Chapter 151: Enlighten Us
Laughter and excitement filled the air as children took turns riding Dylan’s ATV and bike, their delighted squeals blending with the rustling evening breeze, while Dylan unwrapped the rest of his gifts.
Meanwhile, the adults busied themselves with food and drinks, their conversations weaving together as they got to know one another, their voices rising and falling in a comfortable symphony of chatter.
Inside the house, Greg stepped away to answer a phone call, leaving an opening—one that Ric seized without hesitation. He approached Cammy, his heart pounding with words left unspoken for far too long.
"Hey," he began, his voice warm yet carrying an unmistakable weight.
"Thanks for the gift. That was really cool of you. At this very moment, you are officially the most beloved uncle in the entire world." Cammy’s eyes sparkled as she teased him, her cheerful tone betraying none of the tension lurking beneath the surface.
Ric chuckled, but then his smile softened, turning wistful. "Just an uncle?" he mused, tilting his head slightly. "I wish I could be more, Cammy. I know—I know—I could give you and Dylan so much more."
Cammy’s lips pressed together, her expression unreadable. She inhaled deeply, as if trying to steady herself. "Ric..." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I don’t even know where to start. Maybe I’ll just blame my stupid heart—make it the villain of this story—so I don’t have to explain."
Ric shook his head, a sad smile playing on his lips. "No need to explain anything, Cammy. I have eyes. I see what’s going on between you two. I just need to know one thing... Are you happy with him?"
A flicker of something—regret? Guilt?—passed through her eyes before she nodded. "I am, Ric," she confessed, her voice firm yet full of emotions. "It’s like... a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying has been lifted from my chest."
Ric exhaled, his gaze dropping momentarily before he looked back at her. "I’m glad you feel that way," he said, forcing a smirk. "Just so you know—if he ever hurts you, I’m one call away. I swear, I’ll beat his ass."