Page 53 of I Loved You First

“You can stay for as long as you want.”

“How’s he doing?”

Cam nodded. “Pretty good. He landed wrong just right to get a decent sprain. But it’s not broken so we’ll deal.”

She went back to the car for one more tote, plus the cake. “I’m glad it wasn’t worse.”

Cam chuckled when he spotted both. “Jesus, Fi, do we need to hire movers?”

She smiled as she shrugged, walking his way again. “You know I don’t do well sitting still. Especially, when I’m worried.”

He winked as he stepped back to let her in. “Thanks for doing this. He’ll be thrilled.”

“You’re welcome.” She walked inside, smelling aftershave in the air as she stepped out of her sandals. Heading toward the great room, she stared out at the spectacular lake view and the uptick in boat traffic.

Brady lay on the couch, covered with a light blanket, as his splinted left wrist rested on a pillow while he watched cartoons.

“There’s the patient.”

He turned his head, grinning as she walked in. “Hi, Fiona. I got this thing on my arm. It’s not a cast, though. I can take it off sometimes but not yet.”

“That’s good news. Do you hurt less?”

He nodded. “They gave me medicine like I take at home—the kind that tastes like cherries. And I put ice on my wrist.”

“I’m glad you’re feeling a little better.”

He nodded again as he eyed the dessert in the container. “Did you make a cake?”

She nodded. “A chocolate one with vanilla frosting. And your dad has a basket that’s just for you.”

Brady’s eyes grew wide as he looked at the balloons, books, puzzles, and easy-to-make crafts Cam set next to him on the cushion. “Wow!”

“And I made you guys some dinner,” she said more to Cam as Brady dove into his basket of activities. “Gluten-free fried chicken and the macaroni and cheese Brady likes.” She gestured to her tote. “Plus, some fruit. Oh, and a big ol’ Caesar salad.”

Cam grinned. “You made your mom’s dressing?”

She smiled, knowing how much he loved it. “You had a rough day, too.”

He shrugged. “It’s better now.”

“The croutons are gluten-free, so you can both have some greens. That stuff’s in the cold pack.”

“Hopefully, you’re going to stay and dive in. From the weight of this bag, there’s definitely enough for all of us. For days.”

She laughed as she nodded, happy to be there. “If you guys are hungry, I’ll help you set stuff up.”

He nodded. “I’m starving.”

“Me too,” Brady called as they headed to the kitchen to get ready for some home-cooked food.

The sun was on its descent over the distant mountain range as Cam glanced at his son asleep on the cushions between himself and Fiona. It had been a long, stressful day that eventually got better after the doctor told him Brady’s wrist would be healed sooner rather than later. And Fi surprising them with an awesome meal had meant everything.

Her arms were splayed across the back of the couch as they both relaxed with their legs crossed on the coffee table. It was tempting to capture her hand closest to his and intertwine their fingers, but he didn’t move, thinking better of the idea. “Are you heading out for the fireworks?”

She shook her head as she stared out at the water. “I’m fine right here. If that’s okay.”

He nodded, thrilled that she’d chosen to stick around long after dinner had been served and Brady conked out. “It’s more than okay. I meant it when I said you’re always welcome.”