have so much more to go through together,” Melanie added.
“Exactly. And honestly, I love this.” Cameron motioned between them. “I love dating you and getting to see this side of you. I don’t want to miss out ondatingyou after wanting it for so long.”
“You better be careful, Cam.” Smirking, Melanie picked up her drink and took a sip. “You’re gonna make me swoon right off of this barstool if you keep talking like that.”
“Well, then why don’t we get out of here, hmm?”
After playing the tab, the two headed out to Melanie’s car. They held hands as they drove home, singing along to whatever songs came on the radio. All the while Melanie’s mind kept going back to their conversion.
She meant everything she told Cameron. Melanie wouldn’t do anything to rush Cameron or the kids into a situation before they were ready. Hell, her divorce had only been final for three months. They had time. There was no need to rush the four of them into something just because they felt pressured to move to the next step.
Cameron was right. Datingwasfun. They had the rest of their lives to move in together. Until then, they could savor all their time dating each other. And one day, they could look back on those memories and share them with their grandkids.
Oh, my god, Mel. You have it so bad for her.
And she did. Melanie couldn’t deny that. She loved Cameron with her entire heart. Just like she loved Jonah and Dylan. Things would all happen in the perfect time they were meant to. Melanie was sure of that.
As they arrived at Cameron’s house, Melanie noted that all the lights were out and Jonah’s car wasn’t in the driveway. Cameron must have read her mind because she answered Melanie’s questions before she asked.
“Dylan is at the Mackenzies and Jonah is spending the night with one of his hockey friends. So we have the house to ourselves.”
“Happy birthday to you then,” Melanie giggled as she kissed Cameron. “And this gives me the perfect opportunity to give you the rest of your gift.”
“Mel, no. You’ve always done too much today and this weekend for me. I don’t deserve anything else.”
“Well, I hate to hear you say that.” Reaching behind Cameron’s seat, Melanie pulled out a slender box wrapped in silver paper. She handed it to Cameron, who studied it for a moment. “Because I’d hate to use this alone.”
Arching her eyebrow at Melanie, Cameron began unwrapping the present. She squealed with excitement as she realized what was inside, holding the box to her chest as she laughed.
“You didn’t!”
“I did.”
“Mel!” Cameron pulled the strap-on from the box. “I can’t believe you got it.”
“Well, after our conversation the other night how could Inot?”
They’d been lying in bed the night after the party when Cameron first brought it up. Cameron told Melanie how she’d always wanted to try it but never trusted or loved anyone enough to do it with them. But Melanie knew they both trusted and loved each other enough to try it out.
The two of them couldn’t get out of the car fast enough. Cameron fumbled with the garage door as they hastily made their way inside. It was a good thing the kids weren’t homebecause they had shoes and clothes discarded all the way up to Cameron’s bedroom. Melanie took the strap-on and held it between them.
“Give or receive? It’s your birthday. You pick.”
Cameron thought for a moment before answering, “Both.”
“You gotta pick.”
“No, I don’t. It’smybirthday.”
