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A dim, navy-blue dawn begins to peek through the window as I lie limp across Drew’s chest. We spent the rest of the night memorizing every inch of each other's bodies, leaving nothing untouched.

His fingertips brush lazy, soothing circles over my bare shoulder as we drift into blissful exhaustion.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to you,” I whisper, the words finally breaking through the quiet room.

“Then don’t.” He presses a tender kiss to the top of my head, just as a single tear escapes and slips down my cheek. I close my eyes, letting the steady rise and fall of his chest gently rock me to sleep.

CHAPTER 19

Camille

DAY 7: HUGS & HONEYMOON

The morning sun spills through the draped curtains, our room lies in total disarray. My bridesmaid dress and heels are strewn across the floor, and Drew’s discarded tux trails behind it. The beautiful evidence of what happened between us last night and all the way into the early hours of the morning. Leaving us no time to get any sleep.

Last night was euphoric. Being wrapped in his arms healed me in ways I didn't think were possible, but this morning, with time ticking toward zero, reality is clawing its way into my chest. Six Weeks. What if he remembers just how easy it is to stay gone? Once he steps on that plane, distance will steal him away from me again.

I’m sitting on the floor, carefully folding my clothes to put them back into my suitcase. Drew is across the room, zipping and unzipping his suitcase and electronic bags as he packs up his things. Neither one of us is saying anything. I think reality is hitting him too. The sexual charge from last night has turned heavy, filled with nerves and sadness that our week has come to an end. My hands start to shake as I'm placing my bathing suits in the mesh zip-up pocket of my suitcase.

“Cami.” Drew’s voice breaks through the quiet room, but I keep my eyes glued to my suitcase, trembling as I throw my things into it.

He kneels next to me on the floor, placing his big, steady hands over mine, preventing me from continuing to pack. He reads the terror in my eyes instantly.

“Hey,” he murmurs, his thumbs tracing over my cheekbones. “Look at me, I know exactly where your mind is at, and I need you to hear me. I am going to go do this job, and then I am coming straight back to you. Six weeks doesn't change a single thing I promised you last night.”

“I believe you want to come back,” I say softly, swallowing back my tears. “But I’m so scared, Drew. I’m terrified that once you get there, the distance will feel easier than fixing things with me.” A tear finally slips through, falling in a hot streak down my cheek. “I finally got you back, I don't know how to lose you a second ti⁠—”

I can't finish my sentence before he pulls me hard against his chest. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his comforting scent of smoky vanilla.

“I’m done running, and I’m done hurting you, Camille.” He whispers in my ear, gently rubbing slow circles on my back.

We haul our bags down to the front lobby, where Drew takes our keys to the desk to check us out. Across the lobby, the rest of my family has already gathered near the glass doors to send the newlyweds off on their two-week Italian honeymoon. I walk over to my parents, who are already deeply entangled in emotional goodbye hugs with Cooper and Ivy.

“Cam!” Ivy beams from over my dad's shoulder. She rushes over to me, wrapping me in a big perfume-scented hug.

“Thank you for all you've done this week, you're the best sister ever.” She whispers, and the sudden rush of emotion makes my eyes sting. “Of course, Ivy,” I choke out, holding her tight. “I love you guys so much. Have a safe trip.”

She pulls back, holding me by my upper arms so she can look me in the eyes. Her intuition honed from years of knowing me, she searches my face, lowering her voice. “You’re good, right?”

“Yes, don't worry about me. I’m fine!” I manage a watery smile, sniffling as I swipe at a stray tear.

A familiar warmth radiates behind me as Drew steps up, having finished at the front desk. Ivy smiles, releasing me to pull him into an equally enthusiastic hug. As she does, Cooper steps into my space, wrapping his strong arms around me in a crushing brotherly embrace.

“Love you, Cam,” He whispers.

“I love you too, and congratulations,” I add, leaning into his comforting arms.

“Drew,” Cooper says while giving him a pat on the back. “I’ll see you when you get back from Costa Rica?” He asks firmly, searching his eyes for the reassurance that he’s coming home.

Drew doesn't hesitate. He looks Cooper straight in the eye, his posture straightens with certainty.

“You can count on it, man,” Drew promises.

My brother nods, giving him a small, tight smile. I can tell from the slight tension in Cooper's jaw that he’s also feeling hesitant, but he chooses to trust Drew’s word, letting out a breath as the residual worry drains from his shoulders.

He grabs the handles of his and Ivy’s luggage, turning back to us one last time. They offer one more quick round of goodbyes and final waves before pushing through the glass doors, heading out of the lobby and toward their rental car to start their journey to Italy.

“Are we meeting you at the airport?” Mom asks, pulling her purse over her shoulder as we walk outside. I’m booked on the return flight home with my parents, while Drew’s itinerary takes him in a completely different direction.