Cammie Healy - Jennifer Foor Page 0,85

have anything left to say. He stood up and walked out of the room leaving only the three of us.

My mom rubbed her face like she did when she was stressed. “I know we can’t keep the two of you apart. I wish this would have happened slower. What’s done is done.”

I didn’t want to piss her off, but she had to know where I stood. “Mom, I’m going home with Wes. He’s helping me with some school issues, and hopefully I’ll have some good news in a couple more days. I know I’ve hurt you and Dad. It wasn’t my intention. I wish I could change things, but now I’m wondering if this is where I belong.”

“What about medical school? You got a scholarship that will pay for it. Please don’t throw it away, Cam.”

“I’m going to make you proud. You’ll see. I won’t stop trying to make this up to you and Dad.” When I said it I saw my dad lingering in the doorway of the kitchen. He’d heard everything I said and then finally disappeared. I hoped I’d gotten through to him, but I couldn’t be sure. He usually needed time to simmer before he could think rationally.

With no one breathing down my neck, Wes helped me gather my things and load them in his truck. He waited outside for me to go in and tell them I was leaving.

My parents said nothing. They both hugged me and let me walk out without an argument. It was better than being forced to stay.

I know it seemed like we were rushing. Maybe we were. Nothing felt right unless Wes was around. I knew that’s where I wanted to be; where I belonged.

Chapter 33

“Cam, babe, wake up. We have a doctor’s appointment this morning.” She been staying with me for four weeks and never once slept upstairs in her designated bedroom. In that time she’d been squeezed into the fall admissions to Duke. To be perfectly fair, I don’t know how much leeway my grandfather had on the final decision. Once they saw her test scores they wanted to snatch her up. As far as her scholarship went, Duke was a bit more expensive, even though she lived in the state. She’d owe a few thousand bucks when it was all said and done. For now she was working with the people to have the funds transferred from one school to the other. I suppose it was a ton of paperwork and a few headaches for the people managing it, but well worth the effort.

After she was accepted we met with the children’s program where she was placed on the waiting list for childcare. Being in the graduate program allowed her to qualify. We were hopeful by the time the baby was born we’d hear something.

I sat down on the mattress next to her and played with her hair. “Earth to Cam. Wake up.”

She adjusted and whined. “I don’t want to get up. I’m still tired.”

I pulled off her covers, exposing her naked body. Right away I felt the urge to climb on top of her and give her a reason to wake. “Aren’t you excited about meeting the new doctor?”

She finally came to her senses. “Yes. I think I’m not the only one though. You’ve been pacing around for hours, Wes.”

“It’s the first one.”

“One would think you’re the father.”

“I am.” When I said it I saw her glare at me like I’d shocked her. “What?”

“I just…I’d never expect…”

I placed my fingers over her lips. “You don’t have to ask. I love you. I want to be the only father this baby will ever know. I don’t care if we won’t share blood. Even if you decide to leave me somewhere down the road, I’ll still be there. I’ve been thinking about this since we first got together, Cam. It’s the right thing to do. I want this child to have my name.”

She folded her hands while replying. “What you’re asking is a forever commitment.”

“Are you afraid I’ll change my mind?”

She studied me for a moment. “No.”

“No one has to know that isn’t my baby growing inside of you. I’m going to be here the whole time, by your side.”

“What if James changes his mind and comes after visitation? I don’t want to upset you, but it could happen. I wouldn’t be happy about it, but how could I fight him?”

“Maybe you won’t have to. What if you had him sign off his parental rights? You said he