“It’s your decision, Caroline,” Rebecca reiterated. “No matter what you decide, we’re still your friends. We’ll leave and give you some time to think about it. As it stands, Jameson will take you to your father. If you can’t do it, call me, and we’ll take you with no judgment.”
“Thank you for coming,” she said, relieved they gave her some time alone. “I’ll call you. Riley, get back home to Garrett. Have a wonderful honeymoon.”
They hugged her and said their goodbyes. The cabin fell silent, and she picked up the teacups, adding them to the dishwasher. She recalled how close Jameson held her as they danced, making her feel safe and…loved. Did he tell her in order to give her a clean slate? She didn’t know, but something told her she wasn’t the only one who needed a second chance.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
At ten in the morning, Jameson rang the doorbell. Caroline checked her hair one more time and put her hand on her stomach, feeling the butterflies. She opened the door and greeted him.
“I’m almost ready. Let me grab my purse. I wanted to stop at the bakery and pick up the pie. I ordered it last night. If you don’t have time, I can ask Nancy if I can borrow her car. Never mind, I don’t have a valid license,” she babbled.
“Good morning, Caroline. Of course, we can pick up the pie. Do you know how long you plan to stay? I’m not rushing you. I have some errands to run, and I’ll do the last few near your father’s house,” he explained.
“He naps at four. I figured I’d leave about thirty minutes before, giving Nancy time to help him back to bed. I want to help, but after all this time apart, I don’t want to make him uncomfortable,” she said, walking outside. Noticing Matthew’s truck waiting, she stopped. “Is Matthew taking me?”
“I asked him to follow us. After last night, you’re not comfortable with me,” he said, matter-of-factly.
“Oh, I didn’t…”
“It’s all right. I’m used to people assuming the worst about me. It’s nothing new. What type of pie did you order?”
“Apple crumble,” she replied, walking to his truck. Jameson held the door open for her. Instead of lifting her at the waist, he offered her his hand.
She took it, trying hard not to tremble. Once she settled, Jameson slid into the driver’s seat and started down the ranch’s driveway, headed toward Corpus Christi.
“Did you eat this morning?” he asked.
“No. I’ll eat when I get to Dad’s. I woke up late, and I barely got dressed in time.”
Jameson sighed. “You’re on your last week of medication. You can’t take it on an empty stomach. Did you remember to bring them with you? You have a dose at two.”
Surprised, her mouth opened as she realized he knew her schedule. “Yes, I have them. I can get something at the bakery,” she offered.
“You can’t tolerate a ton of sugar. It upsets your stomach. Remember: start with small amounts until your body adjusts,” he said, reminding her.
“Thank you for the reminder. The bakery used to have a small breakfast selection and fresh coffee.
“You’re welcome,” he said, pulling onto the street. “Do you have the address of the bakery?”
“Yes,” she said, taking out her phone. “It’s 1221 West Main.”
“We’re not too far away, you’ll have time to eat,” he said, keeping his eyes on the road.
Their conversation seemed stiff, unlike the ones they enjoyed in the past, even when Cain owned her.
Jameson found a parking spot across the street. “Do you want to go in by yourself?”
Caroline stared at the bakery. Even from across the street, it felt a mile away. Enough room for Cain to drive up and whiskher away. Getting free from him once seemed like a miracle. If he took her again, she’d never see the light of day. Her heart raced, and her palms grew sweaty as she gripped her purse and got out.
She heard Jameson utter, “Shit,” as he opened the door and escorted her across the street.
They almost reached the door when she turned to him.
“I’m sorry, okay? I don’t know what to think. I’m saying the wrong things, and you’re having to care for me like a child. At this point, I’m sure you’d rather have Matthew take me and be done with it,” she blurted.
Jameson turned his startled eyes toward her and led her away from the bakery.
“Let me make this clear. If I didn’t want to bring you, I have three brothers at home to cover for me. You’re recovering, and I dropped a bombshell on you. Yes, it’s awkward, but only because we’re making it feel this way. Take a breath with me, and let’s relax,” he said, peering into her eyes.
