I Ate the Apple

Chapter 12

CAM'S POV

I didn't think it would be hard to go to Channing with my problems. It started with my truck needing a new battery and me needing a ride, then my air conditioner broke, and then my shower.

He knew how to fix all of it.

It took me three hours to final decided to ask him for help.

I just go right to him with my issue now.

It's Christmas morning and we've all already opened all our gifts.

We got a guy at the park to take a giant family photo of us.

People are here with their families because there's always a Christmas parade in town on Christmas day.

"Ready?" he asks.

We're all set together. Channing and I are in the middle, which makes no sense.

"One," he says. "Two,"

Channing moves suddenly, and gets down on one knee in front of me.

My jaw drops.

"Three!"

The guy snaps the photo.

Riley and Kathryn squeal, realizing what's happening.

Oh my fuck.

I was not expecting this.

My jaw is slack.

Everyone is gasping and moving to see and taking photos.

"Camilla Elizabeth," Channing begins.

Fuck. He knows I spent two hours on my makeup this morning.

I start crying, my hands covering my mouth with my hands.

"Every day spent with you is the best day of my life, but it feels like it's not enough. I want you to become my wife, and then we can spend the rest of our days together forever. Camilla Elizabeth, will you marry me?"

Everyone is gasping and crying and screaming.

I nod, sobbing.

He stands up and pries my left hand from my face. He puts the ring on and pulls me into a hug.

I hug him, hysterical.

Everyone is taking photos and cheering.

He pulls away, smiling, wiping my tears.

"Are you okay?" he laughs.

I nod, still crying.

He's laughing.

CHANNING'S POV

She eventually stops crying, and then everyone starts making us take engagement photos.

She's happy.

She's wanted this for a long time. I'm glad she's happy.

I'm happy.

We're all happy.

CAM'S POV

It's movie night. It's the last Friday in December and we're at Kathryn's house.

All our family is here still for New Year.

Everyone's family is here.

Kathryn shuts off the TV, and I hear a piano.

"What is that?" I ask.

We all listen.

I never felt nothing in the world like this before