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 teammember 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 haveclaimed 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.
