“Oh shoot. I forgot to pick up your prescription, and you’ll need it for this afternoon,” Nancy exclaimed. “I’ll go after lunch and get it.”
“I’ll do it for you. It’s the least I can do after this meal,” Jameson said, sitting by Caroline.
“I appreciate it, Jameson. I don’t know where my head goes these days. I put it on my list and completely forgot,” Nancy said, berating herself.
Thomas took her hand. “There’s no need to fret. Jameson said he’ll get it. You do too much for me as it is.”
“Because I love you, you old coot. Don’t forget it,” she admonished, patting his arm.
“The feeling’s mutual,” Thomas agreed.
Jameson and Caroline exchanged smiles as they watched the older couple have a moment. For him, he witnessed the same type of love when he watched Kassie and Chase or Victoria and Ivan. It seemed like something he’d never have until he met Caroline. Now he wanted it more than anything.
Caroline carriedthe plates into the kitchen.
“Do we need anything else?” he asked, helping to carry the remaining dishes.
“No. I think we have everything,” she said. “I’ll help clean up the kitchen. Dad’s feeling tired. I’ll visit with him for a bit, and then we can go to the pool house.”
He leaned in, planting a tender kiss on her lips. “Do you have your knife?” he whispered. “I’m only going a block, but we don’t need to take chances.”
“I’m prepared,” she assured him before he left.
Nancy patted her shoulder. “It does your father good to see you this happy.”
“It makes me feel good,” she admitted. “I never imagined feeling this way again.”
“Keep working at it,” Nancy encouraged. “There’s bound to be rough days but live for the good ones. It’s how your father dealt with you missing. In the hall closet, you’ll find a birthday present from every year you stayed missing.”
Caroline wiped her hands on the dish towel. “I feel bad he worried about me all the time. We can’t make up the time we lost.”
Nancy took the towel from her hands and nudged her toward the living room. “We never know how long we have. Cherish the times we’re gifted. Go spend time with him. I’ll finish up here.”
Caroline entered the living room and sat beside her father.
“You’re lucky to have such a great cook. I’m afraid my skills feel lacking compared to hers,” she said, placing a plate of cookies and a cup of coffee on the table beside him.
“Ah, I remember your mother and you bringing me my treat after dinner,” he said softly, taking one. “I know she’s watching over us and happy you’re healing. It seems you’ve caught the attention of Jameson. He seems different.”
“Does he?” she asked. “We enjoyed each other’s company this weekend. The ranch feels…different. Everyone has a job and pitches in like a real family. Even I got swept up in the magic of the place. Rebecca offered me a position there with the kids. When I finish my master’s, she promised to bring me on as a therapist.”
“Wow, Honeybee. It’s what you always wanted. Did you accept the position?” he asked, his eyes glowing with pride.
“I told her I’d think about it. It means commuting, and until they have Cain in custody, they’ll want to have someone watching me. I don’t want them to have to add another guard. One will have to follow me there and back, and then another for the evening detail. Plus, I want it on my own merit, not a pity job.”
“Didn’t you tell me everyone there has a job and they pitch in to help others?” Thomas asked. “It doesn’t sound like they let just anyone into their circle. Rebecca knows your background and gave you an offer. She seems like an intelligent woman.”
“Of course, you’d agree. You’re my dad,” Caroline said, rolling her eyes.
“I agree because I have a box with all your academic papers, letters from professors, and scholarships. How many people do you see these days with no college debt? Yet you earned your way free and clear. You already admitted to liking it there. As much as I enjoy having you here, you can’t always live with me. You need to start your life and live it to its fullest.”
“You’re right. If I do consider it, will you move closer to Embers?”
She saw the hesitation in his expression.
“Dad, I know Jameson rented or purchased this place for you. Why didn’t you tell me?” she admonished.
“Because he asked me not to,” he admitted. “Like you, Jameson has suffered greatly by carrying the burden of his father’s doings. I believe he did this stoically, but he still carries the pain from rejection. If given a chance, he’d blossom as you’re doing now. It’s obvious he cares about you. Do you share the same feelings for him?”
