"Here you go."

I raised my head and shut the lid to the grill, smiling at my father as he handed me a bottle of beer. "Thanks. Has anyone else arrived?"

He took a sip of his own beer and shook his head. "No. But Cami's got the house decorated so nicely for this party. She really went all out."

"Hey! I helped."

He looked at me skeptically and chuckled. "Oh did you now?"

"I stayed out of the way."

"You're learning, kid."

We both shifted around to find Carrie walking our way. She was beaming at my dad as she floated toward him in a pink summer dress that fell just above her knees. He couldn't tear his eyes away. "And how are you two doing?" I asked discreetly before she got close enough to hear me.

"Great," he sighed. "She's something else."

"I'm really happy for you. I know mom would want you to be happy too, dad."

His gaze snapped to me and the look on his face was priceless. "I loved your mom so much," he choked out. "And this thing with Carrie feels good. She doesn't need me to take care of her. She just likes having me around. And it's really nice."

I wrapped an arm around his shoulder and nodded. "There's nothing wrong with that. Just don't let her get away."

"Never," he agreed easily. 

"Are you boys hungry? Cami is letting you sample the appetizers she just made," Carrie announced.

We tasted each of the new creations before I excused myself to check on my girl. I loved seeing her in my kitchen, coasting from the oven to the fridge with ease. She was making herself at home, just as she should. After all, it was her home too. 

I slid up behind her as she tasted the barbecue sauce simmering on the stove. "You smell amazing," I hummed into her ear as I wrapped Cami up in my arms.

"Oh!" she gasped, swatting me with a dish towel. "That's not me, it's the sauce."

"No, it's you," I smirked, turning her in my arms and immediately diving into her luscious mouth. "Sweet," I added, licking my lips when we pulled away. 

When Cami tried to wriggle from my grasp I lifted her from under her backside, feeling how tightly she hooked her legs around my waist. "Where are you taking me?" she quietly squealed as I carried her through the kitchen.

"Bedroom," I panted. 

"Chance Colin Connor! You put me down this instant! We are expecting a house full of people any minute and my sauce is gonna burn!" she scolded me playfully.

"Fine," I pouted, letting her body slide down mine. The door eased open and we were met with the faces of our coworkers. Cami nervously smoothed her apron down and dragged me by the hand to greet our guests.

Fuck.

….

The party was perfect. The day was filled with good food and amazing friends. I watched Cami float around the backyard, checking on everyone and speaking with people she hadn't seen in a while. 

Cami's mom, Pam, had made the trip, excited to see her daughter's new home and make sure I was still taking good care of her daughter. She had met me at Christmas, obviously skeptical after our three month breakup. But seeing her again today, she was nothing but smiles and laughter. I felt good about the trust she gave me and I promised to always care for her little girl.

Cami still technically worked for the magazine as a freelance, but now she spent most of her time writing her novel. I had fixed up one of the extra bedrooms as an office for her, allowing her the perfect spot for writing. She was nearly finished and I couldn't have been more proud. 

After that fateful night six months ago, we spent the night in her bedroom, making love and discussing our future. I wanted her to move in with me right away. But obviously she had some doubts, so we compromised by dating for a while, trying to overcome our past issues. 

I felt how much stronger she was, never questioning why I chose her or wondering if I thought she looked good. Her confidence was sexy and she didn't need me to tell her she was hot, but I did it anyway. All the time.

She had her arm around Shayne as Kyle approached her, leaning in for a hug. I didn't feel that tingle in my scalp that signaled she needed me to intervene. He backed off quickly, hooking his arm around Alicia and pulling her close. 

Alicia beamed up at Kyle and I could see how happy she was. I was relieved to see it, knowing she came back from Chicago so distraught over her mom's death. Kyle still gave Cami a wistful look when he thought no one was looking, but I saw it. I knew he still wondered what could have been. But he was no threat to my happiness. Not anymore. 

Cami threw her head back and laughed as Shayne talked animatedly with her hands. The group of them, along with Shayne's girlfriend, Casey looked comfortable and close. Cami and I liked Casey, deciding she was good enough for my best friend. 

A month ago, Cami and I spent one last night with Shayne at our old apartment. It was the night before Cami moved into my house. We wanted one last night to celebrate the wonderful year we had together as a trio. I missed Shayne, but I kept my friendship going by insisting we meet up often for lunch at our favorite taco place or drinks at the Wharf.

Shayne forgave me when she came home and found me in Cami's bed the day after we made up. She congratulated me on "not being a dumbass" anymore and I couldn't help but agree. I couldn't live without my girl and I never planned on being apart from her again. 

Cami gazed around our spacious backyard and I could read the pure delight in her expression. She was proud of our home and this party was a way to celebrate both of our accomplishments. And I felt like I could burst with all the love I had for my girl.

When her eyes landed on mine, I couldn't hold back my grin or hide the fact that I'd been staring at her. Cami's cheeks flushed and she looked down for a moment before speaking to the people in her group. I had hoped she was excusing herself, so she could join me at my side.

I was getting impatient waiting for her to be done being sociable for the evening. My chest tightened at the sight of her coasting toward me, the fluttery hem of her gauzy dress whipping around those silky smooth legs of hers. Everyone else around me was forgotten. Her auburn waves bounced with every step and I longed to bury my fingers in her silky locks.

When she was within reach, I rushed forward and gathered her into my arms."Fuck, I love you!" I gasped uncontrollably. I couldn't hold it in another minute. As I lifted her off her feet and sunk my face into her neck, I added, "You know that, right?"

Cami giggled as I covered her neck in soft kisses. I tried to keep it PG but damn, it was so hard to be good. As much as I wanted all of our friends and family here to share this day, I also desperately wanted to be alone with Cami so I could properly show her what she meant to me.

I leaned back to gaze down at Cami and stood in wonder at the way she returned my eye contact. She made me feel powerful. I let my fingers drift down to her wrists, lifting them both to my lips so I could kiss her pulse on both sides. I toyed with the bracelet I gave her, knowing that she had worn it everyday since our reunion. "I'm gonna make a little speech," I murmured with my mouth still on her skin.

Her eyes glittered happily and I loved the way her copper strands of hair were glowing in the late afternoon sun. She looked like an angel...felt just as sweet. "A speech?" Cami echoed.

"A quick one...I promise." I leaned in close, pressing my forehead to hers. "Then I'm all yours. And we can continue the celebration after everyone goes home."

The look on her face was conveying to me that she loved that idea. She slid her hand up my chest and around my neck. "I can't wait," she whispered against my mouth before pulling me into a deep, sexy kiss. I had to control myself and cut it short, but fuck I had big plans for later.

"Damn, baby. Are you trying to distract me or what?"

"Am I?" she teased.

"You know you are," I growled, giving her hip one more tight squeeze before turning to face our guests.

"Can I get everyone's attention?!" I hollered across the yard, waiting as all eyes fell on me. "I want to make a little speech if y'all would indulge me."

Shit. My Texas drawl was peeking through, signifying how nervous I truly was. I sucked in a deep breath as our friends and family drew closer, forming a semi-circle around the brick patio I had placed in the center of the yard. Cami's mother and my father stood close by and all the important people in our lives were present. 

I took Cami's hand and gave her a quick squeeze before I spoke. "Nine months ago, I stupidly let this gorgeous woman walk out of my life. For the next three months, I filled my life with things I thought would make me happy. I left the apartment we shared, I bought this house and spent my days fixing it up and hoping that it would fill the gaping hole in my heart. But nothing could fix me."

"Six months ago, this woman I had spent so much time trying to convince myself I didn't need, appeared at my doorstep, with some help from a friend."

"Because you were being a dumbass!" Shayne shouted from the crowd. I heard snickers from the whole lot of them and all I could do was agree.

"But when Cami showed up, I stupidly let her walk away from me again. And instead of waiting another three months for fate to step in, I rushed to her apartment and waited for her return. Once we made up, I swore I'd never let her slip through my fingers again. I begged her to move here with me, only for her to disagree."

The crowd awwwed and I gave my girl a fake pout. "So after five months of dating and working through all the issues that caused us to break up, she finally agreed to move in with me."

"One month ago, most of my dreams came true when Cami agreed to move in here and wake up every morning in my arms. And I've been so happy ever since," I paused to glance at my girl, overcome with all the love in my heart. 

"So now I have almost everything I need in life. I've got a career I love, the home of my dreams, and the presence of my father, who I've reconnected with. I'm only missing one thing."

Cami blinked up at me, confusion clouding her eyes. "I wanted this housewarming party for two reasons. The first is because I wanted to celebrate you agreeing to move in here and to show off the home we've created together."

Cami nodded and smiled. "And the other reason?"

"Everything in my life changed the day you walked into my gym and I was assigned to be your trainer. I kept you at a distance for so long, convinced I wasn't good enough for you. Hell, I'm still not convinced!" The crowd tittered with chuckles at my honest admission and some of the tension broke.

"That's not true," Cami argued, grabbing both my hands. "You know you're everything to me, baby."

I smirked as Cami blushed, the onlookers sighing at her sweet declaration. "Stop trying to steal my thunder," I teased.

"When I lost you all the months ago, I promised I'd do anything to keep you close to me. So I've decided that there is something we should do...together."

More confusion crinkled Cami's brow as I dug into my pocket and produced a small box. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth, but I couldn't still hear her gasp as I lowered myself down to rest on one knee. More shocked gasps sounded throughout our group of friends and family.

"Cami baby," I began as I reached for Cami's hand. "I love the way you smile when I say your name in the morning. I love the way your hair smells when you  curl up in my arms at night. I love when you're writing your story and you tap your pencil against your lower lip. I love spending my days with you and our nights lost in each other."

Ooohs and awwws rang out around the yard as Cami blushed. I flipped open the tiny box in my hands and lifted it up for Cami's perusal. "Today I kneel before you, in front of our friends and family, and I beg you to spend your forever with me, Cami baby. Because you're my forever girl. Will you marry me?"

I rose to my feet, watching Cami's expression as her eyes darted between me and the ring I had chosen for her. "Oh, Chance," she sighed.

"Is that a yes?" I urged, barely able to contain my enthusiasm and nervousness.

"No," she whispered.

"No?" I echoed numbly. "What...why?"

My chest felt so constricted, I feared I may pass out at any moment. Cami raised her head and opened her mouth to speak. "My answer isn't yes, Chance. That isn't what I should say right now."

My heart was breaking at her rejection, even though I was determined to keep asking until she agreed. "Oh," I was finally able to muster, closing the box and glancing around for my exit. I couldn't stand to look at all the faces pitying me.

When I turned away from Cami, I felt her fingers on my arm. "I can't say yes, Chance. Because my answer is hell yes …I will marry you."

I spun around to face her, needing confirmation. "Say it again," I demanded.

"Hell yes...I want you. I want to spend my life with you. Yes, I'll marry you!" she blurted, leaning into me and throwing her arms around my neck.

"Whoa! Just hold on," I demanded, holding her at a distance.

Her face fell as the excitement faded away. "Chance…"

I opened the box again, giving her one more chance. "Yes," she beamed, holding her left hand out to me.

I pulled the ring from it's velvet home and slid it onto her delicate finger. She lifted it into the waning light from the glowing sunset and sighed deeply. "I love it," she gushed. "And I love you!"

Cami launched herself into my arms and I could finally breathe. "Not more than I love you," I groaned into her ear as she wrapped her legs around my waist. 

Cheers and clapping resounded around the entire backyard, drowning out her whimpers as I kissed her with gusto. She said yes. My Cami baby was all mine.

Cami buried her neck in my face, obviously overwhelmed by the emotions of it all. "We just need a minute," I told our guests as I carried her through the crowd. "Enjoy the party! We'll be right back."

I couldn't wait until tonight to show Cami how much she meant to me. I couldn't wait another moment to feel her body against mine. 

I rushed up the deck stairs and pushed my way through the glass slider, opting to duck into the laundry room on the first floor instead of going to our bedroom upstairs. I kicked the door closed and placed Cami on the top of the dryer before attacking her mouth with mine. 

"You said yes," I groaned as she pulled my button down shirt from the waistband of my jeans and dug her blunt nails into my back. 

"Of course I did," she sighed, tipping her head back as my lips skimmed down the front of her throat. 

I shoved my hands under her dress, feeling for her panties and pushing them down her legs as fast as I could.

"Chance," she scolded. "We can't do this here."

My chest heaved with the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Cami baby, I don't know about you...but there is no way I can wait to be inside you right now."

I saw the indecision on her face and the way her mouth twisted as she considered it. "We have to be quick and quiet," she giggled as I reached past her to start the dryer.

"No problem," I smirked, unzipping my jeans and freeing my cock so I could take my fiancée. Fuck that sounded so good.

"You ready for me?" I murmured, sliding my hands around her ass and jerking her close. Once I had her perched on the edge, I lined myself up with her and using my hand to guide me, I brushed my length along her wet folds. I preferred the foreplay, always making sure she was good and wet for me, but we were both already so keyed up.

"I'm so ready," she gasped as I started nudging my way inside her.

We both held intense eye contact as I pushed the rest of the way inside her. Swear words fell from our lips as I filled her completely. "You okay?" I panted. 

"Oh yes," she moaned, yanking at her neckline to reveal her creamy breasts to me. "Please…"

That's all I needed. The sight of her chest flushed, her nipples pebbled, her cheeks rosy and her mouth parted as I began thrusting, had me barely holding onto any sort of control. I knew we had to be quick so I sped up, reaching for her hair and guiding her mouth to mine. I pounded into her harder, feeling the way she was clenching around me.

"Fuck, baby, please," I groaned, so close to exploding but refusing to go first. I pulled her tighter against me, grinding tightly until she was falling apart in my arms. 

Cami threw her head back and called out my name. I buried my face in her chest before thrusting three more times and letting go inside her. "Oh my god," I gasped quietly, feeling the euphoria of my post orgasmic state. 

I sighed when Cami wound her arms around my neck and hugged me so tightly I felt like we had become one person. "I love you," I whispered. "I love you so much."

…

"So you're really doing it?" my dad beamed. "You're gonna be an amazing husband."

"Yeah," I grinned as I tipped my beer back and took a swig. "I sure hope so."

"You will. Your love for Cami is so obvious."

I nodded as I watched her showing her mom her engagement ring. "Thanks, dad. You know I need you there. I need my father on the biggest day of my life."

"So far," he grinned. "Biggest day so far. Just wait until you become a father."

I felt my chest tighten again as I glanced at her, imagining what she would look like carrying my baby. Wow.

Shayne approached me now, throwing her arms around me excitedly. "You finally did something right! And that engagement speech was epic!"

I chuckled as she finally released me. I took her face in my hands and sighed, "I need you, Shayne. I need a best… woman, I guess. I need my best friend to stand beside me. Are you up for that?"

Her mouth fell open in shock and all she could do was nod. "Thank you," I sighed deeply. "Thanks for always being my best friend."

….

Cami and I stood with our arms wrapped around each other as we saw our last guests out. Everyone happily demanded an invitation to our wedding. I had no idea the pressure we would be under to choose a date so quickly. They were all so excited, but the only reaction I cared about was my girl's.

When we closed the door after the last guest left, I guided Cami from behind, holding her hips in my hands. "I have to clean up," she protested when I changed her course and started walking her up the steps to our room.

"Tomorrow, baby. I'll take care of it after…"

"After?" she echoed as I pressed myself up against her tightly and we entered our room.

"After…" I hummed, reaching around to untie the front of her dress, pushing it off her shoulders and watching it flutter to the floor. "After I have my way with you."

"Oh," she shuddered as I unhooked her bra and left her naked before me.

I removed my own clothing