Alaskan-Reunion (13 page)

“Wow,” Boone said, scratching his jaw. “Put the two of you together and you could achieve world peace.” Grace blew her husband a kiss.

“We’re going to need a name for this enterprise. We can’t keep calling it ‘Hazel’s boots,’ unless that’s really the name for it,” Declan said.

Hazel vehemently shook her head. “Nope. I don’t need ’em named after me. Let’s think of something else. Something that makes ’em stand up and take notice.”

Suddenly everyone started calling out suggestions. Operation Love. Nothing but Love. Made in Love. Alaska’s Own. Love’s Boots.

“Hush, everyone. Plenty of time to figure that out later on,” Jasper said in a cranky tone. “If we’re not voting next week on the cannery project, I need to make a motion to that effect. I hereby move that we scrap the proposed vote for the cannery project.”

“I second it,” Dwight said.

“Motion carries,” Jasper said with a bang of his gavel.

“I hereby move that at next month’s meeting we vote on making the cannery building the new site for production and operations of Hazel’s boots,” Boone said.

“Second!” Hazel shouted gleefully.

“Motion carries,” Jasper said with another pounding of his gavel.

Paige felt a warm, settled feeling in her chest. All was well within her heart and mind. She hadn’t done the easy thing, but in the end, it had been the right thing. For so long she had been focused on the goal of having a cannery open up its doors in Love. It had seemed to be the perfect way to erase the pain of the past few years. She had wanted desperately to restore what her father tore down. But now, by truly putting the past behind them, the town could soar with this new idea.

By the time Jasper adjourned the meeting forty-five minutes later, Paige was desperate to smooth things over with Cameron. The expression he’d had on his face during her speech worried her. If nothing else, she didn’t want to lose the friendship they had been fostering over the past few weeks. It was crucial for Emma’s well-being.

Although she tried to get to Cameron, she found herself staring after him as she became the center of a throng of well-wishers.

Look at me. Just give me one little look
, she silently urged him.

Instead of glancing in her direction, he seemed to be caught up in his own thoughts. A dejected look was etched on his face.

“Cameron!” she called out, catching up to him just as he was about to exit the room. His expression was shuttered.

“Good evening,” he said with a nod. “You’re full of surprises tonight.”

“I’m sorry that I didn’t give you a heads-up. It all came together so quickly.” She rushed the words out, anxious about his reaction.

“No problem, Paige.” His mouth quirked. “Everything worked out beautifully.”

“I think Hazel’s boots will serve this town well.”

“Congratulations. From the sounds of it, you got everything you wanted. Just one question. Does this mean you’re going to be heading back to Seattle?”

The question was thrown at her the way a pitcher might throw a curveball. She hadn’t expected to have to answer a question like this tonight. Especially not from Cameron.

“I’ve built a life for Emma and myself in Seattle. It only makes sense that we go back home,” she said.

For a moment Cameron looked as if someone had punched him in the gut. Pain flickered in his eyes and she knew without a single doubt that he was thinking about Emma.

“Cameron, we can work out a schedule. You’ll always be in Emma’s life. You’re her father,” she said in a low voice. “It will all work out.”

She was winging it now, saying the mature things that a mother should say in a situation like this. The reality was that she didn’t want to leave Love, but it was hard to justify staying here in town without a purpose. And to stay here with the shadow of her relationship with Cameron always hanging over her head wasn’t something she could do. Not when she’d fallen in love with him all over again.

Raw emotions flitted across his face. His expression hardened. “I never wanted to be a long-distance father, Paige. Take it from my own experience—sometimes it doesn’t all work out.”

Without saying another word, he turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Paige feeling crestfallen.

She hadn’t wanted to hurt him or to revive memories of his own parental abandonment. She’d come all the way to Love so that he could meet Emma and forge a bond with her. Over the past few weeks the father-daughter duo had done just that. Cameron clearly adored their baby girl. And he now occupied a tender place in Emma’s world that no one else could ever assume. She had grown to love him and even learned to call him Dada. But what if Cameron allowed anger and bitterness to get in the way of his relationship with Emma? He’d once decided that he no longer needed Paige in his world. He’d cast her out of his life without sparing her a second thought. What if it happened again? Only this time around she wouldn’t be the only one he wounded.

Even though she had tried to guard herself against falling in love with Cameron, Paige hadn’t been able to stop herself. Being in his warm, steady presence had made it easy for her to forget how badly he’d hurt her in the past. And recently she had begun to imagine how sweet life could be if they could only repair the pain of their past and dedicate themselves to one another and Emma as a family.

Tears misted in her eyes as the realization hit her that it wasn’t meant to be. Once again Cameron was showing her how easy it was for him to walk away from her without hashing out their issues.

Nursing her broken heart the first time around had been agonizing. This time might just break her into little pieces.

* * *

Yes, indeed. It was safe to say he was moping. He had been sitting there like a fool when Paige had dropped the bombshell that she was no longer pushing for the cannery project. He let out a harsh laugh. So much for her calling him her ally. So much for her considering how it would feel for him to be blindsided. And his fears had been realized this evening when she’d admitted that she was heading back to Seattle with his little girl.

Humph! She had always been good at pulling the rug out from under him!

She hadn’t even given him the courtesy of a heads-up. Yet she’d brainstormed with Grace, whom she barely knew. That simple fact had added insult to injury. Despite the progress he’d thought they had made since Paige’s return, she’d still seen fit to keep him in the dark. Some things never changed.

He felt sick to his stomach. A cannery project would have kept Paige and Emma in Love. He had heard her say it with his own ears. But according to Paige, she wouldn’t be sticking around in town now that everything had been wrapped up with a nice little bow. Paige’s speech had almost sounded like a goodbye. After all, as long as Love was able to grow and prosper with the money she’d returned, her mission would be fulfilled.

Redemption accomplished.

The thought of Paige leaving town again gutted him. It had been agonizing the first time around, but now it would be unbearable. She would be taking a pint-size version of him along with her. His beautiful daughter, who was surely the best part of him.

Why hadn’t he pulled her aside and laid it all on the line as Hazel and Boone had suggested? Why hadn’t he told her how he really felt? Why was he always running away when emotions ran high?

He was head over heels in love with Paige. That knowledge had always been there, safely nestled in his heart and tucked away where it couldn’t cause him any more heartache. But despite what he had done to protect himself, he was in pain now, broken by the harsh reality of his situation. If he kept silent and said nothing, he was certain to lose her. But if he pushed past all the doubts and fears and confessed his love to Paige, there was always the possibility of suffering a huge rejection. He wasn’t sure he could handle that.

By the time he reached his house, Cameron was emotionally fatigued and exhausted. When he opened his front door and walked in, he heard a rustling sound. Looking down, he noticed a long white envelope sitting on the hardwood floor. He crouched down and picked it up, his body stiffening at the swirly, unique handwriting. The letter was from Robert. Paige must have delivered it to his house earlier today. Adrenaline raced through his body as he contemplated whether or not he even wanted to read Robert’s parting words.

He sighed. How many times was he going to run away from the things that challenged him? The things that reached into his chest cavity and tugged at him? He opened the envelope with his finger and pulled out the letter. He felt a lump in his throat as he began to read the letter.

Dear Cameron,

By the time you read this letter, I will no longer be on earth, but in Heaven with the Lord.

I deeply regret how my actions tainted you and destroyed your relationship with Paige.

Mere words could never capture how deeply I wish I had been a better man.

God has forgiven me for my weakness, even though I haven’t managed to forgive myself. You were the son I never had, Cam. And hopefully you will someday be Paige’s husband. The two of you belong together. Please don’t let my sins affect your future. Your beautiful Emma deserves a family. The type of family you can build with my beloved daughter. Remember...tomorrow is promised to no man. Live with love while you can.

With love and regret,

Robert

Cameron let out a ragged sigh as he finished the letter, folded it in half and put it back in its envelope. He brushed a tear away. The missive couldn’t have come at a better time. Knowing that Robert had truly been remorseful provided the closure he so desperately needed. And hearing his old friend confirm his own thoughts about creating a family with Paige and Emma showed him that he was on the right path.

Like Robert had said, tomorrows were never promised. He was going to reach out and grab his happiness, not only for himself, but for Paige and Emma, as well.

If he kept quiet, he stood to lose everything he held so dear. What kind of man would he be if he walked that same path yet again? As a father, how could he ever look Emma in the eye and tell her that he’d done his best to keep their family together? Becoming a man of God meant stepping out on a limb and believing. Hoping. Praying.

With faith, hope and love, everything was possible. Instead of dwelling on how complicated his world had become, he needed to simplify everything. He needed to go to Paige and lay himself and his feelings bare before her. Like never before, he began to pray. He prayed that somewhere in her heart Paige still loved him. He prayed that he would find the words to convey the depth and breadth of his feelings. He prayed that it wasn’t too late to make things right and keep his family together.

Chapter Eleven

B
y the time Paige made it back to the homestead, she was just in time to put Emma down for the night. Even though she was a bit fussy, Paige managed to rock her to sleep. Although she felt at peace with regards to the resolution of the cannery project, thoughts of Cameron continued to run through her mind. Perhaps she should have chased after him in an attempt to smooth things over? Fear had held her back. Despite how far they had come, she still worried about making herself vulnerable.

If she was being honest with herself, all signs lately had pointed to a possible reconciliation for the two of them. He had been so tender toward her. And that wonderful kiss they had shared loomed large in her thoughts. It had been so full of hope and promise for a new beginning. But it hadn’t come to pass. Perhaps their painful history was too powerful to overcome.

The sound of tires crunching in her driveway drew her attention to the window. The outside light illuminated a truck that resembled the one Cameron drove. With her pulse racing, she watched as he stepped down from the pickup and began walking toward her front door. Not wanting the doorbell to awaken Emma, Paige pulled it open to greet him.

Looking a bit weary, Cameron stood on her stoop dressed in the same casual outfit he had worn earlier at the meeting. His rugged, strong presence was overwhelming.

“Cameron. I’m surprised to see you here. Is everything all right?”

“Everything’s fine. There’s no emergency,” he said. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” she said, opening the door wide and ushering him inside.

Cameron turned toward her. There was a strained edge to his features. He seemed jittery.

“I left the meeting rather abruptly. And I was short with you. Rude, even. I’m really sorry about that.”

Paige nodded, feeling relieved that he’d addressed the elephant in the room. “I understand. Things were so hectic afterward and I know you must have wondered why I didn’t talk to you about the information Dwight gave me.”

“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me,” Cameron admitted. “I would like to think you could tell me anything. But, more important, I’ve been wrangling for weeks now with something that I need to get off my chest.”

Paige frowned. “What is it?”

“I’m ashamed about my blindness. All this time I’ve been holding on to the past when I should have been moving toward the future. I was wrong about you, Paige. I know you had nothing to do with your father’s embezzling from the town funds.”

She felt a heavy weight being lifted from her chest as Cameron spoke the words she’d been waiting to hear for two years. “H-how? Why now?” she asked.

“I’ve been putting the pieces together for a while. When you told me about the trust fund, it was the first time there was an actual explanation for the money you’d been tossing around.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know why I didn’t mention it all that time ago,” she murmured. “I suppose that I didn’t want you to view me as some pampered princess.”

He let out a groan. “You shouldn’t have had to, Paige. I was wrong in every way possible. My pride and anger and my history with my parents led me to think the very worst of you.”

Paige’s eyes pricked with tears. This moment had been years in the making. She had prayed about Cameron realizing he was wrong on numerous occasions.

The sound of Emma’s cries rang out from upstairs. Paige turned in that direction, ready to run to check in on her. Normally she would hear Fiona’s footsteps echoing from overhead as she walked the hardwood floors. This evening her nanny had taken ill and was resting comfortably in bed. Paige cocked her head to the side, listening for Emma’s cries.

“Is she okay?” Cameron asked.

“She might have had a bad dream,” Paige said. When the screams continued, Paige said, “I need to go check in with her.”

She quickly made her way up the staircase. Cameron was right behind her as she entered the nursery. She strode to the crib, where Emma was sitting up and howling. Her face was red and tear-streaked from crying. She was breathing heavily.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Paige asked in a soft voice.

“Mama!” Emma cried.

“Oh, you’re warm,” Paige said, feeling slightly alarmed. Fiona also had a fever and they suspected she had come down with a virus.

Cameron reached out and touched Emma’s forehead. “She’s just a little warm. Why don’t we give her some pain reliever and something cold to drink?”

Paige nodded and quickly began to mobilize. Cameron had been right. After taking her temperature, Paige realized that she had only a slight fever. A cold cloth, pain reliever and apple juice helped to soothe her. For the next few hours Cameron and Paige sat up with Emma and calmed her as best they could.

Paige watched as Cameron rocked Emma to sleep in his arms. A groundswell of emotion welled up inside her at the sight of the two of them so interconnected. She craved more quiet moments like this. It felt amazing to not have to parent all by herself. Cameron’s strong, steady companionship was a blessing. With him in the picture, everything seemed sweeter and richer. It truly felt as if they were a family.

As she looked over at Cameron, then swung her gaze back to Emma, a single truth settled over her. For so many years she had been seeking a family. After her mother died, things had changed so drastically at home. And even though her father had grown to be a loving, engaged father, she had never again experienced that family dynamic. Until now. Until this very moment. Cameron and Emma were her home. Without the two of them, nothing really made sense in her world.

Once Emma was fast asleep, Cameron gently placed her down into the crib. For a few moments he stood next to the crib with Paige as they gazed down at her, listening to the light sounds of her breathing. There was nothing more precious in this whole world than their daughter. Paige resisted the urge to reach out and caress Emma’s cheek. She didn’t want to run the risk of waking her from her precious slumber. She looked so snug and secure wrapped up in the sheet and blanket. The only thing missing, Emma realized, was Lola Bear. As if he had read her mind, Cameron took the stuffed animal from the top of Emma’s dresser and gently placed it down beside their child.

After a few minutes they made their way back downstairs, and Cameron turned to her and took her hands in his. He looked deep into her eyes, his expression intense. “I was wrong about you. You’re strong. Honest. And in case I failed to mention it, you’re a wonderful mother to our daughter. Emma is mighty fortunate to have a mom like you. You remind me of Alaskan fireweed. Despite the harsh climate, they persevere, bringing beauty wherever they’re planted. Two years ago this town did you a disservice. I did you a disservice. We were wrong. Period. End of story. I just want to say that I’m sorry about my role in it.” He heaved a tremendous sigh. “Sometimes we lash out in our pain and shock and fear. That’s what we did to you, Paige. And I want you to know I wish you had never been forced out of town. I don’t want to dredge it all up again, but I couldn’t let another day go by without apologizing.”

Her vision blurred as moisture gathered in her eyes. She had never dared to dream about being absolved of all guilt by Cameron. Or getting a sincere apology from him. Not after everything her father’s greed had cost his beloved town. It meant everything to her to hear his supportive words.

She sniffed back tears. This night had been full of emotion. “You’re going to make me cry. I’m going to be a sniveling mess.”

He reached out and ran his palm over her cheek. “There’s nothing wrong with tears. Don’t ever be afraid to show your humanity. Without it, we’re nothing. The letter from your father drove that point home to me. Thank you for making sure I received it.”

She wiped away the wetness from her cheek. “I’m so happy it was meaningful to you. He loved you, Cam. Despite everything he did, I think he wanted the best for both of us.”

Cameron nodded, his expression reflective. “Paige, I need to ask you a favor. Could you meet me over at the Moose Café tomorrow afternoon? Around two o’clock?”

A favor? “Sure. Unless Emma is still not feeling well. I expect her to be fine, though. She barely had a temperature.”

The glint in Cameron’s eyes hinted at things she wasn’t sure it was wise to believe in. “Great. You should get some rest, Paige. It’s getting late. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The moment Cameron left the homestead, Paige immediately felt the loss of him being at her side. For so long she had weathered parenthood alone. It felt so nice to share it with someone—the hardships, the joy, the small triumphs. Watching Cameron have such a calming effect on Emma as he crooned her a lullaby had been powerful. If she hadn’t already been in love with him, it would have made her tumble right over the edge.

But she was already madly, deeply, forever in love with Emma’s daddy. And although it was a scary feeling, she also felt triumphant and centered. It was pretty amazing to still experience those feelings after separation, turmoil and despair. And if nothing ever came of her feelings for Cameron, she still felt fortunate to have experienced them.

Hope still flourished in her heart for a happy ending. The future was stretched out before them with so much potential for joy and poignant moments. Paige hoped Cameron realized that it was never too late for new beginnings.

* * *

As the sun crept over the horizon, a fully restored Emma woke up ready to take the world by storm. Paige chuckled to herself as she listened to her over the baby monitor. She was giggling and talking to herself. The thermometer verified that she no longer had even the slightest of temperatures. Cameron had called to check in on Emma, endearing him even more to Paige. There had been so much love and concern in his voice it gave her goose bumps.

At quarter to two she settled Emma into her car seat and headed into town. She felt her heart constrict as she passed by the pier and the fishing boats, as well as all the quaint shops on Jarvis Street. How she would miss this fishing village she loved so dearly. Seattle had been a great place to live, yet it had never felt like home.

As soon as she entered the Moose Café, enticing aromas drifted in her direction. Her stomach grumbled at the temptation. She and Emma were heartily greeted by several townsfolk. Although a few people still snubbed her, she considered it incredible progress.

As she walked past a table, she noticed Declan sitting down with five women surrounding him. The expression on his face was one of supreme boredom. She let out a chuckle as he spotted her and waved her over to the table.

“Hey, Paige. Hi, Emma. Why don’t you come join us,” he called out. His face looked anything but relaxed. The woman seated to his right was clutching his arm.

“Morning, Declan. Ladies,” she said in a cheery voice.

Declan disentangled himself, then jumped up quickly and moved toward her. With his back to the table, Declan began making wild eye motions. He mouthed the words
Help me
.

Paige shook her head. “You’re on your own,” she said in a low voice.

He shook his head violently. “I know being sought after by five women might sound like every man’s dream, but trust me, it’s quickly becoming a nightmare. They won’t give me a moment’s peace.”

“Just think of how happy Jasper will be if you end up hitting it off with one of them,” she teased. “He might just throw you and your bride a fabulous Alaskan wedding.” With a wave of her hand and a grin, she walked away and toward Hazel, leaving him with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

“Hi, Hazel,” Paige said as she approached her at the coffee counter. “Is Cameron around? He told me to meet him here.”

“Hey, girls. Cameron was in the back making some sort of specialty drink last time I checked.” She let out a hearty laugh. “He loves coming up with new concoctions.”

Emma immediately squirmed in her arms to get to Hazel. If Paige hadn’t thought it was so cute, she might have been insulted by Emma wanting to ditch her for Hazel’s arms. Bless her charming daughter. She firmly believed that if not for Emma, she might not have made as many inroads with the townsfolk upon her return to Love. It seemed that no one could resist a chubby-cheeked, green-hazel-eyed baby girl.

“How is my little cutie?” Hazel asked as she came out from behind the counter. She swung Emma up, then placed her against her chest. “Cameron told me about Emma not feeling well last night. I would have been there in a flash if you guys had needed me.”

“Thanks for saying so. She’s doing really well this morning. In a strange way it’s almost as if it never happened, at least in Emma’s world.” Paige felt relieved that it was nothing more than a passing thing. She was already back to her usual self with no signs of not being well.

Hazel beamed as she looked at the little girl. “She’s blessed. We all are. Having this Little Miss Sunshine in our lives makes everything brighter.”

“Hey, would you mind watching her for a little bit? I’m going to go look for Cameron out back.”

“Take your time. Lots of single men in town are at the café this morning.” She winked at Paige. “I’m hoping Sophie finds her a fella. She deserves to find her happily-ever-after, just like you do, Paige.”

“Well, we can’t all be as fortunate as you and Jasper,” she demurred. She had the feeling that Hazel was throwing out a hint about her relationship with Cameron, but she wasn’t biting. “I promise to be quick. Give a shout if she’s too much of a handful.”

Paige walked toward the back. Along the way she took a moment to admire all that Cameron had built for himself with the café. It was such a cozy, warm place. It exuded charm. All the customers seemed happy and well taken care of by the staff. Cameron had been right. Some dreams couldn’t be denied. She walked into the kitchen and immediately saw him fiddling around with a blender. He must have heard her coming, because he swung his gaze up to her and gifted her with a gorgeous smile. He placed the blender down and walked toward her, quickly swallowing up the space between them.

“Hey, Paige. Thanks for coming over.”

“Of course. It sounded important. Emma is in front with Hazel.” She ran her fingers through her hair. The way he was staring at her was making her nervous. She couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong.