Nate

The last week of school flew by in a flurry of excitement, and not just because of Camille’s renewed determination to fight for her life, but because they’d made it. They were graduating—him and Cami. They’d finished their last class today and had the rest of the week off before the ceremony on Saturday. Nate’s mom was flying in for the celebration and he couldn’t wait to introduce her to Camille.

Her parents were planning a graduation party at their house after the ceremony and invited Nate’s parents to attend. Nate made himself useful by helping prepare for the party. That is, when he could tear himself away from Cami. She’d seemed tired lately and he was worried she was overdoing it.

Camille blamed her exhaustion on the excitement of graduation and all their future plans. She’d applied to Tulane and the dean at NOAH pulled a few strings to get her accepted. Nate and Camille were going to college together!

He couldn’t believe how much his life had changed in just a few days. They were currently pouring over the course catalog at Café Beignet while Nate polished off a plate of sugary pastries.

“So when do we have to finalize our classes?” Camille asked.

“We have a little time,” Nate said. “But, I was thinking, if we’re gonna go to Paris, we should probably submit our class selections as soon as possible.”

“Nate . . .”

“What? My parents said they’d buy me a ticket for graduation. And you know your parents would buy you a ticket to the moon if you asked for it.”

“I know.”

“So what’s stopping us?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. It’s just surreal. For so long I didn’t think I’d even make it to graduation. And now, it’s almost dizzying to have all these possibilities.”

Nate scooted his chair closer until Camille’s knees were between his. He gave them a squeeze. “Anything’s possible, Cami. You taught me that.”

“You really think we can do it? Paris? College?”

Nate kissed her. “And more.”

She sighed. “Okay. But I hope you know you’ve created a monster. Because I want it all, Nate. I want you and Paris and this every single day,” she said kissing him again.

He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her passionately, not caring about their borderline scandalous display of public affection. Camille LaRue was Nate’s world, and he wanted everyone to know it. She’d chosen him and they’d survived against all odds. If that wasn’t something to be celebrated, nothing was.

“Okay, it’s settled,” Nate said after he came up for air. “You know what that means?”

“What?”

“It’s time to make a plan,” he teased.

“You joke, but you’ll be thanking me when all our classes match up and we earn sightseeing badges on Tripadvisor for seeing more of Paris than most Parisians.”

Nate laughed. “Nothing would make me happier than to watch you plan your little heart out.”

“Good. Then it’s settled. We’ll meet here tomorrow to finish picking classes and start our Paris plan.”

“It’s a date.” Nate looked at his watch. “I better go. My mom’s flight gets in soon and I told her I’d bring her one of Ronnie’s famous donuts. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”

“I would, but I told my parents I’d try on my cap and gown so they can take photos. They want to have one framed at the party for everyone to sign.”

“That’s a great idea.” Nate smirked. “Maybe I’ll stop by later and take some of my own.” He gave her a wink. “More cap, less gown.”

Cami rolled her eyes.

Nate pulled her into a hug. “Okay, gotta go. Until our next hello.”

Cami

“Dad, I’m pretty sure you’ve captured the perfect photo,” Camille whined.

She’d been posed in just about every room of her house. With her cap, without it. With Poo, with each of her parents and even some of all of them with the help of his tripod and timer.

Secretly, Camille was having fun. It reminded her of when she was little and her father would try to take a family photo for the annual Christmas card. The photos that ended up getting scrapped were always her favorite. Ones where Poo was barking or her father was a blurry image running into the scene. And then there were the ones that captured them laughing or folding a collar or tucking back a piece of hair. She loved the little moments that captured their love best.

At some point during her teenage years, Camille realized the reason her father took so many photos. He wanted a way to remember her—to preserve his memory of all their moments as a family. She couldn’t fault him for it, but it made each photo session melancholy. But Camille had continued the charade of pretending the photos were a bother. She knew her father looked forward to fussing over lighting and laughing at the silly faces she made. If she smiled and went along with him, it would steal half the fun.

Camille was trying to get Poo to wear her graduation cap, much to his irritation. He was growling as she posed next to him making kissy faces. Her father snapped away while her mother tried to contain her laughter.

“That’s animal abuse,” a voice called through the courtyard.

Camille turned to see Nate striding toward them dressed in a red cap and gown that matched hers.

“Nate! What are you doing here?” she exclaimed, running into his arms while her father continued to take photos.

“My mom’s flight got delayed. She’s not getting in until late tonight. So, I decided to crash the photo shoot, if that’s okay?” Nate asked looking over her head toward her parents.

“Of course!” her father said, greeting Nate with a handshake.

Her mother gave Nate a hug. “You look so handsome, Nathan. Can we get a few photos of you and Camille together?”

“Of course,” he replied.

“Mom, can you take some with my Polaroid, too?”

“Sure, honey.”

Camille, Nate and her family spent the last of the afternoon light snapping photos and making silly faces. One of Camille’s favorite photos turned out to be of Nate chasing Poo after he’d started to carry off his graduation cap. Her father had joined in the chase and Camille and her mother laughed until they had tears in their eyes.

After the photo session they all sat down to have dinner together in the courtyard. The weather was starting to warm up and Camille lounged under the strings of white lights, holding her stomach. Her father made his famous crawfish crepes and she’d eaten herself silly.

Nate was eating what she’d left on her plate. “Ray, these are phenomenal.”

“Thanks, Nate. Cooking is just like making music. Both fill your soul.”

“Well said, honey,” her mother said, leaning over to kiss her father.

Camille groaned. “You guys are so cheesy.”

“If by cheesy you mean in love, then yes,” her father teased. “But speaking of love and music, can I convince you two to play us a little something tonight?”

“Oh, Dad . . .”

The protests of everyone at the table made Camille laugh. She knew a losing battle when she saw one.

“We really should play our song,” Nate said.

“We have a song?”

Nate faked shock, putting his hand over his heart in horror.

Of course, Camille knew exactly what song he was speaking of, but watching Nate’s over the top antics was worth it. He stood up, holding out his hand and she laughed, taking it so he could lead her into the music room.

For the first time that Camille could ever remember, her parents left the table a mess and followed them into the house. In no time they were all settled in the music room around the instruments.

Camille sat at the piano with her father while he played. Nate stood nearby, weaving magic on his violin, while her mother recorded the whole thing. They played ‘As Time Goes By’ and Camille filled the room with her voice, loving the freedom she felt as she sang.