Chapter Twenty Two #2
“Tell me about this degree and your experience,” Rebecca said, sitting on the couch and patting the place beside her.
“I worked with the university and planned on working as a therapist,’ she said, shrugging. “Don’t read into it. You’re meeting Megan’s needs. Sometimes kids want people like themselves and not grown-ups. You’re too close to the situation.”
“As you know, we have Terry, Ann, and Clara on staff. We school the kids there, and we use one of the cabins for therapy. How’d you like a job working with them?” Rebecca asked.
“I appreciate it, but I don’t need a pity offer. Plus, I’m staying with my dad,” she explained. “We’re making up for lost time.”
“It’s not pity. You’re good. I knew about your degree but thought you planned to teach.”
“Nope,” Caroline said. “What have you planned for this weekend?”
“Tomorrow morning, we’ll have brunch here and decorate.
At 1:00, Mac will drop Delaney off. She thinks she’s coming for a ranch meeting.
Sometimes she helps us out when one of the survivors has a birthday, or we want to celebrate someone returning to their life.
After the party, the men will join us, and we’re having a barbecue. ”
“Oh, wow. Let me know what you need help with. I’m sorry I didn’t help you plan it,” Caroline said.
“No need to worry about it. Garrett and Riley showed up a day early to attend the shower. They ordered the food from a caterer we use. Ann made mini sandwiches, and I ordered cupcakes and a larger cake for later. Everything else came out of a bag. Rachel will contribute something, but we’re happy she’s not cooking,” Rebecca said, laughing.
“Delaney’s acting stressed lately, and if we cook, she’ll think we did too much.
She’ll relax and not go into Mama Bear mode if all of us seem chill. ”
“Ah, I got it,” Caroline said, nodding. “What cabin did you prepare for me?”
“Cabin four. I’ll drive you there while Uncle Jameson takes Megan for a ride.
I know you brought your car and left Jameson’s truck at your dad’s, but I’ll have him or one of the guys drop it off.
He can use one of the ranch vehicles. We’re having dinner at five.
It’ll give you enough time to get settled and return,” she said, moving to the staircase. “Did you find your shoes, Monkey?”
“Yes, Mama. I’m taking Sandy with me,” Megan said, holding her doll.
Jameson entered the hallway, carrying her shoes.
“Caroline, can you help Megan with her shoes while I speak with Rebecca for a moment?”
“Sure,” she said, kneeling to Megan’s height. “Those seem lovely. I’m a fan of unicorns, too. What’s your favorite color?” she asked while Rebecca disappeared with Jameson.
“Orange,” Megan told her. “Do you like it?”
“I do. Do you like riding horses?”
“Yep. Daddy says I can get a pony when I get stronger. I hope it’s soon. Gran Victoria says I’ll have one at her house.”
“You know Victoria?” she asked, surprised.
“Yup. Gramps Ivan brought me my new play horse and a necklace. Gran Victoria says I can come sled on her mountain when it snows.”
“Have you ever built a snowman?” she asked, curious to know Victoria’s connection to the little girl.
“Not yet. Daddy says it snows here sometimes. I gotta be patient,” Megan told her. “First it’ll get hot, then the leaves will fall, then maybe snow.”
“You’re right. It’ll be hard to wait, but you can have fun in the summer and fall, too,” she said as Rebecca entered the hallway.
She smiled at her daughter as Megan put on her own shoes and stood, waiting for her uncle.
“Have a fun ride, and I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Rebecca said, kissing her cheek.
“Uncle Jameson, I’m ready,” Megan shouted.
“I’m coming,” he said, coming out of the office. He picked her up and swung her onto his shoulders. “Let’s go, ya little monkey. Did you check the fridge to see if we have any freeze pops? I want the orange one.”
“Nope, I ate them all up,” she squealed as Jameson tickled her legs.
Rebecca laughed, and Caroline watched as the two disappeared into the barn.
“Let’s take you to the cabin,” Rebecca said, heading toward her car to get her bags.
“I only have one and a dress. I got it,” Caroline told her, getting the clothes from the convertible.
Rebecca drove to the cabin, and they entered it together.
“I stocked the cabin with snacks and drinks. Feel free to help yourself,” Rebecca informed her. “Come sit with me for a minute.”
Caroline sat in one of the armchairs while Rebecca took the couch. “Did Terry tell you not to work with kids?”
“She suggested my trauma may affect how I associate with them. Terry thinks I need a different career path,” Caroline said, groaning. Knowing Jameson said something to her friend.
“She’s wrong. Finish your degree. I’ll hire you as a helper, and when you finish, I’ll bring you on as a therapist. Jameson already pulled up your school records, letters of recommendation, and your volunteer history.”
“But it’s all before…”
“You’re talented. I don’t care what happened in the past. If anything, you’ll understand these kids better.
I’ll be speaking with Terry on Monday. She’s not here to pass judgment.
I hired her to help these women get their lives back, not guide them to forget their dreams. She’s not a good fit for our teams,” Rebecca said vehemently.
“I didn’t mean to get her in trouble,” Caroline winced.
“Her actions caused this, not yours. If she told you this, what did she say to others? This makes me mad, Caroline. You worked hard for your future. No one asked if you wanted to get kidnapped against your will for six years. I’ve lived in that hell for almost a year, and you survived six.
You deserve a good life,” Rebecca insisted. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“It angers me, too. Can I think about working here? Jameson lives here and—”
The doorbell rang, and then Rachel pounded on the door. “Hey, we know you’re in there. Riley and I don’t plan on standing on this porch while the two of you share all the gossip.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes as she got up to welcome them.
Riley bounded inside, hugged Caroline, then Rebecca.
“I’ll warn you, she’s on the post-honeymoon glow. She wants everyone to feel as happy as she is. It’s absolutely sickening,” Rachel grumbled. “If her recounting of her and Garrett’s activities carries any gravity, we’ll have another Garrett Jr. or little Riley running around.”
“Did you have a good time?” Rebecca asked Riley, who practically glowed.
“We stayed on Victoria’s Estate. We didn’t see much of the country. I’ve never seen a place as magical as her home. I now believe in leprechauns and have an unhealthy relationship with Irish coffee,” Riley gushed. “How are you, Caroline? I’m glad you made it. Delaney will be surprised.”
“Thanks. Congratulations. I’m doing all right,” she said, smiling at Riley’s post-honeymoon commentary.
“I heard Victoria showed you a few moves. Will you share with us?” Riley asked.
“See? She’s like a puppy with boundless energy,” Rachel said, shaking her head.
“Does anyone want something to drink? We can have our gab session tonight before we prep for tomorrow,” Rebecca asked while heading into the kitchen.
“Water, please,” Riley called.
“Make it two,” Rachel said, taking a seat in the middle of the couch.
“I’ll take one,” Caroline responded.
Rebecca handed them all bottles while she took her seat. “We’re all here. Caroline started telling me about Jameson.”
“Oh, he’s such an incredible guy. Of course, I’m biased. He’s Garrett’s best friend. Tara loves him,” Riley babbled.
“Do you see what I mean?” Rachel laughed.
“There’s nothing to tell. He guards the house, and he taught me how to swim today,” Caroline said. “He’s good at his job.”
Rachel snorted. “His job? He’s doing everything he can to help you trust him.
First, he kept his promise and found you.
Second, he purchased the cute little convertible for you to have some freedom.
And finally, he swallowed his pride and asked Victoria for a favor to teach you how to protect yourself. The man has it bad for you.”
Caroline sat stunned at Rachel’s revelation. She didn’t have a clue. Not even her father mentioned Jameson helping.
“Jameson did this?” She turned and faced Rebecca.
Rebecca frowned. “He asked me not to say anything. Jameson wants you to trust him for his own merit, not because you owe him.”
“Wait. You didn’t know?” Rachel asked, confused. “I’m sorry, Caroline. I didn’t realize he kept it a secret. I know Mac advised him not to buy you off to establish your trust.”
The lump grew larger in her throat. Jameson did all this for her.
“Breathe, Caroline. He didn’t want to mislead you.
Imagine getting judged for your father’s sin.
Jameson spent many sleepless nights searching for you.
Can you not get past his last name?” Riley asked.
“I’m not guilting you. I’m your friend and respect the fact you’ve suffered something horrible at his father’s hands.
But I’ve seen him at his lowest when one lead after the next failed to find you. He’s hurting in a different way.”
“I didn’t know about the car. It must’ve taken a lot for him to ask Victoria to come here,” Caroline murmured. “It’s not that I don’t care. I can’t see a way around James Stanton. It’s not Jameson’s fault. My heart knows it, but my head won’t let me forget.”
Rachel knelt in front of Caroline.
“Coming from someone who lived a life getting judged by people, I can attest I turned into what everyone expected, a cold, heartless bitch. I can’t speak about what happened in Serenity with Jameson, but I can say those men act extremely protective of their family.
I never understood it until Delaney befriended me.
Then Rebecca and Riley showed up. I followed Matthew here after he left without telling me.
Love gave me the courage to change. The people here accept me as I am.
I think Jameson only wants a fair shot.”
“I’m scared. Jameson saw what Cain did to me. If he protected me, he’d blow his cover and risk losing Rebecca. He seemed…desperate to prove himself. He saved me, and I’m grateful, but what does it mean for us? No matter how much we want something, it won’t change who he is.”
“You know who he is,” Rebecca said. “He’s shown you in every way possible. Sticks and stones may break your bones…”
“But words will never hurt me,” Caroline finished her sentence.
“Do you love him?” Riley asked.
“Yes, I do,” she whispered. “I don’t know what to do about it.”
“You can do anything together,” Rebecca assured her. “Julio never gave up on me. He saw what I went through, exactly as Jameson did. With love, patience, and a little time, those fears will melt away. As long as you communicate, you have a shot if you have the courage to take it.”