Chapter 6: Cam
Contains spoilersOverview
After dinner, Camille Ashwood speaks with Gus Ryder, confirms Riley is safe, and accepts a bed at the Ryder ranch since she cannot return to the house she shared with Graham. Dusty Tucker drives Cam to Rebel Blue Ranch, where Cam tells Dusty they should reset their relationship to how it was before. Inside the Big House, Cam is comforted by Emmy Ryder, who urges her to lean on the family and start over, while Cam admits she is unsure how to begin.
Summary
During dinner, Gus Ryder calls Dusty Tucker to check on Camille "Cam" Ashwood. Gus reports that Riley fell asleep and reassures Cam that he has arranged a bed for her at Rebel Blue Ranch, as Cam realizes she cannot go back to the house that is technically Graham’s. Cam thanks Gus and ends the call, accepting the plan to stay with the Ryders.
Dusty drives Cam back to the Ryder family’s Big House near midnight. As they sit in the parked Bronco, Cam thanks Dusty for rescuing her from the bar and for spending the day with her. She then tells Dusty that after tonight they should return to how things were before between them, signaling a boundary and a desire to focus on immediate problems. Dusty accepts her decision without protest, and after a brief, quiet exchange, Cam goes inside.
In the dark entryway, Cam removes Dusty’s boots and coat to return later and reflects on Dusty’s steady care, including tending to her feet earlier. She admits to herself that being with Dusty felt familiar and easy, but she reiterates internally that the day is over and she must move forward.
Cam finds a soft light in the living room where Emmy Ryder and Ada sleep on the couch. A creaking floorboard wakes Emmy, who hugs Cam and apologizes for the painful day. Cam says that after the shock of being left at the altar, the rest of the day with Dusty was actually good, even comforting.
Emmy leads Cam to sit and explains that the family waited up for her; Wes is asleep in his old room, Luke is in Emmy’s, and Gus’s old bed is prepared for Cam. Overwhelmed by their support, Cam thanks her. When asked if she will be okay, Cam deflects, but Emmy encourages her to cry if needed and to accept help.
Cam reflects that the Ryders have always loved her, though she doubts whether they would have embraced her without her connection through Riley. Emmy advises her to sleep and, come morning, to start over and lean on those who love her and Riley. Cam confesses she is not sure she can start over because she is not sure she ever truly started.
Who Appears
- Camille "Cam" Ashwood
protagonist; accepts staying at Rebel Blue Ranch, sets a boundary with Dusty, and confides in Emmy about her doubts.
- Dusty Tucker
longtime friend and past flame; drives Cam to the ranch, respects her wish to revert their relationship, and ensures she gets inside safely.
- Gus Ryder
friend; calls to check on Cam, confirms Riley is asleep, and arranges a bed for Cam at the ranch.
- Riley
Cam’s daughter; absent but reported asleep and safe.
- Emmy Ryder
friend/sister-figure; waits up, comforts Cam, and urges her to accept help and start over.
- Ada
friend; asleep on the couch, present during Cam’s late-night return.
- Wes
Ryder family member; mentioned as asleep in his old room.
- Luke
Ryder family member; mentioned as asleep in Emmy’s room.
- Graham
Cam’s groom who left; not present but relevant to Cam’s inability to return to their house.