Page 87 of Penalty Kiss
"Complicated when brain injury's involved," I finish. "I know. But it's also why he's improving instead of declining. Purpose matters. Connection matters. Being valued for who you are, not just what you produce—that matters too."
I meet his steady gaze. "I'm not a medical personnel. I can't fix what's wrong with his brain. But I can love what's right with his heart. Sometimes that's the medicine that matters most."
Erik studies me for a moment, then does something unexpected. He smiles—genuinely warm and approving.
“Cam,” he says, using the nickname with affection, “she’s good for you. And I can see you’re good for her, too.”
And just like that, my six-foot-three hockey player lights up like Christmas morning. The grin that spreads across his face is pure joy, boyish and unguarded.
"She is, isn't she?" He looks at me like I hung the moon. "I can't believe she puts up with me."
"Cameron," Hana sighs fondly, "you're such a sap."
"The sappiest," he agrees cheerfully, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Lucky for me, she likes saps."
Relief floods through me so fast it's dizzying. I passed. Somehow, impossibly, I passed the Wilder family inspection.
“Alright, let’s shake on it, Dad. No more ‘come hail or lightning’ summons to drag me back to Texas.”
Erik stands up and pumps Cam’s hand. "Alright, deal. But we’re staying a few days anyways. Get a better sense of your routine, support system in this town.”
‘This is good!” Hana announces. “I’d love to check out those little shops around this quaint town this afternoon. Let’s go shopping, Tara.”
Cam’s expression is caught between mortification and affection. His mother’s already plotting girls’ days and probably scouting wedding venues.
“I want to hear everything about this town that captured my son’s heart. Oh! Isn’t the original Winslow Confections store here? Their shop in Fort Worth is always packed. Sugar Jar, right?”
I laugh softly. “That’s Candy Jar you’re thinking of. They are huge! Lily Johansen took it big—rebranded as Winslow Confections after her dad. They’re everywhere now, but around here? It’s still the heart of the town. Same recipes, same small-town soul… just wrapped for the world.”
“She’s actually Levi’s wife, Mom,” Cam adds with a grin, the quick quip landing like proof his memory’s just fine.
Hana’s eyes light up. “Oh, what a small world! I’d love to talk with her about my little banchan shops. Maybe pick her brain on how to scale.”
Luke elbows Cam with a grin. “Bro, maybe you and I should hit Mega Max Velocity Park. Have a race. Settle some old scores.”
Erik chuckles, leaning back. “Hey, your old man might join in. Picked up a move or two during Desert Storm. When you’re stuck in the desert on downtime, you learn to make those Humvees do things they probably shouldn’t.”
Before Cam can sign up, I step in quickly.
“Actually…” I keep my tone light but firm.
“In my humble opinion, that might not be the best idea right now. The noise, the overload—it can be too much for him.”
A flicker of color rises in both their faces, father and son caught off guard. And just like that, I realize—I’ve passed the ultimate test. They don’t see me as an outsider anymore. They see me as Cam’s.
Or, Cam’s mine.
I am still smiling over this thought when my phone rings unceremoniously.
The number on my screen turns my blood to slush.
One I recognize. One I haven't seen in months. One burned into my perfect, terrible memory.
"Excuse me," I say, pushing back from the table. "I need to take this."
Cam's eyes sharpen with concern, but I force brightness. "I’ll be right back."
I step onto the hotel's covered terrace, mountain air crisp against suddenly flushed skin. Around me, Cedar Falls continues its peaceful morning routine—tourists browsing, locals walking dogs, the kind of scene that makes you believe everything will be fine.
