Page 23 of Only in Our Dream (Moonflower Cove #15)

Cameron

N ever in her nearly fifty years had Cameron been nervous to go on a date. None of the women she’d dated before had ever meant anything to her. And after the kids, no date was ever worth spending a night away from her kids. Cameron knew she was overthinking it, but how could she not?

Melanie was the most beautiful woman Cameron had ever seen.

She’d thought that since long before there was ever anything between them.

From her striking blue eyes to her sweet smile, it was easy to see why anyone would be captivated by Melanie.

How she’d ended up with Rob was beyond Cameron.

Even before they were best friends Cameron thought that.

She vaguely remembered telling her as much during a drunken girls’ night.

But that was in the past now. Rob was history and Cameron didn’t want to ever think of him again. Especially not when her date with Melanie was due to start in under an hour.

Cameron had offered to plan it. Why, she didn’t know.

She wasn’t a date planner. Thankfully, she had entrusted Isla and Vera, who suggested dinner at the Moonflower Cove Inn.

It was a place they often had date nights and assured Cameron it hosted more tourists than locals, which would decrease the chance of nosy eyes watching them on their first date.

But Cameron knew in a town as small as Moonflower Cove that the odds of them knowing someone at the restaurant were fairly high.

She tried not to overthink that or the fact she’d booked a room at the inn for the night.

Cameron had let Isla and Vera talk her into it.

They had told her they didn’t have to use it but it was better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

And with that logic, how could Cameron disagree?

Her brain had been filled with thoughts of making love to Melanie for days.

Cameron desperately wanted to know what it would be like to touch her and love her in ways Melanie deserved.

And she was equally as excited to have Melanie touch her.

Every time she thought about it, her entire body went hot.

Which wasn’t helpful when Vera already had the blow dryer going full force on Cameron’s hair.

“Too hot?” Vera asked loudly over the whirl of the blow dryer.

“No.”

“Your face says otherwise.” Turning off the machine, Vera put her hand on her hip as she looked at Cameron in the bathroom mirror. “You okay?”

“Just nervous.”

“About your date?”

Cameron nodded.

“Why are you so nervous? It’s just Mel.”

“That’s why I’m so nervous, Vera.” Cameron spun around in the swivel chair to face Vera. “It’s Mel. I’ve loved her longer than my kids have been alive and now I’m going on my first date with her. Like is this even real life?”

“It is.”

“And what if I mess it up? I mean, my track record with dating isn’t great.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because if you recall, we were having a similar conversation twenty-three years ago when you were helping me get ready for my first date with Isla.”

Cameron chuckled, remembering that day well.

Vera had been a nervous wreck before her date with Isla, although anyone could see how madly in love the two of them were.

But Cameron and Melanie weren’t Isla and Vera.

Those two were major couple goals and Cameron didn’t know if anyone could ever reach their status.

“But you two are perfect for each other.”

“And so are you and Melanie.” Vera had on her Mom Face, which meant business.

Cameron knew it well after seeing it for decades.

“You have to stop thinking you don’t deserve this.

You deserve to be happy, Cam, and it’s obvious to everyone that Mel makes you happy.

And if she didn’t feel the same way, there’s no way she’d be across town with Isla driving her crazy over what to wear. ”

“Really?” Cameron laughed.

“Isla has been texting me commentary since she got there. Melanie is nervous too, which is why I know this is going to be great.”

“I just want what you and Isla have.” Her shoulders slumped as she bit her lip.

“I know that’s an unattainable goal, but I look up to you two so much.

You two are just so madly in love and have an amazing family and know how to communicate and, ugh,” she sighed.

“I want that so bad. And I want that with Mel so bad.”

Vera’s eyes glistened with tears as she put a hand to her chest. “You think Isla and I are couple goals?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Aww, Cam, you’re gonna make me cry.”

“Please don’t make this about you.”

“You started it,” Vera chuckled. “But seriously, Cam, honey. It’s all going to be okay.

Twenty-three years ago Isla and I were the farthest thing from couple goals.

But we’ve worked hard to get where we are now.

We meet each other at our lowest points and stand by each other when we’re on the mountaintops.

Nothing about relationships is easy, but as long as you love the person you’re with and they love you back, nothing else really matters. ”

“I guess you’re right.”

“I know I’m right,” Vera corrected with a smirk. “Now let’s get you ready before your woman gets here.”

Thankfully, the butterflies in Cameron’s stomach calmed down enough for her to apply her makeup with a steady hand.

Vera had done an amazing job on her hair, curling it perfectly for the occasion.

Cameron had chosen her favorite perfume for the night, soaking in the sweet scent as she walked into the bedroom.

She found Vera packing an overnight bag.

“Um, what are you doing?”

“Packing you a bag in case dinner goes well. Do you have an extra toothbrush, or do you want me to grab the one you normally use?”

Walking over to the duffle bag, Cameron examined its contents as Vera brushed past her and into the bathroom. There were pajamas and a change of clothes along with underwear and a bra.

“Did you go through my underwear drawer?”

“Yes, and honey,” Vera emerged from the bathroom with Cameron’s toothbrush pointed at her, “you need to go shopping for new ones if you’re going to have Melanie see them.”

Cameron rolled her eyes. “Thank you for making me more nervous than I already am.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure the last thing Mel will care about tonight is how long you’ve had your underwear. She’ll only care about getting them off your body.”

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes again, Cameron changed out of her fluffy robe and into a form-fitting red dress.

It was one of her favorites; one that always made her feel sexy and confident.

Melanie had seen her in it before, but Cameron didn’t care.

The dress was her power outfit for a reason.

With its low neckline and the way it hit her mid-thigh, Cameron knew how good she looked in it.

And, hell, Melanie had even told her as much every time she saw her wear it. So Cameron knew the dress would be a major success.

“What is Melanie wearing?” Cameron asked as Vera zipped the back of her dress.

“I’m not telling you, but you’re gonna love it.”

“You’re mean.”

“And you’re ready.” Vera playfully patted Cameron’s behind as she looked over her shoulder in the mirror. “You look beautiful, Cam.”

Cameron blushed. “Thanks, Vera.”

“Mom?” Dylan’s voice echoed down the hallway through the cracked bedroom door. Her eyes were on her phone as she entered the room. “Is it okay if I go home with Aunt Vera and spend the night with Ellie tonight?”

“As long as it’s okay with Aunt Vera if you stay over.”

“It’s okay with me.”

“Thanks!” Dylan typed out a message on her phone, undoubtedly to Ellie, before ever looking up at Cameron. When she did, she looked star-struck. “Mom, you look amazing.”

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Vera fluffed Cameron’s hair slightly.

“So beautiful.” Dylan crossed the room and gave Cameron a tight hug. “I hope you have the best night ever, Mom.”

“Thanks, baby.”

Cameron hoped Dylan didn’t see the overnight bag sitting on her bed as she exited the room. Vera grabbed it for Cameron as she followed her down the stairs. She’d already prepared a small clutch bag for the night and it was waiting for her on the kitchen table.

Along with Jonah.

He had a goofy grin on his face as he appeared to stay serious, although it was clearly hard for him. He had one hand behind his back, which only caused Cameron to worry about what her goofball son was concealing.

“What are you up to?”

“I just wanted to give you the safe sex talk before your night with Mel.”

“Oh, geez.” Cameron picked up her handbag and playfully hit Jonah’s shoulder with it. “That’s the last thing I need from my teenage son, but thank you for your concern.”

“Then maybe these will be better.” Moving his arm from behind his back, he revealed a beautiful bouquet of red roses. Cameron felt her eyes well up with tears as she crossed the kitchen to hug him.

“Jonah.”

“I wanted you to have something special for tonight and I know how much you love roses.”

Cameron framed his cheeks, fully aware of how she had to stand on her tiptoes even in heels to kiss his forehead. “Thank you, honey. This was so sweet.”

“I got some for Aunt Mel too, but you can give them to her if you want.”

“I’m sure she’d love them coming from you.”

“I just didn’t want to steal your thunder.”

“I don’t think your mom is going to have any issue with that,” Vera smirked.

The doorbell rang, causing the three of them to look at the front door. As Cameron was about to walk toward it, she was passed by Jonah nearly running to the door with the roses. She watched as Jonah opened the door. Although she couldn’t see Melanie, she could hear their interaction.

“Mom wanted me to give you these.”

“Aww, Jonah, thank you. That’s so sweet.”

Cameron’s heart fluttered at the sound of Melanie’s voice.

God, why am I so nervous? This isn’t some random person I’m going out with. It’s Melanie. My best friend Melanie. Melanie who has already seen me naked at least twice before, even if that was during childbirth. Why am I so nervous about this date?

All the worries in her head ceased as Melanie entered the house.

The black dress Melanie had on was one Cameron had never seen before.

It had long sleeves that stopped just short of her wrists, a neckline that teased Cameron just enough, and came to just above her knees.

She’d paired the dress with black boots, the ones she’d purchased with Cameron a few years ago on a girls’ trip to New York with the Mackenzies.

The simple silver necklace around her neck matched the bracelet on her wrist, and Cameron tried to get her mouth to say anything to compliment her.

Instead, all she could muster was, “Hi.”

“You look beautiful, Cam.”

“You do, too.”

They came together slowly, as if moving too fast would shatter the moment.

Cameron was aware that both Vera and Jonah were undoubtedly watching them, so she skipped the kiss and went into a hug.

She nuzzled her neck against Melanie’s which was made easier by the fact Melanie had her hair pulled back.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening.”

“Finally,” Melanie pulled back enough to see Cameron’s eyes. She could tell by the gleam in her eyes exactly what was about to happen.

Their lips came together softly and only for a moment, but it gave Cameron the perfect preview of what was to come.

“Aw, come on,” Vera teased, “you can do better than that.”

“Yeah, for real,” Jonah joined in as Cameron felt herself blushing.

“Okay, enough you two.” Cameron locked eyes with Jonah. “Jonah, take the flowers and put them in vases, please. Don’t burn down the house while I’m gone.”

“I never have before.”

“There’s a first time for everything.” She turned her attention to Vera. “Thanks again for helping me get ready and for taking Dylan for the night.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Do I need to go with her too, so you two can have the house to yourselves tonight?” Jonah’s question caused Cameron to quickly snap her head in his direction.

“Jonah!”

He held up his hands, looking honestly sorry. “Sorry, Mom.”

Taking a deep breath, Cameron tried to remain calm. She knew Jonah was teasing, but the added pressure of what could happen that night suddenly barreled into her like a dump truck. Cameron tried not to let her emotions show as she said goodbye to the kids and Vera.

Melanie helped Cameron into her jacket before they headed outside. She stopped for a moment before opening Cameron’s car door. Her eyes showed Cameron she was concerned for her.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Cameron sighed, “I’m sorry. I just started to overthink tonight and…”

“Do you still want to go?”

“What? Mel, yes.” She grabbed Melanie’s cold hands. “I’m so excited about our date. Nothing could change that.”

“It’s what comes after the date though,” Melanie lowered her gaze, “isn’t it?”

It wasn’t a question which broke Cameron’s heart. How had her overthinking brain managed to ruin the date before it had even started?

“Mel, look at me.” She waited until Melanie’s eyes met hers again.

“I’ve loved you for a long time as my best friend and I’m so excited to be able to love you as my girlfriend now.

I don’t have any of this figured out and I know I get lost in my head sometimes, but nothing, and I mean nothing, will change how excited I am to be going out with you tonight.

I’m not expecting anything after dinner. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” Melanie nodded. “I love you too. I’m so happy to be going on this date with you.

And I got into my own head about tonight too on the way over here.

Isla had me pack an overnight bag, but I left it at home because I didn’t want you to think I was expecting more from you than we were ready to do together. ”

“Vera had me pack a bag, too.”

“Those bitches,” Melanie laughed. “Do you think that’s their key to a happy marriage? Have an overnight bag packed on date one?”

Cameron chuckled, pulling Melanie in for another hug. “Who knows? Those two got married like five minutes after meeting. All I know is I can’t wait to have dinner with the prettiest girl in town.”

“Mhmm,” Melanie hummed happily, “that’s going to be hard since I’m having dinner with the prettiest girl in town.”