Page 103 of A Simple Regret

Once we’re all settled into the truck, he backs out of the driveway and heads for the church. Theo talks a mile a minute about his little suit and how excited he is to match Camden and his brothers.

“All right, Theo, remember what we talked about,” I state, removing my seat belt and turning to look at him. “When we get in the church, you have to be on your best behavior. And when the wedding starts, you sit beside me and be very quiet.”

“I know, Mommy,” he proclaims, pulling at his seat belt. He’s most definitely ready.

“Hang on, little dude. I’ll get you out,” Camden announces, climbing from the driver’s seat and pulling open the back door. Once he has Theo in his arms, he walks around to me and takes my hand. “Ready, Shortcake?”

“I am,” I confirm.

He squeezes my hand and leads me into the church. We step inside and are greeted by several familiar faces.

“Maren, you look beautiful,” Linda says, coming right over to me and giving me a hug.

“Thank you, Linda. You look absolutely stunning yourself,” I tell her.

“Doesn’t she?” Tyson states, walking toward us with a big smile on his face. One that reminds me of his youngest son.

“Papa! Wook, penders.”

We all stop and look at Theo, but Tyson doesn’t break his stride. “You look so handsome in your suspenders, and look, I have some too!”

My son’s eyes grow wide as he takes in Tyson’s suspenders. “Matchies!”

“That’s right,” he replies, reaching out his hands. “Come on, buddy. You can come check out the back room with Papa. I think there’s still snacks in there.”

“Nacks!”

“That little boy just made his entire day,” Linda says, smiling as she watches them walk away.

“Well, I think the feeling is mutual.”

“We’ll have to get a picture of those two in their suspenders,” Linda announces. To Camden, she adds, “I think they’re about done with the bride and groom pictures. Wedding party is next.”

“Okay,” Camden replies, leaning over and pressing a kiss to my temple. “See you in a bit.”

I watch him walk away, my eyes zeroing in on the way his navy suit looks on his sexy body.

“Thank you.”

Linda’s words pull my attention back to her. “For what?”

“For bringing my boy back to life,” she replies softly.

Guilt riddles my entire being. On a day that’s supposed to be jovial and full of love, I’m instantly pulled back to that hot, summer day when I walked away from us. “I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying,” she quickly asserts. “I’m not asking for an apology or wanting you to feel guilty. We all make decisions in life. Some are better than others. What makes us better people is how we learn and overcome those not-so-great decisions. You’re here. You made a choice for Theo and you, and that led you back to us. No more looking back, Maren. Your future is in front of you, not behind you.”

I crack a smile. “You sound like your son.”

She chuckles. “Honestly, I was a lot more lenient on that boy. By the time he came along, I was tired. The other three about killed me,” she deadpans.

I bark out a laugh. “Well, you wouldn’t know. He’s such an amazing man.”

She grins proudly. “He was my easiest child, honestly. He was ornery and loved following the other two around, but he’s always had the biggest heart who loves deeply. Not that the other three don’t possess the same traits, but Camden has always worn his heart on his sleeve. He loves hard and completely, which is why he never let go of you.”

“Selfishly, I’m glad he didn’t,” I reply.

“Me too, honey. It wasn’t your time before, but now it is.”