Before we know it, our friends have already left, our two weeks in Tarah have come to a close, and Cami and I are back in Phoenix with only a few days to spare before I head off to New York. Cami is staying here — well, on this side of the country, at least — for a couple of days. We both agreed on the plans for the house, so she is going to California to get that started and also to deal with the pressing issues of Bold and Vincent. But I managed to convince her to stay in Phoenix at least until I leave. I don’t want to miss any time I can spend with her.
Our two weeks in Tarah were refreshing on the levels of needing to be able to reconnect with one another, to forgo life for a while, and we’re very good about doing that in Tarah. After the two weeks we spent together and all the talking we’ve done, I am starting to feel closer than ever to her, and I am starting to feel truly happy about wanting all the things she has lined up for us: the house in California and the bar here in Phoenix. Though her confidence regarding the bar is wavering slightly, I think our pep talks about it have helped; at least that is my hope.
“I hate that you’re leaving again.”
“You can always come with me.”
“I know, but I can’t put this off any longer, I need to deal with Vincent, and then, to top that off, I need to get things started on the house. When I’m done with that, I’ll come to New York and spend the rest of your filming days with you.”
“Sounds good to me.” I kiss her and grab my bags. “Ready?”
“No. I hate this, you know that.”
I smile at her. “I know, but it’s a few days, then we have until March before I’m scheduled on another set. But by then you’re going to be busy with Bold and I’ll be the one waiting for you.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” she says as we climb into the car. “Oh, I forgot to tell you.”
“What’s that?”
“Mick and Beau have set a date.”
“Oh, and it is what?”
She laughs. “Valentine’s Day.”
I laugh with her. “That doesn’t surprise me, though I expected something like eleven, twelve, thirteen or something like that.”
“Hey, just be glad I convinced them to skip the Justice of the Peace. Plus, if we push it, the bar might be ready by then and they can get married there.”
I laugh. “Why the bar?”
“You know them, they don’t want anything over the top, they want to just get married and be done with it. If the house were going to be done by then, I’m sure they’d do it there. But at this point we’ll be lucky if we have it by May.”
I shrug. “I’m in no hurry.”
She smiles at me. “At least I know where I want to get married.”
This surprises me and I look at her in mock shock. “Oh really, Madam Enders, where might that be?”
She gives me a one-word answer: “Tarah.”
“Penthouse or beach.”
“Beach, sunset.”
“I see you’ve already planned this out.” I can’t help the overwhelming warmth I feel at her talk of getting married. Especially considering everything she’s said so far is only consistent with me. It means she’s never thought about this until now.
“All except the date.”
“Shouldn’t you get engaged first? You know, before you start planning your dream wedding?” She punches me in the thigh. “Ouch.” She busts out laughing. “Subtle hint received.” I hold up my hands in defense and she laughs.
Our routine at the airport this time is no different than the last time, only this time she’s crying a little harder. I can’t help but wonder what that’s all about. But I don’t question it, and faster than I realize, Tyson and I are in first class, one way to New York City. I don’t think I could get further away from Cami if I tried, and with each passing minute, the ache in my heart grows and I miss her already.