Epilogue
Three Weeks Later
Jameson helped a glowing Caroline from his truck. They returned from their honeymoon, expecting to see their friends, no, their family. Instead, as the plane touched down, Garrett texted.
Hey Bro. We’re having a barbecue at my place to welcome you back. Take your time getting settled, and we’ll see you in a few hours.
He opened the door and allowed Caroline to enter first.
“Who do you suppose sent these?” Caroline asked as she stared at a big bouquet of flowers on the table with two cards set beside it.
“I don’t know,” he said, walking toward it.
He picked up the envelope, took out the letter, and read.
Congratulations, Jameson and Caroline,
We’re sorry we didn’t make it to the wedding. Jameson, as you know, we gifted each original team member who saved mine and Emma’s lives a home. We’re thrilled you have found what you needed and wanted the most. Please bring Caroline to meet your Serenity family soon.
Wishing you joy and happiness,
Kassie and Chase Winters
“No way,” he whispered as he felt a key inside the envelope with a map attached to it.
“What does it lead to?” Caroline asked, leaning over his shoulder.
“Do you want to go for a short drive?” he asked. “We still have time.”
“Only if you promise to rest when we return,” she told him. “What’s this?” she said, picking up the next envelope.
Jameson set down the key and opened it.
Dearest Jameson,
Congratulations on your wedding day. We’re thrilled to welcome Caroline to the family.
As you know, I stole the money from your father’s estate to bankrupt him and then ruin him.
As much as I’d like to say it made me happy, I only felt relief.
Don’t let James take away the beauty of the life which awaits you and Caroline.
Make every second count. We set aside a portion of the money for you to use as you wish.
James may never have claimed you, but we do.
Before you think of saying you can’t accept it because it’s his funds, I assure you I earned every cent and invested it in the hospital's future here.
We thought you and Caroline might find a good use for this money there, and we left it to you to use at your discretion.
Take care of each other,
Victoria and Ivan Rostov
“They never forgot me,” he said in wonder.
“No. They gave you a second chance,” she said, wiping the tears from her husband’s eyes.
“You deserve this, Jameson. They knew you couldn’t thrive there.
You were meant to find me. With the money my dad stashed away from Nancy, we can help undo the damage to the kids.
Kassie will rescue them, but we’ll care for them. They won’t suffer as you did.”
Nodding, Jameson gathered himself, grabbed the key, and pulled her from the cabin. Excitement filled him as he followed the directions on the map. In the distance, a blue house stood on top of the hill, overlooking the valley. He parked in the driveway and stared at it for a moment.
“Do you know who lives here?” Caroline asked.
“We do, if I’m guessing correctly,” he said, turning toward her. “Shall we go see?”
Not waiting for Jameson, she jumped out of the truck, meeting him on his side. They walked hand in hand up the steps, and Jameson pulled out the key. He slid it into the lock and opened the door. She didn’t argue as he picked her up, carrying her through the threshold.
Caroline grabbed his arm as she gasped at the beautiful floors, the sunny kitchen, and the open living area. In the dining area, sat her parents’ kitchen table.
“Oh, Jameson. It’s beautiful,” she said, beaming.
“Not as beautiful as you,” he said, wrapping her in his arms. “Why don’t we check out the bedrooms?”
They took the stairs two at a time, giggling as they searched for the master bedroom. A large canopy bed with drawn mosquito netting greeted them. A pair of doors led to a large balcony outside. Caroline opened them, letting in the warm breeze and cuddling into his side.
“I saw a bottle of champagne and strawberries downstairs. Do you want a snack?” she asked, resting her palms on his chest.
“Yes, then we’ll shower. I saw lots of nozzles and a good-sized bench. Shall we give it a whirl?”
Her eyes glimmered in anticipation. “I’ll get the snack,” she said, turning into the bedroom and out the door. He watched her ass, admiring the lovely view.
Jameson stepped farther onto the balcony, feeling the breeze.
It seemed to beckon to him. He grabbed his phone to check the time.
He didn’t want them to run late for their family dinner.
Victoria arranged a three-week stay at Ivan’s compound in Russia.
He saw pictures of the place, but it didn’t do it justice.
It appeared like a castle, the perfect place for them to rest and unwind without the pressures of the world.
He placed his hands on the balcony railing, hardly believing how much his life changed in a few short months. He carried the Bates name with pride, thinking of Thomas and wondering what his father-in-law might think of Jameson passing it down.
A breeze picked up, blowing directly in his face as if Thomas answered him.
“Don’t worry, Thomas. I’ll love her for both of us, and I’ll watch over her every day of my life,” he vowed.
The breeze seemed to swirl around him as if it agreed.
His phone rang in his hand, and he glanced down to see his best friend calling him.
“Can’t a man enjoy his first day back in peace?” he playfully growled.
“We postponed the party for another hour. Rebecca told us about the house. Congratulations, brother. Or should I say, Angel?” Garrett chuckled.
“Damn it, Grizzly, don’t start that shit with me. My call sign isn’t Angel,” he swore.
“I already suggested it to Rebecca and Julio. We took a vote since you seemed eager to leave on your honeymoon. We all agreed it fits you.”
“I’m gonna kick your ass,” he groaned out, unable to stay mad at his friend. “We’ll see you… soon.”
Garrett guffawed. “Take your time. After all, we’re practically neighbors.”
“Don’t remind me,” Jameson said, laughing as he hung up the phone.
“Who called?” Caroline asked as she wrapped her arms about his waist.
“It seems the team voted and gave me a new call sign. You actually gave it to me. They’re calling me, Angel.”
Caroline giggled and gazed up at him. “You’ll always be my guardian angel. I like it.”
“I bet you do,” he said, stroking her backside. “Give me a second?”
Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him thoroughly. When she pulled back, her eyes darkened with desire. “Hurry.”
Jameson smiled, watching her sashay her way inside.
Convincing Caroline was the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life, and he reaped the biggest reward.
He recalled getting shot and the images of his future flashing in his mind.
He jolted at the memory of seeing this house in one of them.
His mind recounted the other flashes. Jameson envisioned Caroline, heavily pregnant with his child, standing behind her, his hand on her belly.
The impression appeared so vivid, he wanted it more than anything.
“Jameson?” Caroline called.
He closed his eyes and took a breath, thankful for the woman waiting for him in the other room.
The grin slid across his face. He walked back inside, determined to convince Caroline that someone was waiting to meet them.
One with honey blonde hair and blue eyes like her mama.
Then a little boy, a replica of himself.
Peace floated over him as he walked toward his future as Jameson Bates.