“Never mind me,” he assured her, beaming from ear to ear. “This feels like old times. I can never get tired of spending time with my daughter.”
She knelt beside him, pressing her forehead to his. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, Honeybee,” he whispered, kissing her cheek.
Jameson waited to walk her back to the pool house.
“I enjoyed playing cards tonight,” he said as they made the short journey.
“Yes, I did too,” she said, grinning. “I forgot to tell you, half the fun involves trying to figure out how my dad cheats.”
“Did he always play like this?” he asked, genuinely curious.
“Yes. He used to let me win, and it made me mad. My mother scolded him, telling Dad he didn’t do me any favors by letting me win at everything. I started getting better, and he found ways to cheat to win. It became more fun than the game itself.”
“I can tell,” he chuckled. “Be sure to go straight to bed. Victoria may have taken it easy on you today, but it doesn’t mean she will tomorrow.”
“I will,” she answered as she entered the house. “Goodnight, Jameson.”
“Goodnight,” he called before turning around to do another check. It startled him to see Thomas on the patio watching them. He walked toward the older man, wondering what kept him from retiring for the night.
“It seems you and my Caroline make a great team,” he said, greeting Jameson.
“We do,” he agreed. “You didn’t come all the way out here to congratulate me on cheating with your daughter, did you?”
Thomas sat for a long moment before speaking. “She doesn’t know it yet, but she smiles more when you’re around. Caroline’s scared of what it’ll mean if she falls in love with you. I’m afraid she hasn’t realized she already has. When the time comes, promise me, son, you’ll take care of my little girl. Don’t let her fear of her future get in the way of finding love. It’s the only thing which kept me going, and it’s the one thing that can set her free.”
“I won’t leave her, sir. You have my word,” he said, meaning it with all his heart.
Thomas maneuvered his wheelchair back into the house, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Did Caroline love him? He saw the battle in her eyes as she tried to decide whether he was her friend or her enemy. It nearly killed him. If Thomas saw a glimmer of hope, then Jameson might have a chance.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Two Weeks Later
Victoria gifted Caroline an engraved knife with a pink rose.
“Here’s my last gift to you,” Victoria said proudly. “I’ve only given one other woman a set of these. Kassie has become like a daughter to me and can wield these with great precision. You’re as talented as she. Always keep this on you.”
Caroline lifted the shiny steel knife from its sheath. “It’s stunning, Victoria. Thank you.”
“You’ve earned this. Even Ivan can attest to your ability. Rebecca tells me Cain has given the Feds a bit of trouble. He will come for you one day. Jameson stole property from him, and Cain won’t allow you to easily slip away despite what the Feds say. Rebecca knows this, or she’d release the team from watching over you. Trust your gut. It’ll never lead you astray.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you coming and teaching me. I promise to practice every morning. The sunrise has become my favorite part of the day. May I come visit you someday?”
“You have an open invitation,” Victoria said, hugging her. “Don’t let fear run your life. It’ll drown you quicker than the water in this pool. You’re stronger now, and every day will only get better. As soon as you let those doubts creep in, you’ll miss out on what’s in front of you.”
“I’ll do my best,” she promised before hugging Ivan.
“Best of luck to you,” Ivan whispered. “Earning my wife’s praise can be tough. She’s telling you the truth. You’re powerful now.”
Caroline smiled as she stepped away, watching the two of them leave. She’d miss their training sessions.
“I see your guests said their goodbyes,” Thomas called from the patio doors. “What will you do with all this free time on your hands?”
“I’m leaving tonight for Embers for the baby shower,” she said, walking toward him. “Then, I’m searching for a job.”
“Good for you,” he said, smiling and ushering her inside for breakfast.
