“It’s a good idea. Thank you,” Rebecca said.
“I was working on my master’s when everything happened. I enrolled in school, but no one wants to hire me with a six-year gap,” she said.
“Megan, why don’t you get your shoes, and I’ll take you for a real horse ride? Mommy and Caroline can chat while we have fun,” Jameson whispered loud enough for the two women to hear.
Megan jumped up and squealed, running for her shoes.
“No running,” Rebecca reminded her. Taking Caroline by the arm, she led her into the living room.
“Tell me about this degree and your experience,” Rebecca said, sitting on the couch and patting the place beside her.
“I worked with the university and planned on working as a therapist,’ she said, shrugging. “Don’t read into it. You’re meeting Megan’s needs. Sometimes kids want people like themselves and not grown-ups. You’re too close to the situation.”
“As you know, we have Terry, Ann, and Clara on staff. We school the kids there, and we use one of the cabins for therapy. How’d you like a job working with them?” Rebecca asked.
“I appreciate it, but I don’t need a pity offer. Plus, I’m staying with my dad,” she explained. “We’re making up for lost time.”
“It’s not pity. You’re good. I knew about your degree but thought you planned to teach.”
“Nope,” Caroline said. “What have you planned for this weekend?”
“Tomorrow morning, we’ll have brunch here and decorate. At 1:00, Mac will drop Delaney off. She thinks she’s coming for a ranch meeting. Sometimes she helps us out when one of the survivors has a birthday, or we want to celebrate someone returning to their life. After the party, the men will join us, and we’re having a barbecue.”
“Oh, wow. Let me know what you need help with. I’m sorry I didn’t help you plan it,” Caroline said.
“No need to worry about it. Garrett and Riley showed up a day early to attend the shower. They ordered the food from a caterer we use. Ann made mini sandwiches, and I ordered cupcakes and a larger cake for later. Everything else came out of a bag. Rachel will contribute something, but we’re happy she’s not cooking,” Rebecca said, laughing. “Delaney’s acting stressed lately, and if we cook, she’ll think we did too much. She’ll relax and not go into Mama Bear mode if all of us seem chill.”
“Ah, I got it,” Caroline said, nodding. “What cabin did you prepare for me?”
“Cabin four. I’ll drive you there while Uncle Jameson takes Megan for a ride. I know you brought your car and left Jameson’s truck at your dad’s, but I’ll have him or one of the guys drop it off. He can use one of the ranch vehicles. We’re having dinner at five. It’ll give you enough time to get settled and return,” she said, moving to the staircase. “Did you find your shoes, Monkey?”
“Yes, Mama. I’m taking Sandy with me,” Megan said, holding her doll.
Jameson entered the hallway, carrying her shoes.
“Caroline, can you help Megan with her shoes while I speak with Rebecca for a moment?”
“Sure,” she said, kneeling to Megan’s height. “Those seem lovely. I’m a fan of unicorns, too. What’s your favorite color?” she asked while Rebecca disappeared with Jameson.
“Orange,” Megan told her. “Do you like it?”
“I do. Do you like riding horses?”
“Yep. Daddy says I can get a pony when I get stronger. I hope it’s soon. Gran Victoria says I’ll have one at her house.”
“You know Victoria?” she asked, surprised.
“Yup. Gramps Ivan brought me my new play horse and a necklace. Gran Victoria says I can come sled on her mountain when it snows.”
“Have you ever built a snowman?” she asked, curious to know Victoria’s connection to the little girl.
“Not yet. Daddy says it snows here sometimes. I gotta be patient,” Megan told her. “First it’ll get hot, then the leaves will fall, then maybe snow.”
“You’re right. It’ll be hard to wait, but you can have fun in the summer and fall, too,” she said as Rebecca entered the hallway.
She smiled at her daughter as Megan put on her own shoes and stood, waiting for her uncle.
“Have a fun ride, and I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Rebecca said, kissing her cheek.
