Love Hurts

Twenty One

Hoss,

I woke up feeling exhausted. Camilla wasn't beside me when I turned to check on her. Panic set in as I thought about everything she's been through. I feared something bad had happened to her. But then I found her in the kitchen, leaning over the sink, trying to steady herself with both hands.
I walked over to her, wrapping my arms around her waist. I cursed that asshole Alan for what he had done to her, causing her to jump in surprise. "It's okay, baby. It's just me," I whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her shoulder.
"Did you have a nightmare?" I asked, concerned.
"Yes," she replied in a defeated tone.
I turned her around to face me. "Hey, look at me," I said. When she met my gaze, I reassured her that everything would be okay and that she had nothing to fear anymore. But deep down, I knew I hadn't experienced what Camilla had endured for the past five years. I hadn't witnessed my ex-husband brutally murder my best friend. I couldn't fully understand if she would ever be able to move past it or if things would truly be okay. But I was determined to do everything in my power to ensure that Camilla lived the rest of her life knowing she was special and deserving of happiness.
"I know you're right, but I still can't get the image of him shooting her and telling me how it all could have been prevented out of my head," she whispered. "I can't shake off the guilt."
I held her tightly, comforting her for a long time. I had forgotten that I had come into the kitchen to get a glass of water.
The next morning, before heading to work, I made love to Camilla. She was still asleep when I finished showering, so I left her a love note.
God, I feel like I'm losing control in my relationship.
Camilla: Thank you for the sweet message. It really brightened my day.
Me: You're very welcome.
Camilla: I hope you have a great day at work, and I'll see you tonight at my place. I love you.
Me: I love you too, sweetheart.
I arrive at the police station and find Berry.
"What's up, asshole? So, did she say yes?" Berry asks as I approach him.
I simply smile at him.
"Well, damn boy, welcome to the married life. It's about time," Berry teases.
"Shut up, man."
Berry laughs and pats me on the back. "Have you set a date yet?"
"No, I just asked her last night, man."
Damn, the night I asked Olivia, she was already planning her wedding with her mom. It's different with Camilla though. She's been married before, so she already had her dream wedding. But that doesn't mean this one isn't special to her.
Now, what the hell am I going to do about the houses? Both of them are paid for, but Camilla's is on twenty acres while mine is only on half an acre. Well, it seems like I've talked myself into moving into her house.
Yeah, I guess I did. I can always rent out mine and make some extra cash.
Alright, let's get to work," I tell Berry.
"After you, partner," he replies.
As Berry and I are walking by Chief Jones' office, he comes out and asks, "So, when's the big day, Officer Moore?"
"How the fuck does everyone already know?" I ask Berry. "I just proposed to her last night."
"Because, you dumbass, you told me and Jerry, and you know Jerry can't keep his mouth shut about anything. I'm surprised Camilla didn't find out before you even asked."
I bury my head in my hands. "Fucking hell."
Berry rolls beside me. "You'll be alright, man."
"Fuck you, man!"
     I was extremely scared when I asked Olivia to marry me, remember? I was so nervous that I threw up three times before you calmed me down. I believe you will be a great husband because you are a great friend to both Olivia and me. That's why you were chosen as the best man.
Come on, man, don't make me cry here at work.
I playfully punch his arm. Don't say shit like that to me.
"Boys, do I need to separate you two or can we get back to work?" Lieutenant Kelley asks from his office door.
"We're getting back to work, sir," Berry and I say in unison.
"Moore," raises his hand. "I need to talk to you for a minute."
"What now?" I groan.
"Yes, sir, I'm coming," I say, hanging my head.
Once inside the Lieutenant's office, he closes the door behind me. "So, I heard congratulations are in order."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm happy for you, Hoss."
Wow, did hell just freeze over? Boss just called me Hoss?
"Thank you, sir."
"So, let's get straight to the point. I just need to know if you're done chasing this woman all over hell and back. Are you here to stay at work and do your job until your honeymoon, right?"
"10-4."
"I need to hear you say it, son. You've been on this force since you were eighteen. I don't want you to lose sight of what you've worked so hard for."
Okay, I can't hold back anymore. "I have worked my ass off for you all these years. I requested no time off and have accumulated so much vacation time that I could retire with it and be financially secure for the rest of my life. So, forgive me, sir, if I don't understand where all of this is coming from. Because I asked for a couple of days off?"
Lieutenant Kelley sighed and said, "To be truthful, this place falls apart when you're not here."
"Wow! Can you repeat that, sir?" I asked him.
"Fuck off, Moore," the Lieutenant says, trying to hide a smirk.
"I,I caption," I reply, earning myself a book thrown at my back. I laugh as I walk out of Lieutenant Kelley's office and run right into my former fiancé.
"What the hell?" I exclaim.
"Hello, Rena," she smiles up at me.
"What the hell do you want, Sam?" I deadpan.
"You were always such a charmer," she says.
Okay, so I'm being a jerk. But what did she expect, hearts and flowers when she showed up again?
"Well, I don't particularly like you either, so once again, Sam, what the hell do you want?"
"I just wanted to come and talk to you. See how you were doing. Since I'm back in town."
Of course, she was back in town. Maybe she came to tell me she's married and has a kid now. It's been three years since she ran off with that guy.
"And you thought it was a good idea to come to my workplace," I retort. Sam takes a deep breath. "Look, I just wanted to see how you were and maybe we could go get a cup of coffee sometime to catch up. I miss you," she says, rubbing her hands down my chest before I can slap her hand away. "I don't think my fiancé would approve of that," I grit out, suggesting she keep her hands to herself. Her eyes widen in shock. "What? I wasn't supposed to move on?" I ask, surprised by her reaction. "What the fuck are you doing here?" Berry says, coming up behind me. "She was just leaving," I say, eyeing her. "Yes, sorry. I can see this was a mistake," she says, turning to walk away. Then she stops and turns back around. "I know you probably won't believe me, but I truly hope you're happy."
I say thanks and walk away without looking back. Berry asks if I'm alright as we walk to the back where we keep our dogs overnight. I wonder if Camilla will let me bring Mr. Spaghetti to her house after we get married. I ask Berry about it. Berry responds with another question, saying that famous Hoss's reflect the question with another question. I assure him that I'm fine and that Camilla is much better than Sam ever was. Berry agrees, saying that she has a better personality and everything. I mention that Nonna loves her too. Berry says that everyone loves her and that they couldn't see me with a better person than Camilla. I thank him for that and suggest that we focus on something lighter, like getting our dogs out and taking them for a run before we leave. Berry agrees and says "Roger that."
I release Mr. Spaghetti from his cage and he immediately darts off like a bullet. However, he quickly returns with his toy, eager to play tug of war. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint him as we have an important drug bust to prepare for today.
Mr. Spaghetti tosses his toy in the air a few times, then puts it away and sits down beside me. I ask him if he's ready to bust some bad guys, and he responds with a bark. With that, we head out.
We all gather in one truck - Berry, Mr. Spaghetti, myself, and another group of officers in a truck nearby. Additionally, there are two undercover officers who will be posing as buyers to catch the dealer attempting to sell drugs to an officer.
We take our positions and keep a close eye on the undercover officer on the ground. Suddenly, a man emerges from the building with a bag in hand. He approaches the undercover officers and opens the bag. Officer Braille shakes his head, indicating that there are indeed drugs in the bag and the transaction is about to take place. We need to be ready to make the arrest.
As we prepare for action, the dogs become energized when I inform them. Officer Braille hands over the money to the suspect, and I open the door for the dogs to attack. Officer Braille commends the dogs, then proceeds to handcuff the suspect.
"You, my friend, are under arrest," Officer Braille declares. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?"
The suspect responds with profanity, calling Officer Braille a derogatory term. Officer Braille retorts, "Oink, oink, motherfucker," and I can't help but burst into laughter, rolling on the ground.
After the amusing encounter, I turn to Mr. Spaghetti and suggest going for an ice cream run. He barks in approval. I then text Camilla and inquire about her thoughts on Mr. Spaghetti.
Me: "When we get married, is Mr. Spaghetti still welcome?"
Camilla: "Um, you will go before he goes!"
Me: "Ouch!"
Camilla: "Why are you asking?"
Hoss: "I was thinking about which house we'd live in when we're married. Then I thought of Mr. Spaghetti and his role in my life."
Camilla: "He is family. Enough said."
And that's why I love this woman.
Me: "That's why you're my girl for life."
Camilla: "Such a romantic."
Me: "Love you!"
Camilla: "Ditto!!"
I'm at my desk, working on some paperwork, when I feel my phone vibrate. It's my mom calling.
Me: "Hello, mom. Is everything okay?"
Mom: "Everything is fantastic! I was just wondering if you and lovely Camilla would like to join your father and me for dinner tonight."
Me: "Of course! What time and where?"
Mom: "At our house, around 7:30pm. Does that work for you?"
Me: "Absolutely. We'll be there. See you then." I hang up the phone.
I turn to Camilla and relay the invitation.
Me: "Mom invited us to dinner with her and dad tonight at their house around 7:30pm."
Camilla: "Okay, sounds good."

                                   Authors Note, I hope you are still reading along to the book at this point, and remember if you are and you like it leave a comment to let me know how your feeling so far about the book, and hit the star to vote for it if your loving it. Much love.

@Crystal Steadman 2023