Page 126 of Love Unscripted
Aaron said nothing, turning the words over quietly.
After a moment, Robert leaned back slightly. “Remember thatGQshoot we did months ago?”
Aaron gave a faint nod.
“You know there were people at my church who questioned whether we should’ve participated in something like that as Christians.” A small, rueful smile crossed Robert’s face. “They had a point. It wasn’t the wisest decision.”
Aaron remembered telling Camille the same thing, that everyone had unguarded moments—moments where pride, fear, ambition, or insecurity could leave them vulnerable to the enemy.
Robert folded his hands loosely on the table. “Let me tell you something else, Aaron. Years ago, your mother kept something from me. You were probably too young to remember it clearly, but I was deeply hurt by the secrecy.”
Aaron’s eyes lifted.
“I reacted badly,” Robert admitted. “I was offended. Angry. I convinced myself it was a betrayal. I actually left the house and stayed with a friend for a few days because I needed space to sort through my emotions. But during that time God reminded me that I had no right to condemn her—because I wasn’t perfect either. I needed grace just as much as she did. So I went home. We talked. We patched things up. And we grew stronger because of it. She realized she could tell me anything and I would still be there because I loved her. I realized the same about her.”
Aaron listened quietly.
“Over time,” Robert continued, “Camille will realize the same thing about you—that she can trust you with her secrets. But you have to give grace. If you withhold grace, how can she ever trust you with her heart?”
Aaron exhaled slowly. “So… I guess you’ve revised your opinion about us.”
Robert arched a brow. “What do you mean?”
“The last time we spoke, you said I shouldn’t rush into things. That I should get to know her away from shooting the movie.”
“I thought that was exactly what you were doing,” Robert replied with a small smile. “You’re out here promoting a film and showing people—and each other—who you really are. And I have to say, Aaron, what I’ve seen of Camille during this tour is quite admirable. I don’t think you should let her go so easily. But, as I’ve always encouraged you to do… pray, and let God guide you.”
Aaron nodded. “Thanks for the advice, Dad.” He paused, then added with a grin, “So… are you going to tell me what Mom kept from you?”
Robert burst into booming laughter. “Not on your life!”
~*~*~*~
Back in his hotel room after dinner with his dad, Aaron slid off his jacket and sank onto the edge of the bed. The city lights of Houston shimmered beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, traffic gliding like ribbons of gold below. He pulled out his phone and dialed home.
His mother answered on the second ring. “Hey. How are things going?”
“The reception has been really good,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s tiring though. Grueling. Is Madison asleep?”
“No, she’s been up waiting to hear from you. Hold on.”
He heard her calling down the hall. A moment later—
“Hello, Daddy?” Madison’s bright little voice chirped.
His chest warmed instantly. “Hey, sweetheart.”
“What did you do today?”
“Talked to some people about my movie.”
“More people?”
He smiled. “Yeah. I want them to come see it.”
“Okay. Grandma took me to the zoo today.”
As Madison launched into an excited recounting of giraffes and monkeys and an ice cream that melted too fast, Aaron leaned back into the armchair by the window, closing his eyes so he could just listen to her. The sweetness of her voice filled the room and settled something restless inside him.
