Page 83 of Only in Our Dream
“You’re okay.”
“I don’t know why this has been bugging me so much lately.” Letting go of Isla, Melanie wiped her eyes as she leaned back on the counter. “I’ve loved Cameron for years, but I told myself it was just because she was my best friend. I loved her like I loved you.”
“Except you never looked at me that way.”
“Except I never looked at you that way,” Melanie repeated with a sigh. “I know there’s no point in thinking about the what ifs but it’s so hard when they’re so loud in my brain.”
“I get it, Mel. I do, really. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Blake or wonder what she’d be doing if she were with us. It’s hard, and I can’t tell you that will ever stop. But you have to look on the positive side now. Yougetto love Cameron for the rest of your life now. Nothing can stop you from doing that now.”
“She’s right, Mel.” Sheepishly, Vera walked into the kitchen. “I’m sorry for making you upset.”
“It’s okay.” She held her arms out to Vera as the two hugged. “I know how you often speak before you think.”
“Preach,” Isla chuckled.
“Oh, be nice. Both of you.” Vera rolled her eyes at them. “But seriously, Mel, I’m sorry. I think all the photos look great and that everything you’ve planned for Cameron is perfect. She’s going to love it.”
“Thanks, Vera.”
“But now we just need to get you out of these clothes. Where did you put your stuff?”
“Guest room.”
“Then let’s go.”
The trio trekked across the house to the guest room on the lower level. Over the years, the room had been many things from a playroom for the kids to a home office for Cameron. She’d converted it into a guest room after her father died, just in case her mother wanted to come live with them. Which of course Wilma Dean didn’t. But it had come in handy for when she visited.
Melanie had laid the pantsuit out on the bed when she’d arrived at the house hours ago. The heels she planned on wearing with it sat on the floor, along with a small cosmetic bag. She wasn’t one to wear much makeup as she mainly only went to work. However, the special occasion called for a little more glam.
Thankfully, Isla and Vera were right there to help her. They straightened her hair and applied her makeup as if they were the big sisters she never had. Melanie felt so pampered she could have imagined it was her own birthday. As Vera applied a final touch of lipstick to Melanie’s lips, she stood back by Isla as they seemed to admire her.
“I think we did a good job.”
“You think Cam will like it?”
“She’ll love it,” they answered in unison.
Taking a deep breath, Melanie stood from the swivel chair they’d pulled over from the desk and turned to look at herself in the mirror. She had to give herself credit, as she looked damn good. The green button-up she’d chosen matched her eyes almost perfectly while the suit looked like it had been tailor-made for her instead of off the rack. Her heels were cute but not uncomfortable which was a lifesaver. Isla and Vera had done wonders with her hair and makeup. Melanie felt like a new woman as she turned to the side to check out her reflection from every angle.
“Cam isn’t going to know what hit her,” Vera said with a wink.
“Thank you for helping me get ready.”
“You’re welcome, Mel. You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” She felt her cheeks redden as she exited the bathroom with them. Isla and Vera still had to change so she left them in the guest room to change in peace.
Melanie made a final sweep of the house to make sure everything was set up perfectly for the party. The dining room table was cleared for gifts except for an enormous bouquet of fifty roses. It appeared Vera had bundled the fifty balloons in groups of five before tying them onto the dining room chairs that had been pushed to behind the table. She stopped at the one of the two gifts currently on the table and ran her hand over it.
The night before, she’d painstakingly wrapped the gift in sparkling pink paper. It not only matched the theme of the party, but Melanie knew Cameron would love it. Just as much as she would love what was inside. Biting her lip to stop her smile from spreading too wide, Melanie walked into the kitchen.
With Isla and Vera’s help, they got all the food out and ready for the party. Melanie made sure the cake was the centerpiece, knowing it would be what Cameron was most excited about anyway. Cameron loved vanilla cake with buttercream, and that was exactly what Melanie had gotten her from Carlson’s Bakery. She’d hadhappy birthday Camwritten on the cake in a pink buttercream.
On the kitchen island, they set out a variety of chips, dips, and other snacks. She took the charcuterie boards out of the refrigerator and placed them on the island as well. Cameron’s favorite wine was chilling in the cooler. Isla set up a miniature bar in one corner of the kitchen while Vera set out a variety of sodas and bottles of water on the counter as well.
“I think we did pretty good.”
“Do you think she’ll be surprised?”
