“Oh, he’s such an incredible guy. Of course, I’m biased. He’s Garrett’s best friend. Tara loves him,” Riley babbled.
“Do you see what I mean?” Rachel laughed.
“There’s nothing to tell. He guards the house, and he taught me how to swim today,” Caroline said. “He’s good at his job.”
Rachel snorted. “His job? He’s doing everything he can to help you trust him. First, he kept his promise and found you. Second, he purchased the cute little convertible for you to have some freedom. And finally, he swallowed his pride and asked Victoria for a favor to teach you how to protect yourself. The man has it bad for you.”
Caroline sat stunned at Rachel’s revelation. She didn’t have a clue. Not even her father mentioned Jameson helping.
“Jameson did this?” She turned and faced Rebecca.
Rebecca frowned. “He asked me not to say anything. Jameson wants you to trust him for his own merit, not because you owe him.”
“Wait. You didn’t know?” Rachel asked, confused. “I’m sorry, Caroline. I didn’t realize he kept it a secret. I know Mac advised him not to buy you off to establish your trust.”
The lump grew larger in her throat. Jameson did all this for her.
“Breathe, Caroline. He didn’t want to mislead you. Imagine getting judged for your father’s sin. Jameson spent many sleepless nights searching for you. Can you not get past his last name?” Riley asked. “I’m not guilting you. I’m your friend and respect the fact you’ve suffered something horrible at his father’s hands. But I’ve seen him at his lowest when one lead after the next failed to find you. He’s hurting in a different way.”
“I didn’t know about the car. It must’ve taken a lot for him to ask Victoria to come here,” Caroline murmured. “It’s not that I don’t care. I can’t see a way around James Stanton. It’s not Jameson’s fault. My heart knows it, but my head won’t let me forget.”
Rachel knelt in front of Caroline.
“Coming from someone who lived a life getting judged by people, I can attest I turned into what everyone expected, a cold, heartless bitch. I can’t speak about what happened in Serenitywith Jameson, but I can say those men act extremely protective of their family. I never understood it until Delaney befriended me. Then Rebecca and Riley showed up. I followed Matthew here after he left without telling me. Love gave me the courage to change. The people here accept me as I am. I think Jameson only wants a fair shot.”
“I’m scared. Jameson saw what Cain did to me. If he protected me, he’d blow his cover and risk losing Rebecca. He seemed…desperate to prove himself. He saved me, and I’m grateful, but what does it mean for us? No matter how much we want something, it won’t change who he is.”
“You know who he is,” Rebecca said. “He’s shown you in every way possible. Sticks and stones may break your bones…”
“But words will never hurt me,” Caroline finished her sentence.
“Do you love him?” Riley asked.
“Yes, I do,” she whispered. “I don’t know what to do about it.”
“You can do anything together,” Rebecca assured her. “Julio never gave up on me. He saw what I went through, exactly as Jameson did. With love, patience, and a little time, those fears will melt away. As long as you communicate, you have a shot if you have the courage to take it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Mac escorted Delaney to the living room where the women yelled, “Surprise.”
Her mouth gaped open as she held a hand to her chest. “What did you do?” she exclaimed as tears flowed down her cheeks.
“We can’t let you have this baby without a welcoming party from his or her new aunts,” Rachel said, hugging her.
“You didn’t have to do this,” Delaney said, as Mac led her to the seat of honor.
“Have fun, ladies. Julio and I will load the truck when I pick her up and take everything back to her cabin,” he said stiffly.
Delaney glanced at him and appeared as if she might start crying. Mac turned and left, leaving her with the women.
“We have mini sandwiches, fruit, and an array of sides. Can I fix you a plate?” Rebecca asked, rubbing Delaney’s shoulder.
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” Delaney murmured before turning to Caroline. “I’m happy to see you, Caroline. We spoke about you the other day, hoping you’d visit us. I haven’t gone out much lately. Rebecca and Julio put me on maternity leave, andI already have everything for the baby set up. I’m twiddling my thumbs and waiting impatiently. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she assured her. “I’m spending time with my father and his friend, Nancy. They’ve made me feel welcome.”
“Good,” Delaney said, smiling. “Tell me you’ll start visiting us more often. I heard Victoria paid you a visit.”
