The Loyal Groom Read online

  I grab Cami’s hands to keep her from wringing them together. She looks up at me with big blue eyes that remind me of the lake my dad and I go fishing at. They’re so clear you can almost see to the bottom.

  “You were?” she says, and her little voice is full of hope.

  “I thought we decided we’re friends, right? Friends hang out.” She smiles and her two big dimples dent her cheeks.

  I decide now is the moment, so I reach into my pocket and pull out the ring I took from my mom’s bathroom this morning. Dad told me he gave it to Mom as a promise to always take care of her and that he would be with her for the rest of their lives. The thing is massive, but I know girls like it because they always comment on it when my mom wears it. I don’t think she’ll mind me giving it to Cami, though, because she’s told me to take care of her and that’s what I’m doing. I slide it onto her finger. Cami’s mouth falls open as she stares at it.

  “It’s so pretty,” she says in awe.

  “Not as pretty as you,” I tell her, and her head jerks up to look at me.

  I can feel my face warm because I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. It kind of just popped out, but from the look on her face I think I’m glad it did.

  “You think I’m pretty?” she asks, and I nod.

  I think she’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen even though my dad always said Mom was. My mom is pretty but not the same as Cami.

  “Cami? What is that on your finger?” our teacher Mrs. Barton asks when she walks over to us.

  Cami holds her hand out proudly trying to hold the ring onto her finger. It’s too big and I wonder if maybe I should have put some tape around it.

  “Is that your mother’s ring, Reed?” Mrs. Barton looks to me for confirmation.

  “Not anymore. I gave it to my Cami,” I inform her.

  “I think both of you should come with me.” She motions for us to follow her.

  “Are we in trouble?” Cami asks me in a whisper.

  “I don’t see why.” I glance over at her and see a worried look on her face. I hold her hand in mine again because it’s something my mom does when I get worried. “Besides, whatever it is I'll take the fall. We’re married now so I’ll always take care of you.”

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