Chapter 3: Camille - Love On Time

It’s a stunning evening, the sky is fading into orange and yellow, reflecting across the water. There are high-top tables draped in crisp white linens, scattered throughout the lawn, each one featuring a candle and a single white rose in a crystal vase as the centerpiece. It’s timeless and beautiful. Strands of fairy lights hang from the trees, casting a golden glow over the big courtyard. There are over 150 guests in attendance this weekend. A massive crowd ranges from extended family to lifelong friends, plus the tight-knit high school and college circles who have remained close with Ivy and Cooper over the years.

A waiter strolls past, balancing a silver tray with crystal flutes of champagne. I lift a glass from the tray, condensation dripping, and take a long sip, letting the crisp, bubbly zing hit the back of my throat. Setting the glass down on a nearby table, I catch sight of a thick piece of ivory cardstock—the official itinerary for the week.

Day 1: Meet & Mingle (Welcome Cocktails)

Day 2: Rest & Recharge (Free Day / Guest Arrivals)

Day 3: Wine & Wind Down (Vineyard & Bonfire)

Day 4: Boat & Bach (Lake Cruise & Bachelor/Bachelorette Night Out)

Day 5: Practice & Pasta (Rehearsal & Dinner)

Day 6: "I Do" (Wedding Day!)

Day 7: Hugs & Honeymoon (Departures)

Looking at the schedule, it seems tomorrow is our only free day. I plan to spend it lying by the shore with a good book, soaking up the sun and catching a tan. With everything lined up for the rest of the week, I’m going to need every second of that downtime to charge my social battery fully.

“Camille?” A voice in front of me asks. I look up from the cardstock in my hand and see two guys standing before me, smiling—Christian and Alex, football players from high school.

Christian and Alex were always friendly, but they never went out of their way to notice or talk to me when we were younger.

“Hey!” I say, putting down the itinerary on the table next to me. “It's so good to see you guys, thanks for coming.” They both pull me into a tight hug, bringing with them a clean scent of aftershave.

“How long has it been?” Alex asks, stepping back with a wide grin. “Six years?”

“Yeah, six years sounds about right.” I flash them a smile.

Christian eyes me up and down, rubbing a slow hand down his jaw. “You look incredible, Camille! Are you here with anyone?”

“I’m not actually,” I say, sweeping a strand of hair off my neck, exposing my collarbone.

“Well then, maybe I'll be lucky enough to get a dance at the reception,” Christian says with a wink, brushing his fingers through his thick blonde hair.

“Maybe,” I tease, lifting the champagne flute back to my lips. Needing to hide the flush forming on my cheeks.

“Alright, smooth talker, let's go find Ivy and Cooper,” Alex says, giving Christian’s shoulders a firm pat. He turns back to me with a warm smile. “Camille, it was so great seeing you. Can we catch up properly soon?”

“Definitely, I'll be around.”

The second they blend into the crowd, I swallow the rest of my champagne in one go. My heart is beating a little too fast. Trying to ground myself, I look out over the sea of guests, only to freeze. Across the lawn, Drew is staring right at me. He’s standing with my dad and brother, but his body language is completely detached from them. His focus is entirely pinned on me. My chest tightens as a realization hits. Has he been watching me this whole time?

Ivy steps up and raises her glass, capturing the attention of the entire lawn. Cooper smiles down at her, his arm looped securely around her waist.

“I just want to thank every single one of you for taking time out of your lives to fly here from all over the country to join us.” Ivy's voice carries beautifully over the crowd. “On the tables, you’ll find a flyer with an itinerary for the next few days. Please join us for whatever you'd like, but don't feel guilty if you just want to do your own thing, this week is all about enjoying yourselves. Cheers to an amazing week with family, friends, and everlasting love.”

“Cheers!” I echo along with the rest of the guests, lifting my glass as the cocktail hour continues.

For the past hour, I've been participating in polite nods and small talk with distant relatives. The same question is being brought up in every conversation. When will it be your turn, Camille? I have to force out a small laugh and come up with a silly excuse. They mean well, I suppose. I guess weddings make your relationship status a hot topic during casual conversation.

“There you are!” Mom says, slipping into the chair next to me. I had purposely chosen a table far away from the crowd to catch my breath. “Why are you hiding out all the way over here? And side note—you look absolutely beautiful, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “I just needed a timeout from all the talking. Everyone keeps asking when it will be my turn, and I'm just tired of coming up with excuses.” I sigh, taking a sip from my third drink.

“Oh, ignore them. That is such an old person thing to say,” she chuckles, squeezing my hand. “You, my dear, have plenty of time.”

I give her hand a gentle squeeze back. “I know I do, Mom.”

Together, we look over the crowd. Dad is rubbing the back of his neck while great-aunt Mary aggressively points to something on her foot.

“I better go save your father from whatever is happening over there. Hopefully before she manages to take her shoe off and scare all the guests away.” We both laugh, watching Dad cast a desperate glance around the yard, a silent plea for help.

“Yeah, you better go rescue him. Thanks for checking on me, though. I promise I’m okay.”

The sun has fully set over the horizon, painting the sky black. I quietly slip away to the very edge of the property, leaning over the wooden rail that leads down to the private lake shore. Out here, the wind is stronger, carrying a sharp August chill. The music from the party fades into a distant buzz, leaving only the amber glow of lights as the cocktail hour winds down.

“Did you have a nice evening?” A gentle voice asks, stepping up behind me.

I’m hit with the scent of smoky vanilla and champagne. I don't have to turn around to know exactly who it is.

“I did, how was yours?” I say, my eyes finally finding his in the dark.

He lets out a heavy sigh, “Oh, you know. Just had to explain to everyone who asked why I’m still single.”

“Ah, I see, so I wasn't the only victim of that interrogation tonight." I smile.

He offers a soft chuckle, taking a slow sip of his drink. “So how do you plan to spend your free day tomorrow?”

I point right toward the dark lake shore. “That is my plan,” I say, excitement cutting through the fatigue from the long travel day. “Me, a beach towel, and my book. All day. Until my family comes to bother me with something that is.” I laugh. “What about you?”

“That sounds perfect,” His gaze softening, “I think I'm going to get my camera out and snap a few pictures of this place. It's so beautiful. And then…maybe write for a little bit,” admitting to that last part quietly, looking out to the water.

“You could join me when you start writing.” I blurt out, a sudden flush rising to my cheeks. The champagne gives me a wave of courage that I don't normally have. “Only if you want to, of course.”

“Yeah, I would like that, actually. Thank you.”

Right on cue, a yawn escapes me, exhaustion finally catching up all at once.

“I think I’m going to turn in,” I say reluctantly.

“Yeah, me too. Goodnight, Cami.”

I smile up at him. “Goodnight, Drew.”

I turn to walk away, but before I can take a step, his fingers gently brush against my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. My breath trembles as heat flares up my arm from the point of contact, leaving me craving more. I turn back to meet his gaze.

“It’s really good to see you.” He whispers, eyes hazy with emotion.

I swallow, my heart hammering in my chest. Not able to find the right words to say in this moment.

“I just wanted to let you know.” A pink flush creeps up his neck, perfectly mirroring my own.