Page 151 of When Love Takes Root

Every word.

I nodded because anything more would’ve sounded too small. “I hear you.”

Camden looked at me, and whatever he saw must have satisfied something in him.

He said, “I’ve got discernment. Always have. Gets on peoples nerves because they think I’m judging when I’m really listening.”

“I understand that.”

“I can tell when a man likes being seen as good more than becoming good. I can tell when he wants the warmth of a woman’s healing without the responsibility of protecting what’s left.” His eyes stayed on mine. “You don’t feel like that.”

I let the words settle before answering.

He continued. “You feel good for her.”

My chest moved with a slow breath. “I plan to be.”

“Plans change.”

“Mine won’t.”

“Life’ll test that.”

“I expect it to.”

Something close to approval moved through his expression. Camden held out his hand again. I took it. This time, his grip lasted longer.

“Then welcome to the family, Josiah.”

“Thank you.”

Camden didn’t release my hand right away. “Be patient with her.”

“I will.”

“I mean patient in places she won’t ask for patience.” I nodded. “She’s going to overthink. She’s going to get scared when she’s happy. She’s going to pull back sometimes because joy started feeling unsafe after Jamal died. She might test whether you’ll leave before she admits she wants you to stay.”

“I’ll stay.”

“Don’t say it fast.”

I paused.

I looked toward Celeste. She caught me watching and smiled again, soft enough to make my chest tighten.

Then I looked back at Camden. “I’ll stay. And when she gets scared, I won’t punish her for it.”

Camden’s grip tightened once, then released.

“That’s the answer.”

Celeste walked over with narrowed eyes. “Why do y’all look like you just signed documents behind my back?”

Camden smiled and lifted the bakery bag. “Because I brought lemon pound cake, and your electrician seems like he knows when to be serious.”

“My electrician?”

I watched her face carefully.