“I don’t expect too much trouble from the seniors, but we don’t want anyone unexpected coming in under the guise of bringing condolences. Garrett will team with Mac until later,” Julio informed him. “I’m assuming you set the security on the pool house. We’ll leave and return tomorrow after you finish the arrangements. We may have a few of the guards walking the funeral as locals.”
“Thanks for being here. I’m sure Caroline appreciates everything you’ve done. I do, too,” he said, recognizing they never hesitated to help, treating him like part of the family.
“You’d do the same for us,” Julio said, motioning for the team to leave. “Call if you need anything.”
Matthew handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s Nancy’s number.”
“Thanks.”
He waited until they left, set the security code, and returned to Caroline. He smoothed a piece of hair from her face, taking in the small worry lines on her forehead. Did she somehow sense the danger?
He watched her sleep, determined to keep her safe. After all, she represented his new future.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
The Next Morning
Caroline read through the paperwork and searched for the safe, hoping to find instructions or her father’s last wishes. The pain struck her chest, and she grew angrier. James Stanton cheated her out of getting to know her father all over again. A couple of months didn’t cover six years of worrying, the beatings, the rapes, or getting her life back.
Walking past the closet, she recalled Nancy telling her about her dad collecting presents in hopes she returned home. She turned around and opened it, finding a plastic bin marked “Caroline.” Pulling it out, she took it to Thomas’ bedroom and sat on the bed. She opened the lid to find gaily wrapped gifts with name tags. Reaching for the first one, she read the note. It said, “Caroline’s second missed birthday.” She glanced at all the gifts, noticing he had written how many years she had been missing from their lives. Placing them in order, she opened up the first gift.
A pair of diamond-studded earrings accompanied a card.
Our hearts will never feel the same until we have you home and safe with us. Remember, coal undergoes a lot of pressure before it turns into a diamond. You always carry a light within you. Don’t forget it exists.
Love,
Mom and Dad
The second year contained a leather journal, engraved with her name.
It’s the second year we haven’t seen you, my Honeybee. You might have some thoughts you want to write out. Remember, none of us is perfect. No matter what you’re going through, I’m with you in your heart.
Love,
Mom and Dad
She pulled out a beautiful picture frame for the third year. They took it the month before James stole her.
My heart yearns for you, my sweet girl. Remember how much we love you, Honeybee. We’ll never stop searching.
Love,
Mom and Dad
She unwrapped the fourth year, finding a pin with a beehive and a bee with diamonds for wings.
Did you know bees can carry seventy-one times their body weight? When they pollinate, it’s so intense, it produces 5G. It’s five times the force felt by fighter jet pilots. Whatever you’re going through, remember you’re my Honeybee.
Love,
Dad
The fifth year, she opened an ornate box, holding her mother’s pearls.
Your mother wanted you to have these. She wore them on our wedding day and wanted you to have them for yours. God willing, I’ll see them on you. I miss you, Caroline, more than you’ll ever know.
Love,
