“I know you’re not, princess. But your old man is still having a hard time.”
“I love you,” I tell him.
“I love you too, Paisley Gray. More than you will ever know. Always speak from your heart, baby girl.” He shuffles, and Mom’s face appears on the screen.
“We love you, sweetheart,” Mom tells me. “You two enjoy the rest of your night. We’ll do dinner at our house when the two of you get back to town.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Night,” my parents say at the same time.
“Night,” Cameron and I reply, and the call ends.
“Feel better?” he asks.
“I do. I guess I never really looked at this from his perspective.”
“Always two sides to every story.”
“We made some big claims tonight, Taylor.” I smile at him.
“We did?”
I push at his chest, laughing. “Oh, you forgot already? Maybe that means I should head to my place tonight.”
“I’m coming with you.”
“You sure about that?”
“Yes. Do you know what else I’m sure about?”
“What’s that?”
“That I love you.”
My smile remains as I press my palms to his cheeks. “I love you too.” I give him a loud, smacking kiss that makes us both laugh.
“You ready for bed? We need to get up early so we can pack and head to the stadium.”
“Yes. It’s been a long day.”
“That it has.” He stands and picks me up, tossing me over his shoulder in a fireman’s hold, and carries me to his room. He drops me on the bed, causing me to laugh harder. With a wink, he disappears into the bathroom while I grab one of his T-shirts to sleep in and quickly change.
Tonight started out as a shit show, but when Cameron stood up for me and then told me he loved me, my night turned around. And Dad calling, I know that was hard for him, and I love him for stepping up and calling me, calling us to apologize.
It’s as if hearing Cameron stand up for me solidified our relationship. It’s almost as if I’m finally able to love him freely without worry. He’s with me for me. I knew this, at least I hoped, but after tonight, I’m sure of it. Cameron Taylor loves me, and I love him. Excitement bubbles up inside me for what the future may hold for us.
Chapter 16
Cameron
Finally, a day off. I want nothing more than to just stay in bed with Paisley all damn day, but I have a surprise for her. Time off during the season is rare, and we have to make the best of it. Besides, if I get my way, my girl and I will be back at my place for an early dinner and lots of cuddle time.
Checking the time on my phone, I realize we’re going to be late. “Paisley!” I call down the hall to where she’s getting ready in my room, the room that I think of as ours. “We gotta go, babe.”
“This would be easier if you would tell me where we’re going.”
“I can’t do that. That would ruin the surprise.”