Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 185

Camila Davis caught on instantly.

She figured Mr. Williams must’ve arranged everything in advance.

She nodded and hurried Lillian inside to change clothes.

When they came back out, the beach looked completely different. A big sun umbrella had been set up, along with some lounge chairs and a table. The table was loaded with pitchers of fruit punch, sodas, and enough snacks to feed a small army—there were bowls of chips, plates of sandwiches, and even a plate of chocolate chip cookies.

As for Dennis Williams, he’d ditched his suit jacket and was just wearing a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. The sunlight glinted off a simple silver bracelet on his wrist, making his pale skin look even cooler and more reserved. He’d even cuffed up his dress pants a bit to keep them out of the sand.

It was the first time Camila had ever seen him like this. He looked less formal and stiff, and a little more approachable—even relaxed.

“Uncle, we’re ready!” Lillian announced in her sweet little voice as she scampered over.

Dennis glanced up.

The staff had picked out matching mother-daughter swimsuits for them—cute but modest. But that couldn’t hide how adorable Lillian looked in her tiny black swimsuit, her skin practically glowing in the sun.

Camila, on the other hand, hadn’t worn a swimsuit in years—not since college. The fitted material hugged her curves, her long legs seeming endless in the simple outfit. She felt weirdly self-conscious, tugging at the hem, but tried to act natural.

Dennis only gave her a quick glance before turning to Lillian, his face calm and easy. “I had them bring some stuff for you. Want to build a sandcastle, draw pictures in the sand, or maybe hunt for seashells?”

Lillian’s big brown eyes got even bigger. She’d never done any of that before. She wanted to try them all.

“Can I… do everything?” she asked hopefully.

Now, with the sun shining above her, the waves rolling in, and the sky so blue and wide, something inside her opened up. She felt alive again.

Her spirits soared, and she found herself laughing and playing with Lightning, spinning in circles and splashing in the shallows. When Lightning got soaked and started shaking himself off, spraying water everywhere, Camila laughed so hard her sides ached.

Dennis noticed the change in her. He was surprised—he’d only ever seen Camila act serious and withdrawn, always so careful around him, always holding herself back.

But now, with her guard down, she looked so bright and happy, like a carefree college girl. You’d never guess she was Lillian’s mom.

He watched her for a moment, his eyes darkening thoughtfully.

Somehow, he had the feeling that this—this light, joyful version of Camila—was who she was always meant to be.