Chapter 13

thirteen

Fiona scanned the mile-long list on her iPad while a waiter placed a large baked brie and fruit tray on the long table. A decorative basket of various crackers came next. "Those are the gluten-free variety?" she asked.

The waiter nodded. "I took them out of the packaging myself."

She had no idea if Brady even liked brie, but she'd ensured he would have several snacking options at his great-grandpa's party. "That's perfect. Thank you so much."

"No problem."

Her gaze wandered to the white lily and blue hydrangea table flowers and arrangements she'd placed around the gorgeous garden-front room, then to the deejay already set up by the dance floor. She noted the waitstaff preparing the shrimp cocktail and oyster bar and the chef readying his carving station. The cake table looked like perfection, with the gluten-free buttercream cupcakes arranged and complimenting the two-tiered work of art.

"It's exactly right," she muttered, satisfied that Maple Ridge Country Club was more than proficient at pulling together a last-minute event. But she wasn't all that surprised. The facility's upscale reputation and spectacular mountain views made it a popular wedding destination.

Ready for the finishing touches, she grabbed a lighter from the shelf, lighting the various tapers, votives, and pillar candles scattered throughout the massive space.

Nearly twenty minutes later, the deejay started his first set as she lit the last wick. She turned a quick circle, making certain everything was all set for the one hundred and two confirmed guests who would be arriving shortly.

"Oh my goodness . This place is gorgeous ."

Fiona smiled as Ellie and Danny walked in, both of them looking fantastic as their gazes tracked around the room. Ellie wore her hair in a simple updo that complemented her summery seafoam-blue dress and pretty face, and Danny had chosen khaki slacks and a dark-blue sports coat. "I'm glad you like it."

Danny's friendly blue eyes sparkled as he grinned. "Fiona, it's been way too long, honey."

She stepped into his arms, holding on as the only father figure she'd ever known wrapped her in a tight hug. His sideburns were more gray than dark brown, yet he was just as handsome and fit as she remembered. Cam had inherited Danny's height and great smile. "It's so good to see you."

He eased back. "You're as beautiful as ever. And you've made this place shine."

"Thank you." She hugged Ellie next. "You look lovely tonight."

"Right back at you, baby doll." She kissed Fiona's cheek. "I don't know how to thank you for making this happen for us."

"It was truly my pleasure."

"Seattle's event scene is certainly lucky to have you. But they can't have you back yet."

She grinned. "Not for a few more weeks."

"You're causing quite a buzz right here in Maple Ridge. I'm hearing nothing but good things about your talents. Kelsey's been gushing about her baby shower, and Marielle can't stop talking about Bob's retirement party."

"Aw, that's great to hear." Because helping her clients plan their simpler events had been a welcome change. For the first time in a long time, she'd had the opportunity to make balloon garlands and actually shop for the parties on her books instead of passing off the list to Paul or Paisley so she could move on to her next meeting. "I have a couple more events in the works."

"Feel free to use the office for as long as you want."

Fiona nodded. "I'll definitely take you up on that."

"Good. Now, I want you to remember to enjoy yourself tonight. You're a guest, too."

Fiona nodded again. "I will."

The photographer came over. "How about a shot of the three of you?"

Fiona stood with Ellie and Danny, smiling for the picture.

"Looks great," the man said as the chef stopped next to their small group, politely nodding at Danny and Ellie. "Welcome, folks." He zeroed his attention on Fiona. "If I could steal you away for a minute."

"Of course." She looked at Danny and Ellie. "Have a wonderful time, and let me know if you need anything ."

"We will, honey."

Still in professional mode, Fi snagged her iPad on the way to the kitchen, ready to see what needed to be done.

Cam held Brady's hand as they walked into the hopping event space. One of Grandpa's favorite Lady A songs played through the speakers while people mingled—probably at least sixty guests already. He took it all in—the beautiful flowers and candlelight, the insane spread of all kinds of food. Fi had done a hell of a job.

"Look at the cake ," Brady said as he pulled away, heading for the cake table.

Cam quickly followed, making sure his son remembered that sampling was forbidden for the time being.

Brady licked his lips as he eyed their dessert. "The cupcakes look yummy, too."

"I'm pretty sure Fiona ordered those just for you. They're gluten-free."

Brady beamed. "Can I have one?"

Cam grinned as he shook his head. "Not yet. But I see lots of other food we can have. There's ham and roast beef at the carving station. And I see shrimp cocktail and plenty of vegetables and fruit. The sign says the crackers are gluten-free."

Brady nodded again as he rubbed his belly. "My tummy wants me to eat a lot ."

Cam's smile returned. "Just make sure you and your tummy don't eat so much that you make yourself sick." He fixed the collar on Brady's shirt, estimating that ditching the tie would be their next conversation.

Brady had been thrilled at the idea of matching outfits—navy-blue slacks, white button-down shirts, and striped olive-green ties. But the second Cam knotted the accessory around Brady's neck, his son had started tugging at it.

"Okay, Dad."

Cam opened his mouth to say something else as he looked across the room and managed "holy shit" under his breath while he stared at Fiona.

She'd pulled off professional and sexy-as-hell in a snug knee-length black dress that hugged every glorious curve. The spaghetti straps and scoop neck accentuated delicate shoulders and a tempting tease of cleavage. When she turned to look at something with the events manager, Cam's gaze trailed up the majority of her naked back.

He couldn't take his eyes off her as she faced forward again. She'd done something to her hair, pulling it up in a fancy do while leaving several dark-brown locks loose to frame her stunning face. And her makeup was different. Her eyes were more defined, yet she still looked flawless and natural.

"There's Fiona!" Brady took off across the room.

Cam followed, watching her grin as she saw them both coming. He'd never seen anything better than those big brown eyes lighting up at their approach.

"Hey, guys."

"Fi, you look beautiful."

Her grin returned as their gazes met. "Thank you."

"And we're handsome," Brady said before Fiona could say anything else. "Me and Dad match. And we got our hair cut at the barbershop this morning."

Fiona nodded. "I can tell. Your hair looks great. You two are definitely the most handsome men here."

Brady beamed. "I'm wearing cologne. Dad said it's guy perfume."

Fiona laughed as she bent closer to Brady. "You smell very good."

Brady smiled again. "I'm going to eat lots of food. The crackers are gluten-free."

Her smile was back. "I hope everything tastes delicious."

Cam looked at Brady. "Let's talk for a minute before we head to the tables. What's the most important rule tonight?"

"Don't leave this room without telling you."

Cam nodded. "That's right."

"Even if aliens are coming or I think I'm going to pee my pants," Brady continued.

Cam winced. "Even then."

Fiona laughed one of her big laughs.

Cam couldn't help but chuckle as he looked from Brady to Fiona. His son managed to say funny things at the least appropriate moments. "We covered several scenarios that could potentially nullify the "don't leave without Dad rule" on the way here. It was an interesting drive over."

She laughed again as the photographer stopped in front of them. "How about a picture of you three?"

Brady jumped up and down. "Yeah!"

Cam scooped Brady up, holding him with one arm while he wrapped the other around Fi's shoulders. She returned his embrace, hooking her arm around his waist.

"Everybody smile," the photographer said. "Say cheese."

"Cheese," Brady said as they all grinned.

The man took the picture and then looked at his screen. "Great picture, guys."

Brady wiggled his way down when the man left. "I'm going to get some shrimp."

Cam debated whether to follow but decided against it. Brady was safe here. Plus, he didn't want to be a helicopter parent. "Don't run. Make sure you're polite. Don't touch the cake or cupcakes. And don't take too many shrimp."

"Okay." Brady walked off, making a beeline for the seafood bar.

"He's a shrimp lover," Cam informed Fiona.

"I can't blame him." She touched his arm. "You guys look really great, Cam. Your tie brings out the color of your eyes."

How many times had she told him how much she loved his eyes over the years? "Thanks. This place looks fantastic, Fi. You're incredible at your job."

Her eyes softened. "Thank you." Then she looked around with a slight furrow in her brow. "You know, I said hello to your brothers a few minutes ago. I don't know where they went."

"I'm sure they're off causing trouble somewhere."

She grinned. "I imagine you're right."

He shrugged. "I'll find them later." Because talking to Fiona worked just fine for him.

Grandpa headed their way with the cane he occasionally used when his left hip gave him trouble. He looked damn good for seventy-five—still fit with a few wrinkles and a full head of gray hair. There was no mistaking Grandpa and Dad for father and son. The fact that the man hardly ever sat down kept him young. "Where's my honorary granddaughter?"

" Grandpa ." Fi beamed as she wrapped him up in a hug.

He held her for several seconds before easing back. "You're all grown-up and beautiful."

"Thank you."

"I heard you put this entire shindig together."

"I helped a little," she said, holding her thumb and index finger open an inch.

Grandpa hooted out a laugh. "You're too modest. You did a hell of a job. Be proud of that."

"Thank you, Grandpa."

"It's good to see you here in Maple Ridge. And with Cameron, where you belong. Not in that crowded city on the other side of the country." Grandpa tossed his hand up in a dismissive wave as he made a sound of disgust.

Cam struggled not to wince. "Fi's happy in Seattle, Grandpa."

"We'll have to work on that." He winked at Cam. "You two have fun. I'm still making my rounds." And with that, he was gone.

Cam looked at Fi. "I'm sorry about that."

She shrugged. "It's fine. But I should take a look around and make sure everything's still running smoothly."

Cam looked toward Brady's plate that was piled high with at least a dozen jumbo shrimp. "Oh, jeez. I'll see you around. Have fun tonight."

"Yeah, you, too."

He hurried toward his son before Brady could help himself to anything else.

Nearly three hours later, Cam sat with Brady on his lap while a slideshow his older brother had put together played in the room. Music had been synced with fifty years of business and family photos flashing on a large screen.

There was a shot of Cam with Luke, Liam, and their dad when the three of them had been in middle school. There was another with Grandma Bennet and Mom at one of the company picnics at least a decade ago, not long before Grandma passed away.

Cam and Luke appeared on-screen, carrying two-by-fours on their left shoulders.

"That's you and Uncle Luke."

"It is."

Another popped up of Cam carrying an infant version of his son in a front pack as he walked around one of the build sites in construction boots and a Bennet & Sons T-shirt.

Brady grinned. "That's me."

Cam smiled back. "When you were teeny tiny."

Then a picture popped up showing Cam and Fiona standing with their arms wrapped around each other's waists. Mile-wide grins split their young, happy faces while they wore hard hats, Bennet & Sons T-shirts, and jeans at a community build they'd participated in during their junior year of high school.

"Hey, that's my best friend," Brady said.

Cam nodded. "There she is."

Moments later, another shot of Fi and himself filled the screen. He held Fiona piggyback-style while they stood in the doorway of a half-built house—the first project he'd been entirely in charge of a year or two after graduation. He'd been laughing while Fi wrapped her arms around his front, kissing his cheek.

Brady gasped. "Fiona kissed you."

He swallowed, remembering how easy they'd been together—how much fun they'd always had. How damn happy they'd been. He met Fi's gaze across the room before she looked away. He glanced at Luke next, sending him a death stare.

Luke grinned as he shrugged, clearly unapologetic that he was stirring shit up.

Brady frowned as he turned to look at Cam. "Do you and Fiona kiss like a mom and a dad?"

He shook his head, suddenly finding himself on boggy ground, hoping like hell there wouldn't be any more pictures of Fi and him. "Fiona's been my friend for a long time. When we were younger, we kissed sometimes."

"Before I was born?"

Cam nodded. "Before you were born."

"Oh," Brady said, turning back to watch more of the slides, commenting whenever shots of him and Cam popped up on-screen.

Eventually, the lights came back on, and the music changed when the deejay played something more upbeat.

Brady scooted out of Cam's lap. "I'm going to see Fiona."

Cam hurried to his feet, following behind his son, already knowing where Brady's conversation with Fiona would go. One cringe-worthy moment—thanks to Grandpa—had been more than enough.

Brady took Fiona's hand. "You used to kiss my dad. Before I was born."

"Shit," Cam said under his breath as Fiona looked from Brady to him.

"Yes, I did," she responded, giving Brady her attention again. "We were very special friends."

Brady took Cam's hand, making it so he and Fiona held each other's. "You can kiss if you want to."

"Oh, well, thank you," Fiona said.

Brady smiled as he nodded. "You're welcome."

Cam let Fi go to crouch in front of Brady. "Fiona is still my friend, but we're friends who don't kiss anymore."

Brady's brow furrowed slightly as he clearly considered what Cam said. "Okay. Can I have another cupcake?"

Cam huffed out a small laugh. "Sure. One more. Then we're heading home."

"Okay." Brady hurried off to the dessert table.

Cam gained his feet, scratching his jaw. "I can't pretend that tonight hasn't had a couple of really awkward moments."

She grinned. "It's okay."

"I'm sorry, anyway."

"I'm not." She touched his arm. "That was clearly a confusing moment for Brady. You handled it beautifully."

"You did, too, and I appreciate it."

"Did you have a nice time tonight?"

And apparently, they were changing the subject. He nodded. Mostly, he'd kept an eye on his son, ate more than was necessary, and mingled while he watched Fiona do her thing. "Everything was great—Grandpa's sneaky celebration."

She laughed. "I think he liked the cake."

Cam grinned. "Yeah, he did. Singing to him was a tolerable amount of fuss and attention."

Her smile was back. "I'm glad you had a good time." She looked at Brady as he took a huge bite of his second cupcake. "He should sleep well for you."

"I'm counting on it."

Fiona looked toward his mom and dad. "I should go help them wrap things up."

He nodded. "I'll see you around. Thanks for helping my family make this into such a special night."

"Anytime. Let me know when Brady's ready for a fan at one of his games."

"I'll do that."

And they went their separate ways.