Page 33 of Flawless

Cam chuckled as he opened the car door for me, “Nicely played.” He waited until I was in the front seat before leaning in to kiss me. His gaze dragged across my face before he whispered, “I really love you, Ry.”

I curled my hand around his face, savouring the feel of his silky beard under my fingertips. “I love you more.” I’d never said those words to anyone, but with him, I couldn’t contain them if I tried.

I watched him walk around the front of his Tahoe, waving to people who walked or drove past honking at him. It was obvious the people in these parts loved him, and getting a glimpse into his world made me even more certain that I’d saved my heart for the right man.

His phone buzzed when he slid into the driver’s seat and he groaned when he glanced at the screen. “Ugh, a voice mail from my mama. I forgot there’s a dinner at their house tonight for my old man’s birthday.”

I curled my hand around his forearm. “We should go.”

I knew it was a big step in our relationship, but it felt like this weekend had already been filled with big steps. And given everything Eden had told me about their parents, I was anxious to meet them.

“Seriously?” he asked, looking surprised. “You have to leave tomorrow. You really want to spend tonight with my family?”

“I know how important family is to you.” I shrugged. “If we’re getting serious⁠—”

“We are.”

I loved that he made it sound so final. “Then I should meet your family, right? I mean, what if they don’t like me? That could put an end to this even before⁠—”

He silenced me with a kiss. “They’re going to love you because I love you. And they just want me to be happy.”

At least I knew I already had his sister’s approval. And hopefully Eden had put in a good word for me with their parents.

Cam’s family home was charming. It was a traditional old ranch house with a peaked roof. It had a wraparound porch with pillars, mature trees, grazing animals, and land as far as the eye could see.

I couldn’t imagine growing up in such an idyllic environment, with two parents who loved me and a sibling. It seemed like an embarrassment of riches, but I was happy he’d had a childhood so different from mine.

I wouldn’t wish my upbringing on anyone, especially a man as wonderful as him.

He glanced at my hands. One of my hands was squeezing his and the other was balled into a fist in my lap. “You’re not nervous, are you?”

“Of course, I’m nervous. Meeting your family is huge.”

I’d learned his mama was hosting a birthday dinner for his daddy, or Pops, as Cam called him, and they’d invited a few close friends as well as some aunts, uncles and cousins.

According to Cam, there shouldn’t be more than twenty people. Thankfully, we’d learned that morning that Eden and Austin had flown in, so at least there would be two friendly faces.

“Baby, you have nothing to worry about. Everyone will be crazy about you.” His voice was so soothing as he leaned in to kiss me, that I almost believed him.

But for a kid who’d grown up in the foster care system, people liking you wasn’t a given. And there were times I still felt like that little outcast people tolerated but didn’t embrace.

Cam kissed my cheek before jumping out of the vehicle and reaching into the backseat for the gift, flowers and wine we’d brought.

Before I could open my door, he did the honours, making me smile. Whoever said chivalry was dead had not met Cameron Reynolds.

Even before we could make it inside, Eden ran out, with an amused-looking Austin falling into step behind her. Eden launched herself at me, pulling me into a tight embrace while her brother rolled his eyes before shaking Austin’s hand and pulling him in for a bro-hug.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Eden said, squeezing my hands when she finally let me go. “Mama and Daddy can’t wait to meet you.” She narrowed her eyes at Cam. “Though they’re a little upset this one didn’t tell them about you sooner.”

“How could I?” Cam asked. “We’ve been together, like, a minute.”

I laughed, thinking how much my life had changed in the short time I’d known him. “In his defense, Eden. He’s not wrong.”

I hugged Austin, and he held on just a little longer than usual as he looked into my eyes and smiled. “All good?”

“So good.”

Austin had become like the big brother I’d always wanted in the years he’d been my producer, and I’d feel blessed to one day call him my brother-in-law.