Thomas took a healthy swig of his whiskey. “Nancy must be right. This whiskey has me hearing things.”
“I assure you, I plan to make this up to you. I can’t bring your wife back, but I won’t let you lose any more time with Caroline. She’s getting help, and I need the counselor’s approval before I can spring this on her. I hope you understand.”
Thomas gazed at his coffee cup for a long time before he peered at Jameson. “You love my daughter, don’t you?”
This time, Jameson took a healthy swig. “I met her some months ago while searching for someone else. Your daughter risked her life to get information to me. When I found her, she stabbed a man when he tried to hurt another woman. Caroline’s the bravest woman I know.”
“And you love her, yes?” Thomas pressed.
“Yes, I do. Unfortunately, I’m James Stanton’s son. Once she discovers this, she won’t want to have anything to do with me,” he confessed. “Promise me you’ll never tell her what I’ve done for you. And you’ll call if she needs anything, no matter how small.”
“Will you continue to pay for your father’s sins?” Thomas asked. “What will you do when you realize nothing can change what your father has done to these people. It’s not your fault, Jameson. Forgive yourself, son. Living a life of guilt will slowly kill you.”
“It already has,” he admitted. “If you need anything, you only need to call. The movers will arrive in the morning. If you don’t like your accommodations, I will find new ones. This area’s not safe.”
“You’re a good man, Jameson. I fear you’re lost. Don’t let your father ruin your life, too,” Thomas said softly. “Thank you, son. Will you visit me after this move?”
“Unfortunately, I can’t. Caroline’s happiness comes before all else. You’ll receive a packet tomorrow. Please take it with my blessing,” he said, rising. “I can’t stay for dinner. I’ll call you before I bring her.” Jameson pulled out a card with hisinformation on it. “You can text me at this number. Don’t tell Caroline about any of this. She deserves a second chance at happiness, even if it won’t be with me.”
“As you say, Caroline’s happiness comes first,” Thomas agreed. “What about yours, son?”
“I can live with myself if I know she comes out of this on the other side.” Jameson shook Thomas’ hand and left.
He turned the truck toward Embers and thought about how to tell Caroline the truth. In all the scenarios, he couldn’t think of one in which she’d feel safe in the arms of James Stanton’s son.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Caroline watched as Rebecca, Rachel, and Delaney fussed over Riley.
She made a lovely bride. Her dress fit her like a glove, showing off her tiny waist and cascading down her with lace and pearls, nothing flashy but perfect.
“You’re beautiful,” Rachel murmured. “Garrett will be on cloud nine when he sees you in this dress.”
“Thank you for asking the hairstylist to do my hair. It’s warm, even for spring. I planned to wear it down for the ceremony. I’m glad you showed me it’d still complement the dress if I wore it up,” Riley said nervously.
“Girl, why do I feel like you’re jumping out of your skin? You and Garrett are already attached at the hip. A piece of paper and a ceremony won’t change it,” Delaney said, adding flowers to the bouquet.
“You know how life feels really good sometimes, and you have to pinch yourself to see if it’s real? I never dreamed of finding someone like Garrett. Then, I have a home with you as my friends. Tara and I feel lucky, and it’s a feeling we aren’t usedto. Garrett says once we’ve felt safe for a while, this feeling will go away.”
“You don’t think it will?” Caroline asked. Hoping Riley said yes, giving her hope for her future.
“I’m optimistic,” Riley said, smiling. “Has anyone seen Tara?”
“She’s in the kitchen sneaking appetizers with Kara. Don’t worry, I made plenty, and Amy and Jared, Kara’s parents, promised to keep an eye on them,” Delaney assured her. “She’ll be up here soon. Tara has a surprise for you.”
“I hope it’s not like the last one. I swear, Garrett suffered a heart attack when her new love interest showed up with a pickup loaded with a mattress, pillows, and blankets in the back,” Riley said, giggling. “I’ve never seen a teenager peel out of a driveway so fast in my life.”
The women all chuckled, imagining the scene of the thick, muscled man stalking to the truck to scare a lanky teen away.
“What has you quiet over there, Rachel? I figured you’d be lending Riley all kinds of marital advice and suggestions on new positions,” Delaney teased. Caroline already liked the straightforward woman.
Rachel sat on the bed and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to her body. “I’m happy for you, Riley, truly. I guess I thought Matthew and I might be married first. It’s not a competition thing. Matthew never wants to sit down and discuss a date.”
“Did you talk to him about it?” Rebecca asked. “Maybe he plans to wait until after your father’s trial. It’s coming up soon. Then, you’ll have the past behind you and a future to work toward.”
Shrugging, Rachel twined a curl around her shoulder, appearing downcast about the subject.
Rebecca brought out Riley’s bridal boots, making everyone ewww and ahhh. “They fit your style perfectly,” Rebecca gushed.
