Chapter 13: Baby Bundle

Lilly’s due date was a little over a week away. She already started nesting; straightening up everything she possibly could. Cameron was learning to stay out of her way. She was moody, grumpy, irritable…all of it. They decided they didn’t want to know the gender of the baby, though they argued about it. In the end, Lilly decided they did not want to know. She was going stir crazy. She had been on maternity leave for about a month. She cleaned every nook and cranny in the house. Cameron and Erik had been busy preparing the nursery for the baby’s arrival. Lilly was in love with it she spent a lot of time in there, folding and refolding Baby Palmer’s new clothes. She’d spend what seemed like hours, rocking back and forth in the rocking chair. She was content but frustrated at times and Cameron could see that.   

Lilly was relaxing on the couch trying to read. “OH MY GOSH!” she yelled. “You okay honey?” her husband asked, though he was honestly afraid to. “NO!” she snapped, “I want this baby out now!” she got up to walk around.  Cameron just looked at her, “Honey, I don’t think it works like. The baby’s not going to just slide out when you command it to do so.” She gave him The Evil Eye. He tried to smooth over the situation, “Why don’t you just relax. The baby will come when he or she is ready.” The conversation started to become tenser. He tried yet again to smooth things over, “How about a day at the spa? A foot massage, a facial, a day of relaxation.” He was trying the best he could to make her feel better. She was uncomfortable and even he was hoping the baby would hurry up and come.   

Lilly apologized, “I’m sorry Cameron, it’s just exhausting. I can’t sleep, I’m anxious.” He smiled at her and leaned down to rub her protruding belly, “I know honey.” She went to sit down back on the couch. Cameron knelt down to kiss her stomach, “Everything is going to be fine. It’s common to feel this way.” “What if something goes wrong?” she whispered. “I promise. It will be alright.” They smiled at each other and enjoyed the quiet in the house. It would not be long before the peace and quiet would be interrupted.

***  

The girls came over to have lunch with the expecting mother. “Are you excited?” Summer asked. “I’m more anxious than anything and a bit worried.” Lilly replied, “it really only hit me a few weeks ago that I was going to be a mom. Just the feeling of the baby moving around is such a wonderful yet weird feeling. There’s life growing me, you know.”
“Aw…” the girls said in unison. “But I want this baby out now…” Lilly interjected. “Oh...” they said again in unison. It became awkwardly quiet. “So, any names yet?” Summer asked. “We have a few but we’ll decide once we see the baby.” “I can’t believe you don’t want to know the gender.” Emma added, “I’d be too excited not to know.”  “Does Cameron want to know?” Zoe asked. “Yea but I said no.”
“Ah Lilly, you really are acting like a wife: Total control of everything.” Emma remarked. They all laughed. Summer and Lilly decided to play so video games while Zoe read and Emma swam. Though she was enjoying her friends’ company Lilly still could not shake the feeling that something was off.  

***   

Lilly called her mother-in-law Constance to discuss the way she was feeling. “I just don’t feel right Constance.” Lilly explained. “You don’t feel right how?” there was a bit of panic in her voice. “I mean I feel like there’s something off with the baby. I don’t know how to explain it.”

Constance giggled, “That’s completely normal. You are just experiencing the jitters. What has you doctor said?” Lilly sighed, “I saw him yesterday. He said everything was fine. Development was going well. Heart rate was great.” There was silence. “Lilly sweetie, you’re going to be fine. I felt the same way with Cameron. It’s normal for a new mom, any mom really.” “She truly was Cameron’s mother.” Lilly thought. “Okay Constance. I had better make dinner for Cameron and me. I’ll keep you updated.”

Lilly and Cameron spent the evening after dinner catching up on their hobbies. Cameron played a new song that Eric had written and Lilly caught up reading some baby books. She still could not shake this unnerving feeling that she had. She figured she would call the doctor again in the morning, just to be sure. 

***

Cameron had gone to Eric’s place to practice his guitar. He reminded Lilly over a dozen times to call him if she needed anything. She was sitting comfortably on the couch after she had finished her breakfast and figured she would watch some TV. Suddenly the phone rang so Lilly got up to answer it. Lilly’s vision became blurry and a sudden pain hit her side, before she knew it, she was on the floor. The phone continued to ring and Lilly lay lifeless on the floor…

Lilly woke up in an ambulance apparently on her way to the hospital. Cameron came back to get some sheet music he had left and found her on floor. He held her hand as they rode to the hospital all while trying to fight back the tears in his eyes. “Hey honey. Everything is going to be okay. Your bloody pressure was a little high and you blacked out.” Lilly was still a little foggy so she didn’t respond. They made into the hospital and then were rushed to see the doctor. There was so much commotion going on as nurses and doctors rushed to find out what was wrong with the mother and the unborn child.

After everything calmed down, Dr. Blanchard made his way to see her. “Well it does look like you blood pressure was a little high and that did cause the black out.” Before he could continue, Cameron interrupted, “So when everything clears up she can go home right?” Dr. Blanchard took a deep breathe, “Actually Cameron, Lilly there’s an issue with the babies. They’re under stress so looks like Lilly's having them today.”

They did not respond right away then it hit Cameron “I’m sorry? Did you say babies, as in more than one?” The doctor looked puzzled, “Yeah. It’s twins. I thought I told Lilly that.” They both looked at her. “You…may…have.” She answered uncertain. “Well everything will be fine. We’ll get you both prepped for the C-Section.” He said and then left the room. Cameron sat there completely stunned, “TWO?” Lilly laughed, “Honey relax, everything will be fine.”  “I knew something like this would happen.” She thought as she let out a heavy sigh. Lilly was wheeled away with Cameron by her side after about 45 minutes. It was just a matter of time before their babies took their first breath.

*** 

After what seemed like forever at the hospital, the doctors released Lilly and the babies. “Thank God. I can’t stay here any longer.” Cameron complained. Lilly just looked at him, “Just grab the bags let’s go home.”

They made it home and quietly tiptoed to put the babies in their swings. Erik and the girls helped prepare the house for the “extra” guest. Therefore, the house was fit for Cameron and Lilly’s bundle…or now bundles of joy.

The new parents just stared. “I can’t believe they’re ours. I mean, I know this was coming but they’re finally here.” Lilly said. Cameron was quiet and shocked at the same time, “Two. There’s two of them.” He mumbled. “Yea that’s usually what twins means.” She responded sarcastically. One of the babies began to fuss, “Oh it’s okay baby girl. It’s okay Willow.” Cameron said as he picked her up. “Wait I thought, I thought that was Amelia.” Lilly said perplexed. “I think it is.” Cameron replied. “Well check her bracelet!” Lilly panicked. “What bracelets?” the new father asked. Lilly’s jaw dropped, “You took off the bracelets!!!!” She quickly picked up Willow...or Amelia, "What do we do?" Cameron chuckled, "Don't worry. I'll change their blankets in a minute. Make it easier." He laughed while holding one of the babies, "This is Amelia, I’m sure of it.” “Are you positive?”

 Lilly asked. He didn’t reply. “Well please figure it out, I’m going to take a shower.” She remarked. As he played with one of his daughters he whispered, “Don’t worry Amelia, we’ll get the hang of this. I promise you both.” He held Amelia and watched as Willow slept in her swing.

“I’m a daddy.” He said.

Introducing Willow and Amelia Palmer (Generation 2):  

Can the new parents hold it together or will the pressure of parenthood pull them apart?”

*End of Chapter 13*

 Coming up: Chapter 14: Busy, Beautiful, Babies. 

Chapter 12: "I do, I will"

With work, wedding planning and a new baby on the way: Cameron and Lilly 

were exhausted. There had been so much to do, with what seemed like so little time to do it. Bryce and Stella came to visit along with Eva, they were such a big help with everything that was going on. Stella helped plan the dresses for the girls and Bryce helped with the men’s tuxedos. Everything was being planned down to the flowers. Lilly was also excited to wear the dress that Constance had made for her; she was just hoping she could fit into it. “I need to call the chapel to make sure we’re reserved?” Lilly was trying hard not to panic. “For the fourth time honey, yes, everything is set up.” Constance replied trying not to upset the pregnant Bridezilla. It had three months since Lilly found out she was going to be having a baby. Everyone was excited for them but Lilly found herself at times wishing her Grandfather could have been there. “Okay I’m just checking Cameron.” She replied trying to not to sound so irritated. Her morning sickness had started to subside, much to her relief, there were enough things going on that made her want to throw up. 

“Lilly you shouldn’t worry so much it’s not good for you.” Constance reminded her. The wedding was only in a few days. It seemed rushed at first but Lilly didn’t want to waste any time, they still had to plan a nursery. “A nursery, wow a nursery.” She could not believe it still. “Lilly, we have to do one last fitting of your dress.” Stella called out to her. “Okay I’m coming.” She answered back.  

***
Cameron was working out when Bryce came to him to talk, “How are things going kiddo?” “There are pretty good actually. We had, well I had, a rough start when we got here.,” he told him. “What do you mean? Is everything okay?” Bryce became concerned. “What do you know about Jason Porter?” he figured he just come out and ask. “Jason Porter? He is a handful if I say so myself. Well more of a spoiled brat but the last time I checked his dad had disowned him.” Bryce told him, “He’s had some trouble with the law over the past few years. He was dragging the family name through the mud so to speak.” “Well he’s had eyes for Lilly ever since we got here. I don’t like him, period.” Cameron tried to maintain his composure. “Yea I’m not surprised actually. I am sorry he was the first person you had to meet. He was the only one around. His father and I work a lot together.” Bryce frowned, “Just do yourself a favor and stay away from him. He’ll just bring trouble and you can’t have that with Lilly and a new baby on the way.” Cameron sighed, “Yea I know. Erik apparently had a talk with him and I haven’t seen him since before the funeral.” “That may be a good sign then.”  Constance called them to dinner, “Guess we better eat.” Lilly and Cameron would soon be husband and wife with a new baby in a few months. It was all exciting and scary at the same time but they were both ready for it.  Bryce was right though, he had to let it go, for now.

***

It was the morning of the wedding and the house was full of wedding party members and loved ones. They all had to be at the chapel by 12 p.m. and the wedding started at 1 p.m. “I feel sick and bloated.” Lilly said. “That’s not bloat honey, that’s probably just baby. You’re glowing though.” Emma told her, "Though I think that might be sweat." Everyone just looked at her. “What did I say?”  “Just get your butt dressed already.” Summer insisted. Summer originally intended to walk down the aisle with Bryce but that morning he pulled Lilly aside, “I know it’s been really hard since Ben passed. I know he’d love to be here with you on your special day. If you wouldn’t mind, I would love to walk my daughter-in-law down that aisle.”  Lilly was surprised by his request, “I’d be honored if you would. Thank so much.” Bryce took a deep breathe Lilly you have no idea how much you mean to Cameron. I may have missed a lot of his life, but I am happy to be here and share this moment with you two.” They hugged each other and in that moment she realized just how much Cameron was like his dad. She knew he would make a great father to their unborn child.  

Everyone tried to hold their composure as everyone headed to the chapel. Constance was nervous as fixed up Lilly’s hair. “You looks so beautiful honey.” She tired fighting back the tears, “I’m so happy you’re a part of this family and I’m going to be a grandmother.” “Constance stop you’re going to make my makeup run.” They hugged each other close as they waited for the ceremony to begin. This was it: in about 15 minutes, she would be in front of her future husband and taking their vows.   

The wedding chapel was set and everything was ready to begin. Cameron stood at the alter waiting and took a deep breathe. “This is it.” he thought, “We’re getting married.”  The music became and as Eric and Emma walked down the aisle, Cameron’s heart jumped and he started to sweat a bit. Summer was next down the aisle and again Cameron’s heart jumped. Finally lead by Little Eva, Lilly and Bryce made their way down the aisle. “She’s so beautiful.” Cameron whispered. She truly was. Lilly looked at Bryce and smiled and said “Here we go.” Bryce was more than happy to give Lilly away to his son, he congratulated Cameron one last time and sat down.

 Lilly and Cameron stood face to face as their family and friends looked on to watch them exchange vows. Cameron cleared his throat, “I’ve never met someone so beautiful in my life. Since the first time I saw you I knew we were meant to be. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, have babies with you, making sure that you and our family are cared for. I love you and I will prove that to you every day as long as I shall live.” Lilly smiled, “I remember the first time I saw you: You were walking in the cafeteria and slipped on a puddle only to land right at my feet. You are clumsy, funny, sweet, sensitive and caring. You make me the happiest woman in the world and I love every minute that I am with you. I want to live my life with you. Through the good, the bad and yes even the ugly. I promise to stand by your side as your wife, your lover and your friend.”  

They began to exchange rings, “I, Cameron Joseph Palmer, take you Lillibeth Paige Weber to be my lawfully wedded wife. To love and cherish you for as long as I shall live.” recited Cameron. Lilly took another deep breathe, “I, Lillibeth Paige Weber take you Cameron Anthony Palmer to be my lawfully wedded husband. To love and cherish you for as long as I shall live.” They smiled at each other and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Their family and friends applauded at the joyous moment.

*Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Palmer *

*** 

The reception went on for hours. The newlyweds took some time to enjoy their first dance as husband and wife. They all danced, ate and had a blast. Cameron and Lilly were busting moves all over the place. When it was all said and done, the couple went home to enjoy each other’s company. They had not planned a honeymoon, Lilly wasn’t up for traveling and everything. But they cuddled together on the bed and talked into the night. “I can’t believe we’re married. I mean, I know we had planned it for years, but we’re finally married with a baby on the way.” Cameron whispered to her. “I know I can’t wait to see our little bundle of joy. We haven’t even thought of names yet.” Lilly responded. “I thought of so many that I’ve lost count.” He laughed. “Cameron Jr. if it’s a boy!” she squealed. Her husband frowned, “No. No and hell no!” “Why not? I think it’s cute.” She was surprised by his reaction. “As much as I like my name, No!” Cameron insisted. “Okay fine, fine. We’ll come up with some other ones. Not to mention we need to start on the nursery.” “Yea Eric said he’d help with that. We’ll figure all of that out, in the meantime…” before he could finish Lilly was out like a light.

Cameron kissed her forehead and sighed, “I love you both so much.” He said as he rubbed her belly. They were now husband and wife, soon they would be a mother and a father. Cameron could not wait.   

* End of Chapter 12* 

Coming up: Baby Bundle

Chapter 11: Celebration(s)

*A month Later*

The funeral had taken a lot of energy out of Lilly; she had shut down emotionally and mentally. She and Cameron had finally gotten back into their usual routine back at home. Despite the circumstances, Cameron had been glad to see his mom again. She was excited that Cameron had proposed and wanted to know all the details about the wedding as they planned. “So what shall we do to celebrate this joyous occasion?” Cameron asked Lilly while they sat watching TV. Lilly snapped out of her deep thoughts. “What joyous occasion?!” she panicked. She still had not told Cameron she might be pregnant. “Well I was thinking we could just go out to celebrate the engagement just the two of us. It’s been a while since we’ve been out together, being so busy and all.” Cameron did not even respond to her reaction. “Yea that sounds great Cameron.” She replied. Lilly wanted to tell Cameron so bad but with how busy they had been she wondered if now was the right time; Cameron loved kids and so did Lilly. They always talked about having 3-4 kids maybe more and he used to joke that he hoped they looked just like her. “You seem distracted by something. Are you okay?” he asked her. 

“Yea I’m doing fine. I’m just thinking about what I’m going to wear to dinner.” She smiled at him but thousands of thoughts were running through her head. He smiled back, “I’m sure whatever you decide will look great.” They cuddled together on the sofa. Lilly figured she had to call Zoe to see what she thought.  

*** 

Zoe seemed to be more excited than Lilly when she came over that afternoon. “Wedding! Wedding! We’re gonna plan a wedding!” Zoe pranced around yelling. “What are you four years old?” chimed in Summer. Zoe glared at her, “What are you doing here anyway?” “Emma’s busy at work so I needed something to do, but enough about that, what’s the plan for the wedding anyway Lilly?”  Lilly was again zoned out and off in Lala Land. “Lilly!?”  called Zoe.

“What? I’m not pregnant!” she blurted out. Zoe’s mouth fell open, “You’re not what? Did you say pregnant?” “We’re having a baby! We’re having a baby!” yelled Summer. “Now who’s acting like they’re four?” Zoe said sarcastically. “Okay enough you two. I might be pregnant and I have not told Cameron yet so please shush!” Cameron was out at the gym but she did not want him walking in at that exact moment. “I’m not sure how and when to tell him.” Lilly continued. Summer smiled and said, “Well you better tell him before the small human being comes out of your…” “SHUT IT!” snapped Zoe trying not to laugh, “But Summer’s right. You do have to tell him before you have to let out your wedding dress to accommodate the miniature human that’s potentially growing inside you.”   

 

“Thanks for making me feel even more nervous than I already am ladies.” Lilly tried not to vomit right there on the spot. “Did you take a pregnancy test?” Summer asked. “Yea but I couldn’t really tell.” Lilly sat down. “Then get your ass to the damn doctor. Seriously we’ll go with you if you want us to.” Zoe was trying to be as supportive as possible but her curiosity is getting to her. “You think I should?” Lilly asked. “Lilly I love you and all but are you really this dense?” Summer blurted out. “Thanks Summer, that’s not hurtful at all.” Lilly rolled her eyes. “Come on now. You have to find out for sure AND you have to tell Cameron. You guys made this together…you two did make this together right?” Zoe giggled. “What the hell does that mean, yes we made it together!” Lilly was thinking she was better off talking to strangers.  “I’m just asking honestly. You and Jason had gotten close at one point.”  

“Thanks for thinking of me that way. Jason’s not my type, despite his flirting and all, he makes me uneasy.” Lilly shuddered. “Well trust me we’ve all seen that look he gives you. He wants you but I’m glad to see you’re not falling for his lines.” Zoe told her. “OKAY! Enough about Jason let’s go to the doctor, like NOW!” Summer interrupted. Lilly sighed, “Yea let’s get this over with.”  They grabbed their things and headed out.

*** 

Eric had received a phone call from a drunken Jason the night before. He headed over to Jason’s place to see what he wanted. “JASON! What the hell did you call me for?” He yelled out as he slammed the front door. “Yo! Erik! Wat up?” Erik was slurring his words left and right. “Great, you’re still drunk. What the hell do you want?” Erik was less than please to be there but there he was. “I need your help with something. I need you to help get that shithead Cameron out of the way.” He tried to sit up on the couch but that seemed difficult in his state, “I want Lilly but that douche is standing in the way of everything.” “Yes. That’s right because Cameron’s really the douche in this situation.” Erik was pissed, “Listen ass wipe. I really could give a shit what you want, I’m not helping you.”

“Aren’t we a little uptight? What still pissed off about your sister? I apologized to her and she’s forgiven me.” Jason insisted. “No you didn’t and no she hasn’t.” Erik replied. “Well that just sounds like it’s your problem not mine.” Jason gave that evil smirk again. “I could say the same about your problem. You are not going to get in-between Cameron and Lilly; they’ve been together since they were kids.” Erik remarked. “Yea that’s TOO long if you ask me.” Jason scoffed. “Well no one actually asked. Besides, apparently you haven’t heard: They got engaged a couple weeks ago.” Erik laughed. “You can’t be serious?” Jason was actually stunned. “Cameron is also pretty sure Lilly is pregnant too.” Erik added. Cameron had confided in him about it. He was not completely sure since Lilly had not come to him but he had this sense something was going on. Jason did not reply to the news. “Listen Jason, I hate you, I honestly do. Though I can tell that you like, maybe even love Lilly, but you do not deserve someone like her or Zoe. So until you get that through your thick skull…” 

“Listen you little shit I’ve had enough of this!” Jason yelled as he stood up. Erik quickly snatched him up, “NO! You listen! You stay away from us, all of us. Lilly, Zoe, Summer, Emma and as well as Cameron and I. Keep your distance or I’ll personally put you six feet under.” He threw Jason back on the couch and walked away. Jason, in his drunken stupor, sat there in shock. “Whatever!” he thought to himself. Erik left the house and headed back home, “I can’t believe that guy!” he thought. 

***

   The girls went to visit a local doctor in town that ran his office out of his home. They sat in the waiting area, all three were nervous. “What if I am pregnant?” Lilly asked. “And what if you are?” Summer asked, “You and Cameron love each other so much. Everyone can see that. This would be a great thing for you two.” “Yea you’re probably right. It is all so sudden; I always thought we would plan for this you know.” Lilly admitted. “We can’t plan every aspect of our lives. Everything happens for a reason I believe.” Zoe assured her.

“Lillibeth Weber?” called Dr. Blanchard, “why don’t you come on back.” “Good Luck.” Summer whispered. Lilly walked into the exam room/office. “This is it.” She thought. Lilly sat on the exam table waiting for the doctor to come back in after he ran some tests. Again, she found herself wanting to throw up all over the place. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or “Morning Sickness.”  At any moment the doctor could tell her that she was responsible for the life of another human being. Her career would have to be on hold, she had been busting her butt the last few weeks with everything and she would now have to slow down. She sighed, “Relax Lilly. You can so this, we can do this.” Dr. Blanchard came back into the room, “You look a bit nervous Lillibeth.” He smiled. “Yea just a bit I guess. So what’s the news?” she wasn’t up for chit-chat. “Looks like you are pregnant.” The doctor smiled. Lilly’s heart jumped. “How far along?” she asked. “Well lie back and let’s see.” He pulled her blouse up a bit and examined her belly then did an ultrasound. After a few minutes, he sat her up and sat down himself. “It appears you’re about 11 weeks pregnant.” He sensed her worry, “Lillibeth, were you planning to keep the baby.”

“Huh? Oh yes I was. I’m just a little relieved, surprised, excited and scared.” She gave an awkward smile. “I can understand that. I have four kids and I felt the same each time I found about my wife and I were having them. But I am going to write you a prescription for prenatal vitamins. Everything seems to be fine, the baby is growing nicely so I want to see you back in a month okay?” He told her. “Yes sir. I’ll be here.” She realized she was smiling, “We’re having a wedding…and a baby.”

***  

Four days later, Lilly and Cameron were going over wedding plans. Cameron was a bit quiet before he finally decided to ask. “So when’s the baby due.” He sat back and smiled. “WHO TOLD YOU!?” she yelled. “Are you kidding me? Look at your face. You are beaming and not just about the wedding. You throw up at least five times day. That and Summer confirmed it for me.” He laughed. “I’m going to kill her.,” thought Lilly. “In about six-seven months…” she told him. “ He grabbed her and kissed her, “That’s great news Lil.” “You’re not worried?” she asked. “What about this? Hell no, I know we can do this. We have talked about it for years. Don’t worry we’ll take it one day at a time.” Cameron reassured her.

They embraced each other. “We’re having a baby.” they both thought to themselves.  

Looks like in the end the Palmer Family had more than one thing to celebrate.  

*End of Chapter 11*

Coming up: Chapter 12: “I do, I will.”  

Chapter 10: Heartbreak

Four months in Starlight Shores, Cameron and Lilly were as busy as ever. Cameron was working out almost every day and Lilly was busy taking cooking classes and participating in catering jobs with Zoe. Most days they both came how and passed out on the bed. It was early on a Sunday morning; Cameron and Lilly were at the breakfast table enjoying each other’s company.  “I never realized how uptight people around here can be. That catering job Zoe and I went to on Friday, the wife did nothing but complained about the food not being set up the way she wanted it to be. She had us change the set up at least five times. I’m pretty sure she didn’t even mingle with her guests. She was too busy pointing out every flaw.” Lilly was telling Cameron, though he wasn’t really listening. “Uh huh.” He mumbled.  

“Are you okay? You seem distracted” she asked him. “Just thinking about some things. Work has been hectic for both of us. WE haven't have much time together in the past few weeks." he replied. "You are right about that. We can plan something next weekend if you're not busy." she smiled. "I'll have to see. It's supposed to be a busy week. The owner of the team is coming by." he didn't look too thrilled. "You look worried." she giggled a little. "Well I haven't met the guy yet, he's coming to watch us practice. So hell yea I'm nervous." "Okay. Okay I get it. Maybe I can come..." before she could finish her sentence the phone rang. "Hold on a second." Lilly jumped to answer it.

  “Hello?” She answered. “Lilly? Glad I could reach you.” It was Constance, “Something’s happened honey.” Cameron looked over at Lilly on the phone and her face was as white as a cotton ball. There was only the sound of the phone hitting the ground and shattering that filled the room. “What’s wrong??” Cameron yelled panicked. “My…My grandpa had a heart attack. He’s gone Cameron. He’s gone.” She was shaking and her eyes filled with tears as she fell into Cameron’s arms. Cameron was trying to process the information that he was given. “This couldn't really be happening?” he thought. 

***

Cameron and Lilly caught the next flight back home. He still could not wrap his head around what was going on: Ben Weber was gone. What bothered Cameron the most was the fact Ben convinced Lilly to move and leave him behind; Cameron felt responsible.  Lilly had spent the last day or so curled up in the bed, she didn’t eat, she didn't speak and it took some pushing from Zoe to get her to even shower. Cameron was trying not to worry too much about her but let’s face it, Lillibeth Weber was orphaned at the age of five and was sent to live with a man she didn’t really know. He was there for her though. He loved her with so much of his heart and now it seemed that heart just gave out. He was not sure of what to say to her to comfort her. The words of encouragement just were not coming to him at the moment.  

Constance told Cameron the details when he called her back: Constance had left to get groceries; she was only gone for 30 minutes. Since Ben said he wanted to stay and clean she thought he would be okay. When Constance returned she found Ben on the ground barely breathing. Even with Constance's efforts, Ben died before the paramedics could get there. They were all hurt and at a loss for words. It’s all part of life but no one thought it would happen this soon. “Lilly we’re here.” Cameron told her as the cab pulled up in front of the house. Lilly could barely get out, “Okay. I’m coming.” Constance met them at the door and gave them both a comforting hug. She had made the funeral arrangements and had planned it for the next morning. Lilly wasn’t ready to bury her grandpa, or even ready to think about it. So she went up to her old room and just curled up on the bed to cry. Cameron gave her the space she needed and helped his mother set up for the next morning.

*** 

 The next morning everyone was moving somewhat slow and the atmosphere was somber. No one said much as while they finished setting up for the viewing. “Cameron have you said anything to her yet?” Constance asked her son. “Like what? I’m honestly bewildered here. I want to say something so bad but I can just see that Lil is heartbroken. I want to hug and hold her but I’m scared to touch her.” Cameron confessed. “Well Cam, maybe that’s exactly what she needs right now, someone else that loves her to hold her and let her know things will be alright.” Constance gave a gentle smile and walked away.Constance invited a few neighbors to the funeral since Ben kept to himself most of the time. They were his poker buddies that he had known for a long time. It was hard to see the lifeless body lying the large oak box. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot to us.” That's all that Lilly could say as her and Cameron stood by the coffin greeting guests. 

 

It was finally time to lay Ben to rest, the guests and the family made their way to the cemetery. Lilly lagged behind on the way to the burial site. Cameron figured he had to say something, “Lilly. I know this isn’t going to be easy for you but we're going to help you through this. Let’s do this together.” Lilly sighed, “I can’t Cameron. I don’t want him to be gone. I still keep thinking if I go back home now he’ll be sitting on the front porch waiting for me to come home from school. I can’t say goodbye.” “I know honey but it’s time.” Lilly knew that he was right and gathered up the strength to make it to the burial site. The service ended and as the guests said their final “goodbyes”, Cameron whispered to Lilly, “It’s okay Lilly. It’s okay to let him go.” That was all he had to say Lilly broke down and cried for Benjamin Gordon Weber, she cried for her parents that laid next to him. She let out all the emotion and heartache she’d been carrying around for over a decade. 

Cameron held Lilly as walked back to car and all the way back to the house. “I’m going to clean up a bit.” Constance told Cameron. “Okay I’m going to take Lilly upstairs and rest a bit myself.”  

***

Lilly decided to take a bath while Cameron rested on bed. He had so many thoughts running through his head: he still had to tell Lilly what happened to Zoe, Lilly was going through so much at the moment and what about his mother? “I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time now, maybe now is the time…” His thoughts we interrupted by Lilly coming out of the bathroom. She went and sat in the chair in the corner of room. “Cameron? What now? What about your mother and the house?” Cameron laid there, “She said she would be fine. She’s planning on getting a renter or two to take care of the house and all. What about you are you okay?” 

“I don’t know. I’m fine I guess. It’s all starting to set in a bit but I still expect him to be downstairs eating breakfast in the morning. It will take some time I know it will but I’ll be fine.” Cameron became nervous, “There’s something that I need to do. I’ve been wanting to do it for months now.” He cleared his throat. “I hope you don’t think this is wrong at a time like this, but stand up for a second…” He walked over to her and grabbed her hands. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. Now some might say that’s stupid and naïve but I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I promised your grandfather that I’d take care of you and I want to keep that promise. 

With that being said, Lillibeth Paige Weber, would you marry me?” Lilly was shocked and tried holding back her tears, “Are you serious? Oh my gosh Cameron…” she was stunned but yelled “Yes!” excitedly. While they embraced each other Cameron whispered in her ear, “All I want to do is love you and take care of you for as long as I’m living.” 

Before Lilly could reply her face turned pale, “Oh! I think…I’m gonna…be sick!” she bolted to the bathroom leaving her new fiancee standing there. “Well that wasn’t the response you would want.” he thought. Cameron waited a few minutes before entering the bathroom, “Are you okay Lilly? Too much going on I know. I wasn’t expecting that reaction.” She gave him a small smile but was busy with her face in the porcelain bowl. “I can’t tell him yet. Not yet.” She thought to herself, “Maybe it’s time I head to bed anyway.”  Lilly laid down on the bed and it wasn’t long before she was asleep. Cameron stood and watched her sleep. “After some rest she’ll feel better.” He had no clue there more to the story.  

**End of Chapter 10**

Coming up Chapter 11: Celebration(s)