Page 115 of Sand in My Boots

I grab Cameron’s wrist to check the time. “We’ve got time to say goodbye.” I shake my head. “Nope, not goodbye. See you soon.”

She wraps me in her arms. “Call us more often than your brother does. Come visit. Don’t lose touch.”

Tears track down my cheeks. I’m going to miss her. And Dad, too. Elisa the most. She came this morning to wish us off, not able to deal with the fact I was truly leaving. She pretended she had somewhere to be tonight and had to come this morning. I saw right through it, but didn’t give her any trouble. She has to grieve in her own way.

“It’ll be okay. I’m closer than I was in Michigan.”

“You were never going to be a resident of Michigan. I can’t say the same about South Carolina.” Apprehension lingers in her voice, just above the guilt. I can’t give in to it though, or I’d never leave. As emotional as it is, moving to Magnolia Cay, becoming a resident of South Carolina, is the right choice.

Rather than get into it, I say, “I love you, Mom. I’m going to miss you so much, but I’ll be in touch so frequently, you won’t realize I’m gone.”

A sarcastic laugh emanates. “That could never be true. But I’m going to pretend you’re still here.”

“That’s the spirit.” It’s a little unconvincing to my ears because there’s a lot of truth in her statement. In some ways, I’m going to pretend I’m only at Whispering Tide for vacation. Except I’m not actually staying there, but with Cameron.

I’m still working out my own kinks.

Next, I fall into my father’s arms. “Bye, Daddy. I’ll miss you, too. Don’t work too hard. And maybe think about retiring soon.”

He clears his throat. “That will free up more time to spend in Magnolia Cay. It’s definitely on my agenda for soon.”

My smile is semi-weak but filled with as much bliss as I can muster. “Sounds good.”

Closing my eyes, I lean into him, my arms wrapping tightly around him for one last see you soon hug. Homesickness rears its head, and we haven’t left yet. I allow the tears. If I held them back, I’d be more emotional for sure. If I don’t feel the emotions, I’ll blow at some point. Probably at Cameron.

What a way to start this new life together.

After a long, somewhat weepy goodbye, Cameron and I are off. Dad wanted to drive us, but Cameron insisted on a driver. He could tell I needed to say goodbye at home, not drag it out at the airport. How he knew it is beyond me, but I’m grateful he did. As hard as it is to leave and say goodbye, it’s easier to do it in the comfort of my home.

Or what was my home.

In the back of the car, Cameron pulls me flush against him. “You okay?”

“No, but I will be. Hold my hand.” I hold it out for him, and he takes it easily and willingly.

“I took tomorrow off. Figured we’d need a day to get settled.”

I peer up at him through teary eyes. “You’ve taken a lot of days off for me lately. Are you sure it’s okay?” I bite my bottom lip. Of course, I want him to spend the day with me, but I don’t want him to put himself in a position of not being comfortable.

“Yep. It’s good. Cleared it with the other bosses and everything. Made sure all was kosher with the events and activities. I know we have the next however long together, but let’s start this relationship just you and me.”

“Thoughtful of you. Didn’t know you had it in you,” I tease.

Except it’s the complete opposite of who he is. Ever since he waltzed back into my life, he’s been nothing but thoughtful. Making sure I’m taken care of. Maybe not in the financial way my father takes care of my mother, but I’ve got that covered. In all other ways, Cameron is exactly the man I want to spend my life with. Living in paradise is the icing on the cake.

“I love you, Juliana Langley. And if you’ll let me, I’ll show up every day and let you know how much.”

“Oh, I’m going to let you for sure.” I snuggle into him, wanting to be as close to him as possible, without climbing onto his lap in the back of the car. “I love you. It feels fantastic to say that aloud.”

“It’s about damn time. It feels great to hear it from your pretty lips.”

“Know what I want first thing?”

He lowers his head next to my ear. “My cock?” he rasps.

“Steak fries.”

His laugh resounds around the back seat. “I’m glad I get to call you mine, Jude.”