Cami

Camille’s birthday was a success. After Nate played for everyone in the courtyard, Cami suggested they move inside to her father’s music room. She sensed Nate needed a break, because she’d never seen him so emotional. He didn’t leave her side for the rest of the night as her father and Mr. Hawthorne played song after song on the piano and guitar. Even her mother and Ronnie sang along. Ronnie couldn’t carry a tune to save his life, but watching him try made Camille laugh so hard her sides hurt.

It was late by the time Ronnie and Nate’s dad left. Nate stayed behind to help clean up. Camille’s parents insisted he didn’t have to stay, but Cami wanted him to. Honestly, she never wanted him to leave. Spending time with Nate was pretty much her top priority. And that’s why tonight had been perfect. Her house had been filled with everyone she cared about. Camille wished it could always be like that, right up until the end—just her, Nate, Ronnie and her family.

Camille gave both her parents a big hug before going up to bed. “Thank you for tonight,” she said. “It really means a lot to me to get to spend time with all of you together.”

Her mother kissed both her cheeks. “You’re welcome, honey. It means a lot to us, too.”

Her father gave her another hug and glanced at Nate, who was waiting for her at the bottom of the steps. “Not too late, you two.”

Nate saluted and scooped Camille up, carrying her upstairs in a fit of giggles.

“I don’t want you to leave,” she whispered once she was snuggled under the covers in her room.

Nate and Poo were both fighting for the remaining mattress space.

“I don’t want to leave either,” Nate crooned kissing her softly.

“Tonight was perfect, Nate. Thank you for making me do this.”

“I should be the one thanking you. I didn’t think I’d ever play the violin again.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you broke it?” she asked.

Nate grinned. “Probably because I knew you’d go and do something spectacular like this and I’d never be able to top it.”

Camille let him kiss her again. “But really, Nate. Why didn’t you tell me it was broken?”

“Because I was embarrassed.”

“About what?”

Nate let out a breath. “I broke it the night we got into our fight.”

“Why?”

“I dunno. I was pissed and scared and I felt useless.”

“Smashing things made you feel less useless?”

“For a little while.”

They were silent for a while. Camille let Nate hold her, and she clung to the steady rise and fall of his chest. “It’s okay to be scared,” she whispered.

“Are you scared?”

She nodded.

Nate kissed her forehead and held her tighter.

“Nate?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think you could stay?”

“Cami . . .”

“Just a bit longer?” she pleaded. “Tonight was perfect. I just don’t want it to be over yet.”

Nate sighed, but kicked off his shoes and slid fully onto the bed. Camille snuggled against him, resting her head on his chest once he was settled. Nate wrapped his arms around her and Poo climbed over Camille, nestling himself in the valley between them.

“This is perfect,” she whispered. And it really was.

Nate

Nate waited until Camille was fully asleep before untangling himself from her arms. He hated leaving her, but he didn’t want to push things with her parents. They’d been so kind to him, inviting him into their lives because it was important to their daughter. But he knew it couldn’t be easy. They wanted to spend time with her, too, and it was probably hard when Nate was always there.

As Nate tiptoed downstairs, he was surprised to see the light still on in Ray’s music room. He peeked his head in and Ray looked up.

“Oh, sorry, Mr. LaRue. I didn’t mean to stay so long, but Cami fell asleep and I didn’t want to wake her so I tried waiting and must’ve dozed off myself.”

Ray smiled. “It’s alright, Nate. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something anyway. Do you have a moment?”

“Sure.” Nate sat down on one of the comfy chairs in Ray’s office.

“I know it means a lot to Camille to have you around. I can see you’re good for her. You make her smile and open her heart in a way I didn’t think I’d see again. I want to thank you for that.”

Nate didn’t know what to say, so he nodded and kept his mouth shut.

“Josie and I spoke to your father tonight and before we put it to Camille we wanted to ask you how you would feel about staying in the guest house for these next few . . .” Ray trailed off fighting to find the right words to say. “Well, for however much time we have left with Camille.”

Nate’s heart leapt. “Really? I mean I don’t want to be in your way.”

“You make Camille happy, Nate. That’s all any parent ever wants.”

Nate couldn’t believe this was happening. Maybe birthday wishes did come true. All he wanted was more time with Camille and this would certainly give him that. He wouldn’t have to ride the bus or streetcar back and forth anymore. He could be with Camille everyday.

“So what do you think?” Ray asked.

Nate didn’t have words and he was afraid if he opened his mouth he might cry. Instead, he stood up, walked across the room and hugged the man.

* * *

Nate woke up a bit disoriented. Ray had helped him settle into the guest house last night, saying it was too late to send him home and he might as well get used to his new accommodations.

The high from the news that Nate would be spending everyday with Camille gave him the courage to ask Ray for permission to move forward with his secret plan for Camille. And to Nate’s surprise, Ray was pretty agreeable, saying he’d talk to Josie but didn’t see a problem with what Nate proposed. Now all that was left was to get Cami to agree to it.