Page 42 of Only in Our Dream (Moonflower Cove #15)

Epilogue

Melanie

T he memories brought a smile to Melanie’s face as she looked at Cameron.

Her wife radiated so much love that Melanie wanted to bask in it forever.

They had been beyond lucky to end up together and they both knew it.

And Melanie would be forever grateful for the fates allowing them to live happily ever after together.

They had been so blessed with the life they had.

Jonah had graduated from college in the spring and had been working for the city as a civil engineer.

He had a townhouse downtown and Melanie still couldn’t believe their boy was so grown up.

Melanie knew he had big plans to propose to his college girlfriend, Lila, soon, and she eagerly awaited that call.

Even if the thought of Jonah getting married made her head spin.

Dylan had transferred to the Cove’s college campus after her first year at another college and was thriving.

She worked part time at the bar still but was hoping to get a job at Mason’s Mission during the summer.

Her dating life had blossomed as she met a beautiful young woman named Kaylee.

They were so cute together but Melanie never forced her opinions on them.

As long as her kids were happy, she was happy.

Luca had started kindergarten that fall, and Melanie still teared up at the memory of him walking into his classroom with his Bluey backpack nearly as big as he was.

He loved trucks and bugs and all things Bluey.

To say he was the light of all their lives would have been a massive understatement.

There was no doubt in Melanie’s mind that Luca was the missing piece to their family.

As for Melanie and Cameron, they’d fallen more in love than anything. Melanie thanked the universe every day that she was able to love Cameron and to be her wife. Their love had deepened so much over the years that Melanie knew they could handle anything life threw at them together.

Across the table, Emily and Sophia looked riveted as Melanie and Cameron finished telling their love story. They had been invested the whole time, listening intently as they shared about their lives.

“So, wait,” Emily picked up another fry and popped it into her mouth, “you have a five-year-old?”

“We do,” Melanie chuckled. “We officially adopted him when he was five months old.”

“How did I not know this? I thought we had a special bond back at the hospital and now I find out you’re married and have a five-year-old? What else have I missed?”

“Nothing, I promise.”

Looking at Cameron, Melanie tried to read her eyes.

They’d talked a lot of the last few weeks about how Emily had been the first patient since Leah that Melanie had truly connected with.

She’d been so worried to let Emily in, but there was something about Emily that made Melanie know she could safely let her guard down with her.

Otherwise, she never would have accepted her invite to hang out.

“Honestly,” Melanie sucked in a deep breath, “I didn’t allow myself to get close to patients after Leah. I built a wall to keep myself safe. Until I met you, and you knocked those walls down.”

“She has a way of doing that.” Sophia smiled proudly at Emily.

“Aww,” Emily clutched her chest, “that’s so sweet of you to say.”

“It’s true,” Cameron chimed in. “Mel really struggled after Leah. We both did. But when she came home after Finley was born, I saw that spark she used to have was back. You did that for her, and I’m eternally grateful for that.”

“She makes it easy to be friends with.”

“Oh, hush,” Melanie waved them off as she blushed. “I was just doing my job.”

Emily and Cameron both rolled their eyes.

“Yeah, right.”

“I’m just glad Vera asked me to be on call for you.”

Coking her head, Emily’s eyes narrowed slightly. “She did?”

“Yup,” Melanie nodded. She called me the morning you went into labor and told me to be on call for the day. Vera said she wanted only the best for you.”

“And that’s my Melanie,” Cameon cooed as she playfully pinched Melanie’s cheek.

“Do you think Vera knew we would become friends?”

Melanie had wondered the same thing over the past few weeks. She shrugged, smiling at Emily. “Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past Vera. But, not to brag, I am her favorite nurse. Either way, I’m glad she did because it gave me two new friends.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Emily held up her glass as they all four clinked their glasses together. “And you know I’m your favorite patient. Admit it.”

“You can be a solid second,” Melanie teased. “Cam will always be my first.”

“Aww, babe.” Cameron kissed her as they giggled. “You’re so sweet.”

“It’s so easy to see how much you two love each other.” Sophia put her arm around Emily’s shoulder as she spoke. “Thank you for sharing your story with us. It was beautiful.”

“Thank you for listening. It’s not often we get to tell it since it seems everyone in town already knew. I guess we just run in different crowds.”

“Apparently,” Emily laughed. “I think I speak for Sophia as well when I say that we would love to have you and your kids over for dinner sometime. I’d love to meet Jonah and Luca and to re-meet Dylan in this new context.”

Melanie snorted a laugh, nearly spitting her drink. “I still can’t believe you didn’t know she was Cam’s daughter.”

“Pregnancy brain, Mel,” Emily dramatically whined. “And you two had to confuse me more by having different last names.”

“Only professionally,” Cameron chimed in. “Mel took my last name but still uses Wright at work.”

“It was part of my boundary setting with patients.” She grimaced, hating how closed off she’d let herself get toward her patients after Leah. “But yes, I’m officially a West and love it.”

Melanie would have loved to stay at Olive or Twist with Emily and Sophia, but they’d told Isla and Vera they’d pick up Luca by eight.

She knew they wouldn’t mind to keep him longer, but she didn’t want to take advantage of her friends.

Not when they had done so much for Melanie and Cameron and their kids already.

After paying the bill, they gathered their things before saying goodbye to Sophia and Emily. Melanie held on a little tighter to Emily. As she whispered in her ear.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much your friendship means to me.”

“Back at you, Mel.” Emily rubbed her back before pulling away. “I’m so glad we did this. We need to do it more often.”

“We will, for sure.”

As they said a final round of goodbyes, the two couples headed their separate ways.

Melanie looped her arm around Cameron’s as they walked to the car.

The shops and streets were all decorated for Christmas which was quickly approaching.

It gave the night a magical feeling that Melanie wanted to savor forever.

She took a step in front of Cameron as she kissed her.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, babe.”

“You do know that your friends have undoubtedly fed our son candy.”

“And given him hot chocolate.” Cameron laughed as she opened Melanie’s door for her. “Want to drive home together and we can get my car tomorrow?”

“Absolutely.”

She watched as Cameron ran around to the passenger side and got in.

They drove to the Mackenzies hand in hand with Christmas music on the radio.

Melanie parked in their driveway and admired the way the farmhouse looked decorated for the season.

Strings of lights hung from the gutters and were adorned on the shrubs outside.

Two small Christmas trees stood on either side of the front door.

She ran her fingers over the branches as Cameron rang the doorbell.

On the other side of the door, Melanie could hear the pitter patter of little feet as Luca excitedly opened the door.

Luca was wearing his Lightning McQueen hoodie and matching sweatpants, which were his current favorite obsession.

His dark brown hair was messy, which wasn’t out of the norm for him.

“Mama!” He jumped into Melanie’s arms as he hugged her neck. Luca nuzzled his nose against her neck as he always did when he hugged her. Melanie often wondered if it was because she did the same thing to him when he was a baby. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too, buddy.” Melanie kissed his cheek. “Were you a good boy for Aunt Isla and Aunt Vera?”

“Mhmm.” Luca squirmed out of her arms and went to Cameron. She knelt down and embraced him tightly as Melanie savored the scene. “I missed you too, Mommy.”

“I missed you more, Luca.”

Their journey to adopt Luca wasn’t easy, but it has been beyond worth it.

He fit into their family perfectly. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was meant to be there.

Even down to the similarities in how he and Melanie looked alike.

She hadn’t wanted to say anything at first, fearing she was projecting her hopes onto Luca.

But as Luca grew, other people started commenting on how much Luca looked like her.

Melanie could see it clear as day and it melted her heart even more.

“Thanks for watching him,” Melanie hugged Vera’s neck. “You’re the best. We really needed tonight.”

“I know you did. How was Emily?”

“She’s great. I’m so glad I’ve been able to get to know her.”

“I knew you two would click,” Vera smirked. “I’m rarely wrong about these things. Like you and Cam, for example.”

Melanie dramatically groaned. “You’re not going to remind me again that you introduced me and Cam, are you?”

“Until the day I die, honey.”

The two friends laughed as Camron put Luca’s shoes on.

They said goodbye to Isla and Vera, thanking them again for watching Luca.

On the ride home, they played Disney songs to keep Luca from falling asleep in the backseat.

It was a failed attempt as he was out before they reached the driveway.

Melanie carried him inside and up the stairs.

“Mama, can I sleep with you and Mommy tonight?”

“Of course, buddy. Can you change your clothes first for me though, please?”

“Yup!” Hopping down from Melanie’s arms Luca ran off to his room to change. Alone in their room, Cameron and Melanie embraced as they swayed gently in each other’s arms for a moment.

“I’m so glad we went out with them tonight. Emily’s as great as you said.”

“I knew you’d love her once you got to know her.”

Knowing Luca would be back any moment, they took turns changing in the bathroom. Cameron went first, which meant Melanie was able to tuck Luca into the middle of their bed when he came back. She kissed his forehead and gently caressed his face.

“I love you, Luca.”

“I love you, Mama.”

Trading places with Cameron, Melanie changed in the bathroom.

She brushed her teeth and applied her nightly moisturizer before joining Cameron and Luca again.

Luca was snuggled up against her and was already sound asleep.

Crawling into bed beside them, Melanie cuddled up beside Luca as she put her hand on Cameron’s waist.

“He’s just like his mama,” Cameron chuckled. “Gone as soon as his head hits the pillow.”

“Very funny,” Melanie rolled her eyes as she laughed. She sat up on her elbow slightly so she could lean over Luca to kiss Cameron. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”