“Honeybee, I have some news to share of my own. Nancy and I have lived under the same roof for many years. I’ve grown very fond of her, as did your mother. Since she left this earth, we’ve grown even closer. I hope you don’t think I’ve forgotten about your mother,” Thomas announced.
Caroline gazed at the pair holding hands, waiting for her reaction.
“Dad, I’m glad you’ve found someone who can make you happy. I’m grateful to Nancy for caring for you and Mom all these years. I should’ve done it,” she confessed, thinking about all their time apart.
Shaking his head, Thomas leaned closer. “I’m an old man, Caroline. Waking up every day feels like a blessing. Doubly so since you returned to me. You’re young. It’s your turn to enjoy life, find love, and discover what makes you happy. I’m afraid one day, you’ll have to grieve for me all over again. I hope you understand what time we have together has brought me peace like no other. I’ll die a happy man, knowing I’ll see your mother again.”
Peering at Nancy, Caroline wondered how she felt hearing her dad talk about her mom.
“I experienced my great love exactly like your father. I love Thomas, but as we grow older, we value our friendship and having someone to share the rest of our lives with. Antonio will always be in my heart, like Anna will remain in Thomas’. We want to ask for your blessing,” Nancy explained, reaching across the table, offering her hand in friendship. “I don’t want to takeyour mother’s place, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. Your parents never gave up hope, and Jameson brought you to our door.”
Caroline wiped at her eyes. “Of course, you have my blessing.”
“Nancy, let’s bring out the apple crumble. We can send Caroline home with all this food. Life’s too short to have dessert last,” Thomas said cheerfully.
Rising, Caroline went to help Nancy with the dishes.
“He’s happy you returned home,” Nancy said softly. “You’ve given him hope.”
“I never considered he or my mom might’ve survived. James never told me any differently,” she said, adding the dishes to the dishwasher.
“He isolated you. If you believed your family dead, you’d have no place to run,” Nancy said wisely. “Jameson located Thomas and visited a few days before he brought you here.”
“What? I thought he brought me the same day,” she exclaimed.
“I listened at the door. We didn’t know this young man and I didn’t want your father alone with him. He introduced himself as Jameson, with no last name. I overheard the two of them talking. Jameson worried your dad might’ve gotten involved with James, and as a punishment, he took you. He cares deeply for you. Did you know his mother named him to torment James’ former wife? James’ son, Jameson.”
Putting the last of the dishes inside, Caroline shut the dishwasher. “How awful. I knew how cruel he behaved. I didn’t realize how James might’ve treated his own child. My parents doted on me but stayed firm when I needed it.”
“It’s none of my business, but do you have a computer at home? If you do some digging, you might get a glimpse into Jameson’s childhood. If you’re concerned about his motives orworried he’s like his dad, it might give you an unbiased view,” Nancy suggested, slicing the pie and getting out the ice cream.
“It’s a good idea. Thanks.” The two women brought the dessert to the table.
“Why don’t you text Jameson and ask him to eat dessert with us. He seems very protective of you. I bet he’s jumping out of his skin waiting for you to contact him,” Thomas said, beaming at the pie. “You chose well, Caroline. I haven’t visited the bakery since you left us. Of course, we didn’t live as close then.”
“When did you move here?” Caroline asked, confused.
“We recently moved in,” Nancy interrupted. “The house we lived in needed too many repairs.”
Something in her voice made Caroline believe there was more to the story, but she wanted to spend the time with her father.
“When James shot Mom, how did she survive?” she asked.
“Honestly, I think she did it from sheer willpower. Anna didn’t want to leave without knowing your fate,” Thomas answered. “If we’re asking the hard questions, what happened after James took you?”
“I stayed in his mansion for almost a year,” Caroline said, refusing to describe the hell she endured during her imprisonment. “Then Cain made an offer, and we moved every few weeks until recently.”
“We can’t imagine how much you endured. Have you given much thought to what you will do when you leave the ranch?” he asked.
“I have my degree and started my master’s online. I want to work with kids, but with my history, I doubt anyone will want me for therapy sessions. Other women have left the ranch and returned to their families. They provide them with a nearby counselor and help them reestablish themselves,” Caroline informed them.
A knock at the door caught her attention. Nancy rose to answer it when Caroline glanced at her father’s amused expression.
“I’m afraid I already invited Jameson. I’m grateful to him for bringing my daughter back into my life. Forgive me for overstepping,” he said, patting her hand.
Jameson entered, and his gaze immediately went to her. She saw the uncertainty in his eyes, and she hated it.
“You didn’t take your limoncello cake,” she murmured. “Do you want to save it for later and have a slice of pie with ice cream?” she asked politely.
