Chapter Nine
Dr. Greene sat beside Caroline’s bed and took her hand. “After a thorough examination and extensive blood work, I pronounce you fit to move to one of the cabins,” she announced. “Rebecca and Rachel will get you settled this afternoon.”
“What about the other tests? You know, the ones for sexually transmitted diseases?” she asked, watching the doctor’s expression.
“You’ve tested negative. It’ll take about six months to give you a clean bill of health. Don’t dwell on something beyond your control. If you decide to have sex, use a condom.”
“What about kissing?” Caroline asked. “Can someone contract anything by kissing me?”
Dr. Greene smiled gently at her. “You have no open sores, and the initial tests have returned with a negative result. Did you only have sex with Cain?”
“Yes. He liked to make me stay on the floor with a dog collar around my neck, and he held the leash. He left for two weeks when the ring suffered from Rebecca and the team’s busts.
I never witnessed it myself, but I’m positive he checked out his merchandise before bringing them to the farm. No one else dared to touch me.”
“I see. Did he use protection?”
Shaking her head, Caroline gazed out the window. “Dr. Reese gave me the shot. I’m almost due for another one.”
“I can certainly give you one. Did you want to talk about other methods of birth control?” Dr. Greene asked.
“You’ll think it sounds silly, but I want to go back on the pill. I didn’t have a choice before. Now I do,” she answered honestly.
“Then I will examine you again on Monday, and we’ll get you started. Do you have any more questions?” Dr. Greene asked. “Trust me, I’ve heard everything.”
Do you happen to know where Jameson went? He hasn’t seen me in over a week. We kissed, and maybe he’s worried I gave him something.
“No, thanks. Do you know what time they’ll pick me up?” she asked.
“It’ll be after lunch. Rebecca took Megan to the doctor, and she has a meeting.”
“Thank you for everything. I appreciate all your help,” Caroline said, peering into the doctor’s eyes.
“You’re welcome, Caroline. I’m returning to Serenity Mountain over the weekend.
Annabelle usually takes my place, and we switch every few weeks.
The team left on an important mission, and she can’t leave yet.
Rebecca has set up a temporary doctor and two nurse practitioners to cover for me while I’m gone.
Here’s my number. You can call me anytime if you have any questions. ”
“Thank you,” she murmured, glancing down at the card.
“You know, some of the women took a self-defense class, and a woman named Victoria Rostov taught them a few tricks. It seemed to give them some confidence. When I return, I’ll ask her to make another trip soon. You might think about joining,” Dr. Greene suggested.
“It sounds like a smart idea. I’ll give it some thought,” she said, pushing back the hospital tray holding her breakfast. “Have a safe trip home.”
“Good luck, Caroline. I wish you all the best,” Dr. Greene said, before rising and heading back into the clinic area.
Scooting to the edge of the bed, Caroline entered the bathroom to get dressed. Turning on the faucet, she pulled her hair to the top of her head and put it in a messy bun. She took off her clothes and stepped into the hot spray, letting it ease the tension in her shoulders.
The last month passed rapidly while she recovered. The nightmares still occurred, and Caroline stopped bothering with the nightlight, leaving the bathroom light on to flood her bedroom while she slept. If she woke in the middle of the night, she no longer feared the shadows.
Her constant protector no longer slept in her bedroom and rarely showed up during her waking hours. She only knew Jameson visited when she smelled his spicy, leather scent in her room. Why did he keep avoiding her?
Her hand reached for the honeysuckle body wash, recalling the tenderness he showed her when he washed the muddy gunk from her hair. How did he go from treating her gently to not even caring to say good morning? Nothing made sense as she washed her body.
Her mind drifted to the sweet kiss he gave her. Warmth spread to her belly, surprising her. Sex seemed like an ugly act after what she endured with Cain, yet when she dreamed of Jameson, it felt…different. Her body loved the feel of his arms around her. She felt safe when she found him nearby.
Caroline didn’t delude herself worthy of capturing Jameson’s affections, not after what she went through. He must’ve felt an obligation to find her because of Rebecca. Then she acted like a clingy, scared rabbit, making him feel sorry for her.
Squirting the soap onto a washcloth, she scrubbed her body a second time, wanting to feel clean again, as if shedding all her old skin and getting a new one.
Maybe he’d take an interest in her again.
Everything seemed fine until he took her horseback riding, ensuring she saw all the security measures in place.
When they visited his new home, she felt like she belonged there.
She must’ve seemed delusional as she told Jameson how to decorate the charming farmhouse.
Rinsing off, she shut down the water and dried herself. She picked up a pink pair of leggings and a workout top from the clothes someone placed on her chair. Her stringy hair lay limp and untrimmed, and she twisted it into a bun at the nape of her neck.
With nothing left to do, Caroline packed her clothes, stripped the bed, and remade it with fresh sheets and blankets for whoever took her place. She sat in the chair by the window, watching the cowboys ride their horses to and from different areas on the ranch.
At one, Rebecca smiled as she entered. Seeing Caroline ready to leave, she grabbed the bags and led her to her truck.
“How do you feel about moving?” Rebecca asked her as she drove toward the subdivision.
“I’m a bit nervous. Have you seen Jameson? He hasn’t visited me lately. Did something happen?” she asked, watching Rebecca closely.
“He went on a job. I thought he told you about it,” Rebecca said, glancing at her.
“He said he might be leaving. I never thought he’d be gone this long,” she murmured as the fields went by in a flurry.
“Sometimes we don’t know how long until we get there,” Rebecca explained. “Do you want me to give him a message?”
“No,” she said quietly. If he didn’t send one, then he made his intentions clear.
“You’ll be in cabin four. At the moment, you don’t have a roommate.
The community center stays open until ten and has a library.
You can have meals there, too. The schedule is listed on the back of your door.
You can make requests for items for your cabin, such as a specific food, soaps, clothes, or books,” Rebecca told her as they pulled into the driveway.
They walked inside, and Rebecca handed her the key and showed her around.
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Caroline said as they entered the last room.
“When I first moved here, I hated the night. It seemed like everything became real. A tree turned into a man who might hurt me. The wind sounded like someone breaking into the cabin,” she explained, opening the closet door.
“In here, we keep a cot and a sort of call button. If you find yourself terrified or can’t distinguish what’s real, you can push this button.
One of the counselors on staff will come to you immediately.
We keep a cot in here if it makes you feel safer at night instead of the bed. ”
“It seems you’ve thought of everything,” she murmured, peering out of the patio door, leading to a small porch.
“We try to make you comfortable. Have you spoken with a counselor? We offer training or college courses if you want to finish your degree. You’ll receive a visit from Terry later this afternoon.
She’ll schedule therapy sessions with you or help you decide on goals.
You said you didn’t have family, but if you choose to move, we’ll help you find a place to live and provide you with free counseling and support. ”
“You will?” Caroline asked, surprised. “What if I want to move to Italy?”
“Then we’ll make it happen,” Rebecca said cheerfully. “Our mission is to give you a second chance. You can start over wherever you wish. Do you want to move to Italy?”
“No. My only goal for the moment consists of getting a haircut,” she replied truthfully. “It’s uneven and dry. It’s silly.”
“No. Fixing the little things sometimes helps the bigger ones. I’ll see what I can do about a haircut,” Rebecca assured her.
Someone rang the doorbell, and Rebecca answered, letting Rachel and Riley in.
“Surprise,” the two women chorused.
“How do you like your new digs?” Rachel asked, carrying a bouquet of balloons and a cake. Riley followed with a vase of flowers and a box tied with ribbon.
“Wow. You ladies amaze me,” Caroline said, tying the balloons to a barstool. “Thank you.”
“Rachel, Caroline wants a haircut. Do you know of anyone?” Rebecca asked, taking out dishes for dessert.
Rachel pulled out her phone. “We can take her to a salon, or I can have one of the stylists meet me at my house. They usually come when I attend a function for the ranch.”
“I’m not ready to leave,” Caroline rushed.
“Then, I’ll have them come here, no biggie. Do you mind if it’s a man?” she asked Caroline.
“No. As long as someone can stay in the room with me,” she added.
“It’s not a problem,” Rachel assured her as she placed the call.
“Congratulations, Caroline. One day, I’ll tell you how I ended up here with these two nuts.
Don’t hesitate to call us if you’re struggling.
We’re your friends, and we want you to know we’re here for you,” Riley said.
“Speaking of friends, I’m getting married this coming weekend.
Will you attend? It’s only immediate family, which you’ve already met, and my sister. ”
“You don’t have to invite me,” Caroline said. “You’ve only known me for a month.”
“I saw Garrett for less than two weeks and knew I wanted to spend my life with him. I think I can decide if I want you as my friend,” she teased.
Caroline grinned. “I’d love to come. Do you expect the men back by then?”
Riley appeared confused. “Garrett, Julio, and Matthew didn’t leave. I don’t think they’re planning anything until after the wedding. My fiancé said they have two new hires joining the team, who’ll cover for him while we go on our honeymoon.”
Rebecca handed Caroline a piece of cake and steered her toward the living room. “Before you say anything, Jameson went on a different job. I didn’t lie to you. I’m sure he’ll return for the wedding since he’s the best man.”
Caroline nodded and took a bite of cake, pretending it didn’t bother her.
“We can schedule your haircut for this evening. He’ll leave straight from the salon,” Rachel informed her.
“Thank you,” she said, reaching for one of the glasses of water Riley set on the table for all of them.
“Open your present,” Riley insisted. “Jameson asked me to give it to you when you graduated.” She pushed the present forward.
“It’s not like I cured cancer or anything,” Caroline said as she pulled on the bow and removed the tissue. She pulled out a picture frame, holding a photo of Caroline’s parents and her at her college graduation.
“Where did he get this?” she asked, her fingers tracing the outline of her parents. Tears welled in her eyes.
“He found it among Cain’s things. He used the original and asked Matthew to restore it after someone folded it,” Rebecca said, reaching inside the box, pulling out a note.
Caroline,
Congratulations on the move. I stole this from Cain a long time ago. Use it as a reminder to keep fighting for your future. Your parents seemed proud of you. I’m sure they’d encourage you to pursue a happy life if they were here.
Your Friend,
Jameson
She folded the note and put it back in the envelope. A buzzing started from her ears and drifted to her toes. He made it clear he only wanted her friendship, and the truth hurt like a knife plunged into her chest.
“We’ll give you some time to get settled. I’ll let Terry know you have an appointment with Rachel later. Maybe she can come within the next hour,” Rebecca said, rising.
“I’ll pick you up at five, and we’ll have dinner before he arrives. If I can talk Delaney into taking a break from cleaning, I’ll ask her to come,” Rachel said, taking their plates into the kitchen.
“Don’t let her fool you,” Riley whispered. “Rachel can’t cook worth a damn. If Delaney comes, you’ll have a wonderful meal. If she doesn’t, pray for take-out.”
Rachel came around the corner and stuck out her tongue at her friend. “I’m taking your wedding present back,” she threatened.
“We may wear the same shoe size, but I don’t want a pair of Jimmy Choo’s. I’m wearing my white cowgirl boots with my wedding dress,” Riley said firmly.
Rachel’s face lit up. “Oh, yay,” she exclaimed, clapping her hands. “I can’t return the shoes. Matthew will be bummed you didn’t like your bridal present. I insist on purchasing you something else.”
Riley rolled her eyes. “I hope Delaney gets back to her old self soon. You know she’d insist on you telling Matthew the truth.”
“I’m telling him the truth. I bought them because I knew you’d never wear them. When I want to use them, I’ll borrow them from you,” Rachel said, slyly.
“In her mind, she believes she’s acting reasonably. Don’t fight it, just nod your head and watch the show next month when Matthew gets the bill,” Riley said, laughing.
“I swear I can hear him all the way to my house,” Rebecca joined in. “Then, I see Rachel ducking corners and hightailing her ass home, where he undoubtedly finds her in bed.”
“I don’t judge when you two have a problem with your men,” Rachel said stiffly, fighting the smile threatening to cross her face. “I say when you find something that works, there’s no reason to change it.”
“Have fun, Caroline,” Rebecca said, heading toward the door as the other ladies hugged her. “I can’t wait to see your new hairstyle.”
“Text us a picture,” Riley said, hugging her.
“I’ll pick you up, and we’ll have some fun,” Rachel promised.
The three women left the cabin, leaving her all alone.
She picked up the picture of her parents.
Their wide smiles and happiness radiated from the photo.
The day before, she won a full scholarship to finish her master’s degree.
If they knew what all she’d done to survive, Caroline didn’t think they’d feel proud of her.
Like Jameson, they may have put on a happy front, but they’d keep their distance.