Divorced the Cheat Married the Fleet (Camilla and Lance) novel Chapter 285

The next morning, Bonnie and her husband arrived at Laguna Shores just as Abelard called Lance, who had to step out to take care of something. Camilla greeted them at the door with a smile and invited them inside.

Jasper had never really had new friends. The only person his age he used to know was Daisy. So, when he noticed Elaine standing beside Bonnie, he instantly tensed up. He watched her from a distance, not even thinking about walking over. Elaine, clutching a colorful children’s picture book to her chest, glanced up nervously and asked, “Do you think we could play together later?”

Jasper didn’t sound thrilled. “What would we play?” His voice was flat and awkward. He squeezed his lips together, clearly holding back, not exactly eager to be friendly.

Elaine looked down at her book and whispered, “I can’t read yet. Can you teach me?”

She’d never been to kindergarten. For most of the past year, she’d been in the hospital, hooked up to all kinds of tubes and wires. Everything she knew about the world came from what she overheard. She’d never really made any friends, either. Meeting Jasper for the first time, she felt a pull, like she really wanted to be close.

Jasper checked her out again, from head to toe. Finally, he gave in. “Alright. I can teach you a little. I don’t know that many words either, but maybe we can learn together.”

Elaine’s face brightened. She nodded eagerly, and Camilla beamed as she asked Susan to take them off to the playroom.

Jasper didn’t talk much to begin with, and after all the drama with Barnard, he pretty much kept to himself, only talking to family. To see him actually making an effort with Elaine was a big relief for Camilla.

Bonnie’s eyes glossed over with emotion. “Camilla, I honestly thought my Elaine would never get to act like a normal kid again. I never imagined I’d see her come out here and make friends, I…”

She choked up, and tears slid down her cheeks. Camilla reached for a tissue and offered it gently. “Don’t cry. Everything’s getting better now. Elaine is doing well, and things will just keep improving from here.”

Bonnie’s husband chimed in, “Exactly. It’s a good day, no need for sad stories. I even brought a lamb over, so you can try some of our cooking, Camilla!”

That seemed to help Bonnie find her footing again. She and her husband headed outside to set up the grill while Camilla watched the kids.

Elaine and Jasper got along quickly, even though it was obvious that Elaine was shy. She was so good at cheering Jasper on, responding to everything he said with genuine excitement. It didn’t take long at all for them to start chatting about everything under the sun.

After lunch, Bonnie decided to take Elaine shopping for some new clothes. Jasper looked over at her, not wanting her to leave. Camilla caught the look, surprised—she’d hardly ever seen Jasper this way. She smiled, “Jasper, would you like to go with Elaine?”

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