Healing Hearts (Book 3 Series 2)

Chapter 18 Cameron

I watch as she returns to the table and takes her seat next to me. I can tell that her conversation with Archer has helped to ease her mind momentarily, but I can also sense her  tension starting to build again as my mother's gaze falls on her once more.

"So will we expect developments soon?" I look over at Gavin, confused by his question for a moment. It takes me a second to realize what he's implying, and I can feel my cheeks heat up slightly at the thought.

"Yeah brother, will we see a wedding soon?" Isabelle says. I can feel my heart skip a beat as Isabelle brings up the topic of a wedding. It's a big step that we've talked about before, but it's surreal to hear my family openly asking about it.

 "Relax guys, it'll take time." I nod in agreement with Noah's words, thankful that he's helping to shift the focus away from the topic of a wedding for now. It's true that these things take time, and there's no need to rush into anything. I can't help but notice how flustered Hailey looks, taking a sip to hide her face. I subtly reach over and give her hand a gentle squeeze, knowing how much this pressure is getting to her.

" We know, but it would be so cool to have a sister-in-law close to my age." I can't help but chuckle softly at Katie's comment, finding her excitement somewhat endearing. It's clear that she's genuinely excited about the idea of having Hailey as a sister-in-law.

"I hope you guys do get married." I turn to look towards the doorway, seeing my fathers standing there with a warm smile on his face. His presence is like a breath of fresh air, the direct opposite of my mother's bitter demeanour.

"Dad!" I smile as I watch Isabelle and Bob run into my father's arms, their excitement and affection for him obvious. It's a sweet sight, and I can feel the love in the room growing stronger.

"Hello kidos." I watch as my father embraces Isabelle and Bob, his strong arms wrapping around them in a loving hug.  As I'm hugged by my father, I feel a mixture of comfort and joy. His presence always manages to calm me down, even when tensions are high. I take a moment to embrace him, grateful for his support in this moment, especially with all the awkwardness and tension caused by my mother.

"You guys are back together?" 

"Yeah, we are. Hailey and I are back together."

 "I am positive you will be together till the end."  I can't help but feel touched by my father's confidence and support in our relationship. His words are like a reassurance that he believes in us, and it's a boost of confidence that I didn't realize I needed.

"You have my blessings." My heart swells with gratitude as I hear my father's words. His blessing means the world to me, and I can feel a weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that he approves of our relationship.

"You guys are staying for the week right?" I nod in response to my father's question, confirming that we're planning on staying for the week. 

I watch as my father turns his attention to Isabelle, asking if she's prepared a room for us. I follow Isabelle as she begins to lead the way to the room. I can feel anticipation building inside me as I wonder what the room will look like and how much effort Isabelle has put into preparing it for us.

"Hailey, this is Cameron's old room." As I watch you walk into my old room, I can't help but reminisce about all the moments I've spent in here. From childhood memories to late-night teenage conversations with my friends, this room holds a special place in my heart.

"you guys will be staying here for the week." I nod in agreement as Isabelle speaks up.

"I thought Hailey will be staying her own house?" Theo arrives from his basketball game.

"No, Hailey will be staying here with me."

"oh alright." 

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I lay in bed, my mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. The day has been filled with reunions, family gatherings and unexpected tensions. Now, in the quiet of the night, my thoughts drift towards Hailey, laying next to me. my gaze falling on her as she lays beside me, immersed in a book. The sight of her, focused and quietly absorbed in her reading, is comforting and endearing. I can't help but marvel at how comfortable and natural it feels to have her here with me.  I notice the subtle change in her expression, her widened eyes and the way she bites her lip. A sense of curiosity and concern fills me. I can tell something has grabbed her attention, piqued her interest. I nudge her gently, quietly inquiring.

"hm?" I sense her distraction and persistence, her gaze not moving from the page. The curiosity inside me grows stronger, and I can't help but nudge her again, gently attempting to draw her attention away from the book. 

"You seem pretty invested in that book there. Mind sharing what's so captivating?"

"I just got to the spicy parts." A sly smile plays at the corner of my lips as I hear her response. I can sense the subtle change in her tone, a hint of excitement and anticipation in her voice. I shift a bit closer towards her on the bed.

"Oh really now? How spicy are we talking here?"

"really spicy." My grin widens, and a spark of curiosity ignites inside me. The thought of her being captivated by a "spicy" book has piqued my interest. I lean a bit closer, my voice dropping in volume as if sharing a secret.

"Care to share a little tidbit of this spiciness?"

"what do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. The spicy bits of the book. The parts that have you all worked up."

"what do you want me to share with you?" I lean in even closer, my voice dropping lower, my breath brushing against her ear.

"You know exactly what I'm asking for. I want you to read aloud the parts that have you blushing and biting your lip." As she begins to read aloud, a shiver of anticipation runs down my spine. The words flow from her lips in a velvety, sultry tone that ignites a fire within me. I listen intently, my gaze fixed on her as the scene unfolds, the tension building between us as the words paint vivid images in my mind. As she finishes reading,  I reach out, gently taking the book from her hands and placing it aside, before shifting even closer to her.