Free Alaskan-Reunion by CBelle Page A

response to her messages. Paige had believed that Ruby’s silence had indicated she no longer believed in her innocence.
    “Losing someone without any kind of warning is so devastating,” Paige said. Her father’s terminal illness had been a terrible blow, but at least she’d had weeks and months to say goodbye to him. It had allowed her to process the loss as her father became sicker and sicker. She hadn’t been completely blindsided. Ruby’s tragic accident had been like a tsunami sweeping over the Prescott family. No warning. No chance to say goodbye. Just unimaginable loss.
    “Liam is still struggling to get his life back. Aidan is still as sweet as ever. And Honor just graduated with her master’s in wildlife conservation. She’s back home now.”
    Paige shook her head, overwhelmed by how the wheels of life had kept moving in her absence. “It’s amazing how much things can change in two years,” she said.
    Cameron darted a look at Emma, who was stuffing a portion of a cheese cracker in her mouth. “Tell me about it. This little one here drives that point home.”
    “Thank you,” Paige said, trying to ignore the painful lump in her throat. Between the news about Ruby and Cameron’s behavior earlier, she found herself becoming emotional.
    Cameron drew his brows together. “For what?”
    “For stepping in to plead my case with Jasper.” She jiggled Emma on her lap. She hadn’t expected him to be so solidly in her corner during the conversation with Jasper and Boone about the cannery. “For having my back even though I know you still have questions about my involvement with my father’s crimes. And I know you must still be reeling from the news about Emma.”
    He shrugged. “Honestly, I wasn’t pleading on your behalf. I was making a case for what’s in the best interest of the town.” He held her gaze. “You’re the mother of my child, Paige. That in itself means we share an amazing connection, one that will last our whole lives. Lord knows we’ve had our differences, but going forward we have to present a united front for Emma. That’s what parents do.” His eyes hardened. “Does that mean all is forgiven or forgotten? No, of course not. I still question whether I can ever trust you.”
    She sucked in a deep breath. Despite already knowing he didn’t trust her, his words hurt.
    “You’re right about focusing on Emma. That’s what matters most.” She looked down at her daughter and touched her curls. “I’d like to have Emma call you Daddy, if that’s okay with you.”
    Cameron’s eyes widened. His mouth swung open. “Of course it’s all right. I—I’d be mighty proud to have her call me that,” he said, his voice sounding husky. He reached for Emma’s hand and brought it to his lips. “I’ll see you later, princess. I need to get back to work before Hazel and Sophie get in the weeds with all these customers.”
    Paige tried to hide the disappointment that slithered through her. It had been so nice to spend time with Cameron, even if the majority of the time they had been discussing the cannery and the check she’d handed over to Jasper. She had missed having him in her life, plain and simple. It was obvious that Cameron was still holding her at arm’s length even though he hadn’t allowed his grandfather to run roughshod over her.
    Baby steps , she reminded herself. One day soon Cameron would realize that he’d misjudged her.
    “I should get going also. It’s almost nap time,” she said smoothly. She stood up and placed Emma on her hip while she reached for her purse.
    “Let me help you,” Cameron said, reaching for the diaper bag. He pretended to stagger under the weight of it. “You sure travel with a lot of stuff.” He pulled out a stuffed elephant that was poking out of the bag. “Who’s this guy?” he asked with a grin.
    “Mine,” Emma said, reaching for the stuffed animal. She pressed it against her chest. Her lip stuck out as she looked at Cameron