“Uncle Jameson, I’m ready,” Megan shouted.
“I’m coming,” he said, coming out of the office. He picked her up and swung her onto his shoulders. “Let’s go, ya little monkey. Did you check the fridge to see if we have any freeze pops? I want the orange one.”
“Nope, I ate them all up,” she squealed as Jameson tickled her legs.
Rebecca laughed, and Caroline watched as the two disappeared into the barn.
“Let’s take you to the cabin,” Rebecca said, heading toward her car to get her bags.
“I only have one and a dress. I got it,” Caroline told her, getting the clothes from the convertible.
Rebecca drove to the cabin, and they entered it together.
“I stocked the cabin with snacks and drinks. Feel free to help yourself,” Rebecca informed her. “Come sit with me for a minute.”
Caroline sat in one of the armchairs while Rebecca took the couch. “Did Terry tell you not to work with kids?”
“She suggested my trauma may affect how I associate with them. Terry thinks I need a different career path,” Caroline said, groaning. Knowing Jameson said something to her friend.
“She’s wrong. Finish your degree. I’ll hire you as a helper, and when you finish, I’ll bring you on as a therapist. Jameson already pulled up your school records, letters of recommendation, and your volunteer history.”
“But it’s all before…”
“You’re talented. I don’t care what happened in the past. If anything, you’ll understand these kids better. I’ll be speaking with Terry on Monday. She’s not here to pass judgment. I hired her to help these women get their lives back, not guide them to forget their dreams. She’s not a good fit for our teams,” Rebecca said vehemently.
“I didn’t mean to get her in trouble,” Caroline winced.
“Her actions caused this, not yours. If she told you this, what did she say to others? This makes me mad, Caroline. You worked hard for your future. No one asked if you wanted to get kidnapped against your will for six years. I’ve lived in that hell for almost a year, and you survived six. You deserve a good life,” Rebecca insisted. “Don’t blame yourself.”
“It angers me, too. Can I think about working here? Jameson lives here and?—”
The doorbell rang, and then Rachel pounded on the door. “Hey, we know you’re in there. Riley and I don’t plan on standing on this porch while the two of you share all the gossip.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes as she got up to welcome them.
Riley bounded inside, hugged Caroline, then Rebecca.
“I’ll warn you, she’s on the post-honeymoon glow. She wants everyone to feel as happy as she is. It’s absolutely sickening,” Rachel grumbled. “If her recounting of her and Garrett’s activities carries any gravity, we’ll have another Garrett Jr. or little Riley running around.”
“Did you have a good time?” Rebecca asked Riley, who practically glowed.
“We stayed on Victoria’s Estate. We didn’t see much of the country. I’ve never seen a place as magical as her home. I now believe in leprechauns and have an unhealthy relationship with Irish coffee,” Riley gushed. “How are you, Caroline? I’m glad you made it. Delaney will be surprised.”
“Thanks. Congratulations. I’m doing all right,” she said, smiling at Riley’s post-honeymoon commentary.
“I heard Victoria showed you a few moves. Will you share with us?” Riley asked.
“See? She’s like a puppy with boundless energy,” Rachel said, shaking her head.
“Does anyone want something to drink? We can have our gab session tonight before we prep for tomorrow,” Rebecca asked while heading into the kitchen.
“Water, please,” Riley called.
“Make it two,” Rachel said, taking a seat in the middle of the couch.
“I’ll take one,” Caroline responded.
Rebecca handed them all bottles while she took her seat. “We’re all here. Caroline started telling me about Jameson.”
