Chapter 17: Camille - Love On Time

Beep, beep, beep. I’m getting really sick of these alarms waking me up before I'm ready. I slowly blink my eyes open, the memories of last night coming to the forefront of my mind. I smile, still wrapped in Drew’s arms. I reach over to grab my phone from the nightstand, turning off my 7:00 AM alarm. We are all supposed to meet in the bridesmaids' suite at eight to start getting ready. Ivy hired hair and makeup artists that have us on a strict timeline.

“Mhmm… I don't want you to go.” Drew mumbles, still half asleep. He grabs me by the waist, pulling me back into his warm arms. The sudden movement makes me giggle against his muscles.

“Trust me, I would much rather stay in this bed all day with you,” I say.

He smiles, tangling his hands through my hair, pulling me right to his lips as if no time has passed between us. As if this is what we do every morning. So simple, so effortless. I hike my leg around his waist, the movement pushing him flat on the mattress. I climb on top of him without breaking the kiss. A satisfied hum escapes his lips as his body hardens beneath me. His hands carefully trail up the back of my thighs, sending a warm pulse to my core. My shorts have ridden up, giving him direct access to grab me from behind. I rock my hips into him, the friction sending us both over the edge with pure need. His hands cup my ass, rocking me even deeper against him.

“Drew.” I whimper.

“Mm… I love the way my name sounds coming off your lips.”

I drive my mouth harder into his, hungry with desire as his hands start to move up, exploring up the bare skin under my tank top. A dose of reality dulls the raging desire coursing through my veins. I have to leave. Our first time being intimate shouldn't be rushed; I've waited eight damn years to finally have him and I want to savor every moment.

“I have to leave.” I cry with regret, slowing my rocking hips to a stop. Finding the willpower to pull away from him is agonizing.

He sighs, rubbing his hands down his face. “I know, I know.”

“I can't upset Ivy on her wedding day.”

“I know, it's okay,” he says with dark wanting in his eyes, leaning in to give me one last smoldering kiss.

“Rain check?”

He smiles, “Am I dreaming?”

I laugh through flushed cheeks, climbing off of him and quickly adjusting my shorts and tank top.

“No, really, can you pinch me just in case?” He adds.

“I’ll pinch you later, if you want?” I joke as I quickly pack up the things I need for the day. I walk over to the closet and pull out the garment bag containing my bridesmaids dress.

“I can't believe today is our last full day here and I don't even get to see you till the ceremony.” He sighs.

I pause what I'm doing, my heart sinking to my stomach. He’s right, that thought hadn't even crossed my mind. Today is our last full day here, and we haven't had a conversation about what's going to happen when we leave tomorrow. Sensing my mood shift, Drew sits up from where he is lying and pulls my waist to him.

“What's wrong?” He asks, searching my eyes. “Talk to me.”

“We leave tomorrow… what happens next?” My eyes start to water as the words escape my lips.

“We will talk about it, okay?” He says, pulling me into a hug. “We will figure it out, I promise.”

My body sinks into his as he holds me steady against him.

* * *

I stand in the bathroom, slowly stepping into my floor-length olive green satin dress. The soft fabric glides over my skin, and the moment I get it in place, I know it is easily the most elegant thing I have ever worn. It hugs my curves seamlessly, with a classic V-neckline held up by two impossibly thin spaghetti straps that reveal a completely open back. Inching closer to the mirror, I add the final touches, slipping on a few pieces of delicate gold jewelry. After drawing in a deep breath, I take one last look at my reflection in the mirror. I remind the girl staring back at me that she is beautiful, confident, and capable. I smile, impressed with how amazing I look. I swing the bathroom door open and join the other bridesmaids as we wait for Ivy to finish getting dressed.

The door to the walk-in closet quietly opens, and Ivy steps out, her mother a steadying presence at her side. We all collectively gasp as we take in the sight of her. She is absolutely radiant, the epitome of a bride. She is draped in a fitted strapless white satin dress with a deep slit running up her leg and a matching white scarf that loops around her neck and falls loosely against her back. Her blonde hair has been swept up into a low, detailed bun, perfectly displaying her new pearl earrings. She looks like she belongs in a bridal magazine. Ivy steps over to the floor-length mirror and checks out the final look. She starts fanning her eyes with her hands as the sheer weight of the moment hits her.

“You are stunning, Ivy,” I tell her as I blot the corners of my eyes, trying to hold back tears and not mess up my makeup.

“You’re perfect.” Candace chimes in.

Ivy’s sister steps forward to wrap her in a mindful hug, not wanting to wrinkle the dress.

There's a light knock on the door. The wedding planner peeks her head into the suite, with a practiced smile on her face. “It’s time, are you ready?”

Ivy takes one last deep breath, locking eyes with her reflection before turning toward the door. “Yeah. We’re ready.”

“Let's get you married!” Candace sings, and the entire room breaks into excited claps and cheers as we grab our bouquets and head out the door.

We are all gathered in the front lobby of the estate, lined up in order as we wait for the heavy wooden doors to open up to the courtyard. The violinist has already started playing the melody we rehearsed with yesterday. Cooper and the groomsmen have made their walk down the aisle, and are in position.

I find myself bouncing anxiously on the balls of my feet, my palms suddenly sweating against the white ribbon of my bouquet as I grip the stems tightly. The reality of this moment is crashing down on me. Walking down that long aisle entirely alone, with over a hundred and fifty pairs of eyes watching, makes my stomach turn sour. I want to hide and take a quiet moment alone, but that's not possible. You just need to make it down the aisle, Cami. I take a deep, shaky breath, trying to center myself as the wedding planner steps up to the doorknob.

The first bridesmaid is instructed to go, then the second, and the third, until I am up next. I take one last, deep inhale, squaring my shoulders and forcing a bright, elegant smile onto my face.

“And go.” The wedding planner whispers.

I step onto the lush green grass, navigating the path strewn with fresh white petals left by the flower girl. A gentle breeze sweeps across the courtyard, cool against my bare shoulders, providing fresh air to calm my buzzing nerves. The sun is starting to dip toward the horizon, reflecting pink and gold across the lake.

Keeping my head high, I avoid looking at the crowd in my periphery. Instead, my eyes lock straight ahead, finding Cooper first as he offers me a reassuring smile. But then, my gaze drifts to the man standing right next to him.

Drew.

He looks incredibly handsome in his tailored black tuxedo, his beard freshly groomed. The moment our gazes meet, a small tug pulls at the corner of his lips. His eyes glisten with raw emotion beneath the golden-hour light. The way he is looking at me, pure and unwavering, makes the rest of the world fall away. He has never needed words for me to understand what he’s thinking. It’s always been that way between us. The nerves start to settle, and the noise around me disappears. My eyes stay glued to his, quietly helping me get through my walk down the aisle.

My legs carry me the rest of the way, as I step into my place in line, taking a deep breath. I smooth down my satin dress as Candace makes her way down the aisle. I risk another look across the altar. Drew is already watching me. He holds my attention as he slowly mouths the words ‘You’re beautiful’

A rush of heat rises up my neck as I look down at my bouquet, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Everyone rises to their feet as the doors swing open and Ivy makes her entrance. The sky is bathed in golden light, making her look even more ethereal than she already is. I glance over to Cooper. He has a hand covering his mouth as tears slip through his fingers, while Drew rests a steady hand on his shoulder. An ache hits me deep in the gut. I’ve spent years building a wall against love, believing it didn't exist or that I’d never be lucky enough to find it. But after everything that's transpired this week, those walls around my heart are starting to crumble, and I’m realizing it does exist, but only with one person.

Cooper and Ivy finish the ceremony, exchanging heartfelt vows to one another, sealing the deal with a deep, passionate kiss as husband and wife. The crowd erupts in cheers as they exit the altar, hand in hand.

Click, Click, Click. The camera flashes for what feels like the hundredth time as the photographer poses everyone for photos.

“Alright, now I need the Benson family and bride and groom, please.” The photographer calls out.

My mom and dad, Ivy and Cooper, and I line up in the courtyard, with the lake shimmering in the background. We are an odd number of five, I’m singled out, but what's new? The photographer starts snapping a few shots.

“Hey Drew!” Cooper shouts, waving him over. “Join us for the next one.”

My whole body tightens, and my shoulders straighten as my family all wear the same grins.

“Cooper–”

“Just in case you want it later.” My brother whispers softly.

“Are you sure?” Drew asks.

“You know you're family, honey.” My mom gives him a warm smile and pulls him into our group.

Cooper makes room for him to stand next to me. I give him a nervous smile as his hazel eyes find mine. He gently places his hand on my lower back, my bare skin burning beneath his touch. Click. The moment is over faster than it began, but I’m already missing his hands on me.

The cocktail hour is coming to a close while all the guests head to find their seats under the canopy for the reception. Taking advantage of the moment, I grab my glass of champagne and head to my favorite spot on the edge of the property. It's the same spot I’ve been sneaking off to all week when I needed a minute to clear my head. The sun has fully dipped below the horizon, painting the sky a deep purple before night completely takes over. I’m going to miss it here. This place and this week have brought out a different side of me, one I desperately don't want to let go of. For the first time in my adult life, I feel like I’m finding who I am while healing who I was. I feel like I'm finally ready to let go of the hurt from my past and move forward to this new version of myself. The one who doesn’t care what others think of me, who belts out songs during karaoke, and dances without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. I feel confident in who I am for the first time in my twenty-four years of life.

I’m lost in thought when a hand sweeps across my back, my body instantly recognizing the touch.

“Drew,” I say, without even having to turn around and find him.

“You look…” He pauses, his voice turning into a ragged whisper. “Impossibly beautiful tonight.”

“You look pretty good yourself,” I say, as he leans over the wooden railing, capturing my attention.

“What are you thinking about over here all alone?”

“That I don't want to go home.” I sigh, my voice starting to shake. “What’s going to happen tomorrow?” A long silence stretches between us as I brace myself for impact. Because why would I get a fairytale ending at the end of all of this? It’s been eight years after all. Maybe this was too good to be true. An old fling reignited, only to fizzle out at the end of a magical week.

“I uhh…” Drew hesitates before speaking his next words. “I have a paid job in Costa Rica for the next six weeks after this.” My eyes fall closed, as I feel a part of me shatter. The familiar pain burning in my chest, the pain I've pushed down for years, comes rushing back. I can feel my walls rebuilding themselves.

“Cami,” He whispers, sensing the shift in my body language. “Please look at me.”

But I can't; I can't face another heartbreak by him. How am I supposed to believe this time will be any different, that he won't disappear on me again after realizing he actually can't do this with me, after all?

“Cami, I’m going to come home this time. I’m coming back for you.” A knot has formed in the back of my throat as I try to prevent my tears from spilling over. “I know I can't ask you to trust me after what I’ve put you through. But if you have it in you, I’m asking you to please try because I’m ready to come home. But I don’t want to come home unless it's you I’m coming home to.” He lifts my chin with his fingers, his eyes pleading with mine. A small tear falls down my cheek, and he gently wipes it away.

“Okay.” I let out a shaky breath, because what else am I supposed to say? “I’ll try.”