Page 55

“I know,” she said. “But after Izzy’s last disaster of a wedding, it has to be perfect for them.”

“And it will be. Seriously, stop worrying. That’s your trouble, Cami. Always taking care of everyone but yourself.”

Cami clucked her tongue at her sister, but really, she couldn’t argue with that diagnosis. It was a fatal flaw. Youngest-child syndrome. Her wanting to make everyone happy.

Or it was just missing lunch and dinner. And a certain baby she was about to lose.

Cooper, who’d been standing worriedly nearby wrapped an arm around Shay’s shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. “You feeling better, Cams?”

She nodded. “I’m fine now. Thanks. Really. Stop worrying, everyone.”

The two of them moved back to the kitchen, giving her a little space.

“Ididforget to eat today,” she admitted to Gus.

“And you’re probably exhausted. Most likely dehydrated. Blood pressure drops and down you go.”

“Ugh. Did I say anything embarrassing?”

“Nah.Well…” He glanced over to find Shay and Cooper talking quietly together. “You did mention something about kissing me again, but…” Her eyes widened at his contained grin. “Kidding. You didn’t say that.”

She rubbed her forehead on a laugh. “Maybe I was just thinking it.”

Their eyes met for a long beat, and she thought about just doing it. Never mind Shay and Cooper. Never mind she’d just made a complete fool of herself with him.

But he broke the moment. “You okay now?” His hand was on her arm, not checking her pulse, but instead holding her.

“I’m fine. Really. Please try to delete this moment from your memory.”

“I wouldn’t even if I could. You’ll be fine by morning. Drink some water. Eat something solid. Then get some rest. Doctor’s orders.”

She thought better of blurting out a lame getting-treated-by-a-veterinarian joke.

He started to take away his hand, but she grabbed his arm. “Thank you, Gus. Thanks for… catching me. And… for not letting me crash and burn.”

He squeezed her arm, kissed her on the forehead and stood, leaving her alone on the couch feeling vulnerable and small. “We’ll talk tomorrow. I’m going to go get Ella and get home if you’re sure you’re okay.”

Sitting up again, she proved she was. “Just a little glitch in the matrix. Go. Good night, Gus. See you Saturday, at Will and Izzy’s wedding? You promised me a dance, remember? And I’m gonna hold you to it.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the toes.”

She drew an imaginary zipper across her mouth, tossed the imaginary key, and watched him walk out the door.

Before she could make sense of all the feelings the last few minutes had wrought, Sarah hurried down the stairs and rushed over to Cami. “Cami! Ray said you fainted. Honey, are you all right? What happened?”

“I’m okay. I… just”—Fainted—“fell,” she said simply.And unfortunately, for the absolute wrong guy.

“You’re not… you couldn’t be”—she leaned in and whispered the word—“pregnant, could you?”

“God, no. No. Now, that would be a Christmas miracle.”

Sarah tilted a commiserating look at her. “Maybe all the late nights with Lolly?”

“Right. My temporary child.” She rubbed her head. “I was just beginning to think it might be possible to…” She didn’t finish the sentence, because she might just cry.

“I know. Someday you’ll have your very own, my dear.”

“Yeah. Maybe. If I don’t hit menopause first or keep falling for the wrong guys.”