Scrolling to Jameson’s name, Caroline pulled up the text bubble. She sat for a minute, trying to find the words she wanted to convey. Nothing seemed or felt appropriate.
Thank you for setting up the meeting with Victoria. I feel better about James. I’ve decided to take my father up on his offer, and I moved my things this afternoon. When do I need to return the car? It’s a sweet ride, and I love driving it. I may have to buy one when I save up enough money.
What about our agreement?
He texted back immediately.
You can’t watch over me day and night. You have a job to do. There are more survivors out there. They need you.
She insisted.
Three dots showed and then disappeared. He didn’t respond. Somehow, it hurt more than she anticipated.
Jameson pulled into the driveway,shutting off his lights. He watched Caroline set the table while chatting with her father. From the outside, she appeared happy as she lovingly caressed his cheek.
Nancy entered the room, carrying a large baking dish. Thomas gazed through the window, and he seemed to have a hint of a smile on his face.
His eyes traced Caroline moving into the kitchen when his phone rang.
“Jameson,” he answered.
“Hello, young man. I wondered how long it might take until you showed up. You might as well come in and eat dinner with us. We’re having baked ham with scalloped potato casserole and salad,” Thomas informed him.
“I don’t think Caroline wants me showing up at the door. I’m fine, sir,” he assured him.
“I insist. You saved my daughter and, therefore, me. You’ll always have a seat at my table. I’ll expect you in five minutes,” Thomas said before hanging up.
Banging his head on the steering wheel, he debated with himself. Part of him wished to walk inside and haul Caroline over his shoulder, demanding she return to the ranch. The other side argued, she needed this time with her father, and he didn’t have the right to interfere.
Getting out of his truck, he scanned the neighborhood. Everything appeared the same as the first few nights he watched the house before confronting her father.
Ringing the doorbell, he waited for someone to answer.
The door opened, and Nancy greeted him with a smile and a wink.
“Jameson. It’s nice to see you. Come on in,” she said, moving out of his way. “We’re sitting for dinner. Do you want to join us?”
“Thank you,” he said, nodding. His eyes scanned the room until he found the woman he searched for. Caroline’s eyes grew big before her cheeks turned pink.
“Jameson…I texted you. Did you check your phone?” she asked hesitantly, surprised to see him there.
“Yes. I saw your text,” he said coolly.
“I invited Jameson to dinner,” her father interjected. “Come have a seat, son.”
Jameson waited for Caroline to refuse, but she hurried to her chair next to her father, avoiding his gaze.
“Tell me about this ranch, Jameson. Do you bring everyone you save there?” Thomas asked.
“I’m not allowed to discuss the specifics, but everyone gets a choice. They can stay or return home,” he said, staring at Caroline.
“What happens to them if they should decide to stay?” Thomas asked, passing the rolls toward him, making Caroline take the basket and hand it to him.
“Thank you,” he murmured, seeing Thomas regarding the two of them. The old man appeared sneakier than he originally thought. “Then we help them rebuild their lives.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied, digging into the casserole.
“Tell me, Honeybee, what will you do for a job?” Thomas asked, taking a sip of tea. “You can’t sit with your old man every day.”
