Chapter Twenty Eight
Caroline stood at the graveside wearing the navy-blue dress, her mother’s pearls and the honeybee pin, tributes to her father.
The officiant said a few words about her dad’s service to his country, the friends he made, and his greatest achievement, his daughter.
It felt like all eyes stared at her, wondering where she went while Thomas grieved for her mother or when he grew gravely ill.
The anger continued to build as she stood beside Nancy, while people gave them their condolences.
She didn’t know any of his friends, whereas Nancy greeted all of them, asking about their families.
The injustice of it all boiled deep in her belly.
She wanted to know all these people who touched her parents’ lives.
With the ceremony finished, she accepted the flag, holding it to her chest. When the guns went off, she jumped at each round. Jameson placed a hand on her back, letting her know he supported her, but she felt…numb.
She walked up to the casket and laid a single red rose in his coffin before they lowered it.
People held tissues, quietly sobbing, yet she couldn’t muster a single one. It stayed locked inside and bubbled with the mixture of her frustration, anxiety, fear, and outrage.
Everyone filed out of the tent, leaving her and Nancy alone. Nancy hugged her, walked to the grave, and dropped a rose inside.
“I’ll see you at the house,” she said, squeezing Caroline’s arm.
Jameson leaned in, kissing her temple. “I’ll give you a few minutes alone,” he whispered.
Nodding, she stared at the hole. It resembled her heart, dark and endless.
“I love you, Dad. I’m grateful for the time we spent together, however short.
I’m glad you passed away knowing I made it home.
I don’t know what my future will entail, but I won’t give up.
Knowing you and Mom will watch over me gives me some comfort. Rest in peace.”
When Jameson noticed her walking from the tent, he approached her.
“The limo will take us back to the house for the reception. Riley said Delaney has all the caterers getting everything ready. It was a beautiful service.”
“Thank you,” she replied automatically. It seemed it was all she ever did.
Sliding into the car seat, Jameson held her hand all the way to the house.
People filled the driveway and the surrounding street.
Caroline recognized a couple of the men standing in the yard from the ranch as the limo pulled up to the curb.
They got out, and she took a deep breath as they went inside.
The endless condolences and the usual phrases heard at funerals seemed to stifle her even more.
Rebecca sent her a sympathetic smile as she approached.
“The service turned out lovely. Delaney and Rachel have everything in hand. We added tables and chairs on the patio for people to sit. Why don’t you get some fresh air? You’ve already spoken to everyone here. Take a breath.”
Not waiting for her reply, Jameson led her around the living room and onto the patio.
A long table filled the area and the team sat together, leaving the other tables around the pool available for guests.
It gave her a sense of privacy. Jameson led her to a seat, and a few minutes later, he set the food in front of her.
“Can we get you anything?” Riley asked. “You did a wonderful job on the service.”
Caroline smiled. “No, I’m fine.”
Riley shot Rebecca a concerned expression, but didn’t say anything.
“Eat,” Jameson prompted. “You barely touched a thing at breakfast.”
“Caroline, I love your pin,” Rachel said softly.
“My dad left it as a birthday gift. He left one for every year I went missing,” she told her. “It only seemed appropriate to wear it today.”
“I’m sure it made him proud,” Rachel said, patting her hand.
“Have you seen Nancy? I didn’t see her in the house,” Caroline asked the group.
“I locked the bedroom doors to keep everyone in the main rooms. I didn’t see her arrive,” Matthew volunteered.
Caroline rose. The food no longer interested her.
“I think I’ll find her. If you’ll excuse me,” she said, walking into the house. Closing the patio door, she scanned the room. When she didn’t see her, Caroline walked toward her dad’s bedroom. The cracked-open door indicated someone unlocked it, and she pushed it open.
Nancy held up a sweater, placing it inside her suitcase.
“Come on in, sweetheart,” she greeted. “I can’t bear sitting there listening to military stories or hearing one more condolence. I needed to do something. Your friends seem to have everything in hand. I decided to start packing.”
“You know you don’t have to move out immediately or anything,” Caroline said. “I’ll contact the owner and request another month. Dad’s life insurance will cover us.”
Nancy chuckled and sat on the bed, patting the seat behind her.
“It appears Jameson’s keeping secrets from you, my dear.
When we first met him, Jameson asked your father not to mention anything about moving us here.
I’m not sure if he owns the place, but he set up the daily therapy sessions and moved us the very next day.
Until then, we lived in your old childhood home. ”
Caroline gazed at Nancy, assessing whether she told the truth.
“Why?” she asked, surprised.
“Because your father’s medical bills left very little wiggle room. I supplemented his income with my checks,” she explained. “Jameson didn’t want you to feel guilty.”
“I don’t understand any of this. It doesn’t matter. You don’t need to rush out of here,” she insisted.
“It’s all right,” Nancy soothed. “With Thomas gone, I’m reminded of him every turn. I’m staying with my son until the estate gets settled and moving into my place. Did your lawyers review the paperwork I gave you?”
“Julio hasn’t said anything. I’m sure it’s fine,” Caroline assured her.
“I’m sure you have guests to greet,” Nancy said, giving her shoulders a squeeze.
“Promise me you’ll stay in touch. I’ve barely seen you since he died, and I feel like you’re leaving permanently.”
“It’s your overactive imagination,” she said, rising from the bed. “I’ll call you next week and set up a lunch date.”
“I’d love it,” Caroline said. “I’ll let you get back to work.”
Jameson watched Caroline enter the bedroom, and he saw her speaking to Nancy. Garrett came up from behind him, clapping his hand on Jameson’s shoulder.
“How’s she doing?” he asked.
“Better than expected. I guess I anticipated her to get upset, and she hasn’t shed a tear,” he murmured. “I’m worried about her.”
“We’ve noticed it, too. Encourage her to return to counseling. I know she’s busy with the funeral arrangements and things. Some people have a hard time after the funeral when visitors stop coming.”
“She doesn’t know these people,” Jameson grumbled. “I’m the constant in her life, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Mac and Julio plan to watch the place tonight. I’ll be here in the morning. When will you tell her about Cain?”
Jameson sighed. “After everyone leaves. I think it’s best if she returns to the ranch. Rebecca offered her a job there. It’ll give her some downtime.”
“Hopefully, she’ll consider it,” Garrett said as Caroline left the room and headed toward them.
“Nancy’s packing. She says she can’t handle all the condolences,” Caroline explained. “May I speak with you for a minute?” she asked Jameson.
He gazed at her face, seeing the troubled expression.
“Why don’t we return to the pool house?” he suggested, placing his hand on her back and guiding her through the never-ending crowd of seniors.
They made their way across the pool, getting stopped every now and again as someone wanted to tell her a story about her dad. Jameson ushered her to the pool house and closed the door.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, taking her in her arms. Caroline stepped back, breaking the embrace.
“When did you plan on telling me about this house?”
Jameson let out a deep sigh. “When I discovered your dad, he lived in the run-down neighborhood. He traveled across the city to go to therapy three times a week. This place has a secure setting, a pool for the therapist to come here, and I assumed you’d visit often.
I know your last memory consisted of seeing them shot in your old home. It didn’t seem like a good idea.”
“I don’t like things being kept from me. I’m supposed to trust my gut and give you a chance. It’s hard to do it when I discover you brought my dad in on the lie,” she bit out. “I have to get back to the guests, but this conversation isn’t over.”
“I didn’t mean to lie,” he insisted. “I thought I was protecting you.”
Caroline turned at the door, gazing at him. “From what? I’ll never get over seeing them, no matter what happens. The Feds have Cain. No matter how much you prepare me, I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe.”
“I know you’re upset…”
“I’m not,” Caroline interjected. “I’m only stating facts.”
She turned and walked out, immediately getting bombarded with more visitors.
Jameson scratched his chin as he watched her patiently greet everyone.
Her eyes carried dark circles. Tendrils escaped the chignon and framed her face, showing the stress around her eyes and jaw.
It didn’t seem like she faced Thomas’ death, only postponed it long enough to carry out her duties, and felt lacking every time someone stopped her with another story.
Deciding he’d sit her down after everyone left, he’d come clean about everything.
The last few days, they slept together, yet he felt the distance between them.
Imagining the grief she must feel, he didn’t mention it.
He felt Thomas's loss, too. The man didn’t judge him for his father’s deeds.
In fact, he insisted Jameson stop blaming himself.
The man seemed wise beyond his years, as if Thomas knew how he condemned himself.
He vowed to live up to the only man who treated him like a real son.
It seemed the conversation with Caroline would happen tonight, whether she wanted it to or not.