“It’s all right,” Nancy soothed. “With Thomas gone, I’m reminded of him every turn. I’m staying with my son until the estate gets settled and moving into my place. Did your lawyers review the paperwork I gave you?”
“Julio hasn’t said anything. I’m sure it’s fine,” Caroline assured her.
“I’m sure you have guests to greet,” Nancy said, giving her shoulders a squeeze.
“Promise me you’ll stay in touch. I’ve barely seen you since he died, and I feel like you’re leaving permanently.”
“It’s your overactive imagination,” she said, rising from the bed. “I’ll call you next week and set up a lunch date.”
“I’d love it,” Caroline said. “I’ll let you get back to work.”
Jameson watchedCaroline enter the bedroom, and he saw her speaking to Nancy. Garrett came up from behind him, clapping his hand on Jameson’s shoulder.
“How’s she doing?” he asked.
“Better than expected. I guess I anticipated her to get upset, and she hasn’t shed a tear,” he murmured. “I’m worried about her.”
“We’ve noticed it, too. Encourage her to return to counseling. I know she’s busy with the funeral arrangements and things. Some people have a hard time after the funeral when visitors stop coming.”
“She doesn’t know these people,” Jameson grumbled. “I’m the constant in her life, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“Mac and Julio plan to watch the place tonight. I’ll be here in the morning. When will you tell her about Cain?”
Jameson sighed. “After everyone leaves. I think it’s best if she returns to the ranch. Rebecca offered her a job there. It’ll give her some downtime.”
“Hopefully, she’ll consider it,” Garrett said as Caroline left the room and headed toward them.
“Nancy’s packing. She says she can’t handle all the condolences,” Caroline explained. “May I speak with you for a minute?” she asked Jameson.
He gazed at her face, seeing the troubled expression.
“Why don’t we return to the pool house?” he suggested, placing his hand on her back and guiding her through the never-ending crowd of seniors.
They made their way across the pool, getting stopped every now and again as someone wanted to tell her a story about her dad. Jameson ushered her to the pool house and closed the door.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, taking her in her arms. Caroline stepped back, breaking the embrace.
“When did you plan on telling me about this house?”
Jameson let out a deep sigh. “When I discovered your dad, he lived in the run-down neighborhood. He traveled across the city to go to therapy three times a week. This place has a secure setting, a pool for the therapist to come here, and I assumed you’d visit often. I know your last memory consisted of seeing them shot in your old home. It didn’t seem like a good idea.”
“I don’t like things being kept from me. I’m supposed to trust my gut and give you a chance. It’s hard to do it when I discover you brought my dad in on the lie,” she bit out. “I have to get back to the guests, but this conversation isn’t over.”
“I didn’t mean to lie,” he insisted. “I thought I was protecting you.”
Caroline turned at the door, gazing at him. “From what? I’ll never get over seeing them, no matter what happens. The Feds have Cain. No matter how much you prepare me, I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe.”
“I know you’re upset…”
“I’m not,” Caroline interjected. “I’m only stating facts.”
She turned and walked out, immediately getting bombarded with more visitors. Jameson scratched his chin as he watched her patiently greet everyone. Her eyes carried dark circles. Tendrils escaped the chignon and framed her face, showing the stress around her eyes and jaw. It didn’t seem like she faced Thomas’ death, only postponed it long enough to carry out her duties, and felt lacking every time someone stopped her with another story.
Deciding he’d sit her down after everyone left, he’d come clean about everything. The last few days, they slept together, yet he felt the distance between them. Imagining the grief she must feel, he didn’t mention it. He felt Thomas's loss, too. The man didn’t judge him for his father’s deeds. In fact, he insisted Jameson stop blaming himself. The man seemed wise beyond his years, as if Thomas knew how he condemned himself. He vowed to live up to the only man who treated him like a real son. It seemed the conversation with Caroline would happen tonight, whether she wanted it to or not.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
The team cleaned up the kitchen as the last few guests said goodbyes. Riley vacuumed the floor while Rachel wiped down the tables. Rebecca and Julio took down the outdoor set-up. Garrett and Jameson removed the garbage. In under an hour, the place sparkled as if no one entered. Feeling the growing tension between Jameson and Caroline, the team departed.
