“I’ll see you at the house,” she said, squeezing Caroline’s arm.
Jameson leaned in, kissing her temple. “I’ll give you a few minutes alone,” he whispered.
Nodding, she stared at the hole. It resembled her heart, dark and endless. “I love you, Dad. I’m grateful for the time we spent together, however short. I’m glad you passed away knowing I made it home. I don’t know what my future will entail, but I won’t give up. Knowing you and Mom will watch over me gives me some comfort. Rest in peace.”
When Jameson noticed her walking from the tent, he approached her.
“The limo will take us back to the house for the reception. Riley said Delaney has all the caterers getting everything ready. It was a beautiful service.”
“Thank you,” she replied automatically. It seemed it was all she ever did.
Sliding into the car seat, Jameson held her hand all the way to the house. People filled the driveway and the surrounding street. Caroline recognized a couple of the men standing in the yard from the ranch as the limo pulled up to the curb. They got out, and she took a deep breath as they went inside. The endless condolences and the usual phrases heard at funerals seemed to stifle her even more.
Rebecca sent her a sympathetic smile as she approached.
“The service turned out lovely. Delaney and Rachel have everything in hand. We added tables and chairs on the patio forpeople to sit. Why don’t you get some fresh air? You’ve already spoken to everyone here. Take a breath.”
Not waiting for her reply, Jameson led her around the living room and onto the patio. A long table filled the area and the team sat together, leaving the other tables around the pool available for guests. It gave her a sense of privacy. Jameson led her to a seat, and a few minutes later, he set the food in front of her.
“Can we get you anything?” Riley asked. “You did a wonderful job on the service.”
Caroline smiled. “No, I’m fine.”
Riley shot Rebecca a concerned expression, but didn’t say anything.
“Eat,” Jameson prompted. “You barely touched a thing at breakfast.”
“Caroline, I love your pin,” Rachel said softly.
“My dad left it as a birthday gift. He left one for every year I went missing,” she told her. “It only seemed appropriate to wear it today.”
“I’m sure it made him proud,” Rachel said, patting her hand.
“Have you seen Nancy? I didn’t see her in the house,” Caroline asked the group.
“I locked the bedroom doors to keep everyone in the main rooms. I didn’t see her arrive,” Matthew volunteered.
Caroline rose. The food no longer interested her.
“I think I’ll find her. If you’ll excuse me,” she said, walking into the house. Closing the patio door, she scanned the room. When she didn’t see her, Caroline walked toward her dad’s bedroom. The cracked-open door indicated someone unlocked it, and she pushed it open.
Nancy held up a sweater, placing it inside her suitcase.
“Come on in, sweetheart,” she greeted. “I can’t bear sitting there listening to military stories or hearing one morecondolence. I needed to do something. Your friends seem to have everything in hand. I decided to start packing.”
“You know you don’t have to move out immediately or anything,” Caroline said. “I’ll contact the owner and request another month. Dad’s life insurance will cover us.”
Nancy chuckled and sat on the bed, patting the seat behind her.
“It appears Jameson’s keeping secrets from you, my dear. When we first met him, Jameson asked your father not to mention anything about moving us here. I’m not sure if he owns the place, but he set up the daily therapy sessions and moved us the very next day. Until then, we lived in your old childhood home.”
Caroline gazed at Nancy, assessing whether she told the truth.
“Why?” she asked, surprised.
“Because your father’s medical bills left very little wiggle room. I supplemented his income with my checks,” she explained. “Jameson didn’t want you to feel guilty.”
“I don’t understand any of this. It doesn’t matter. You don’t need to rush out of here,” she insisted.
