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“Of course. Thank you for letting me work here for the summer.” Pam tucked a stray of gray-streaked chestnut hair behind her ear as she put away the last of the leftovers. I continued, “Dad mentioned I would be staying in the bunkhouse? I would like to get situated, if that’s okay.”
“Why don’t we have a glass of wine and talk about it on the back porch?”
I stared at one of the many cedar beams lining the ceiling thinking about how to respond. It was best to address everything straight on. “Water will be fine for me. I don’t drink.”
Pam watched me. Was this a test? I understood if it was since they were opening their home to me and all those who shared their life. It was aggravating to not be able to escape no matter where I went if it was the case.
“I know Dad told you about the accident. I don’t remember anything.” I took a deep breath as I pushed away the queasiness that came when talking about what happened. “I rarely drank because of dancing. I’m not sure why I turned to alcohol or what happened that made me want to drink it.” My lip quivered as I thought about Alec. “I am responsible for killing a boy, which will haunt me for the rest of my life.” A tear fell down my face and I quickly wiped it away. “I get you not trusting me for what I’ve done. But the person from that night of the accident is not me, and I’ll live with the regret for the rest of my life.”
Laying her hand on my shoulder, Pam responded, “I’m sorry, London. I wasn’t thinking when I asked about the wine. I only wanted to chat about the change in plans.”
I swallowed feeling foolish for overreacting. “Thanks. I’d like that.”
Pouring two glasses of tea, Pam handed me one. “Here’s to a fresh start. Levi and I don’t judge a book by its cover. We get to know the person and form an opinion for ourselves.”
That was more than I could ask for. “I like the sound of that. Thank you.”
Pam motioned for me to follow her to the back porch. Across from the pool was a guesthouse. I took a sip and listened to a few horses neigh in the distance. “I have a grandson, Ty, he’s five. Well, just turned five last week. He’s a handful to say the least.”
I chuckled. “Most five-year-old boys are.” This was an odd way to start the conversation.
“Yes, they are. My son is a single dad. He needs help though he doesn’t think he does. I wanted to know if you would mind working with the horses and helping out with Ty depending on the schedule?”
Swirling my tea, I paused. “Did Dad tell you about the threat? I want to make sure you know anything that could affect your decision.”
“Sweetheart, this place is locked up tight. No one knows you’re here. Watching him here won’t be an issue.”
I smiled. “That would be great. I’m here to help however I can. I love watching kids. Even the wilder ones.”
Images of Alec and me blowing bubbles in the front yard raced through my mind. His giggle as he chased them around the yard. The ache in my chest returned thinking about that precious boy.
Pam laughed not noticing my change in thoughts. “Thanks, London. Jaxson, Ty’s dad, lives up on that hill over yonder.” As she pointed, I followed the direction of her finger to see a large house up on the hill in the distance. Maybe a mile away. “I thought it might be easier with you watching Ty if you stayed in the guesthouse versus the bunkhouse. You’ll have your own space. Plus, Ty has a play room out there.”
“Oh, Pam. I don’t mind staying in the bunk house.”
“I know, sweetheart. But, it’ll make it easier for me too.”
My own place. I hadn’t had my own space in such a long time. This was perfect. Almost too good to be true. “If it makes it easier for you, I’ll gladly stay there. Thank you. When do I get to meet him?”
What I thought to be another prison was looking like one of the best things to happen in a long time.
“He’s at my daughter, Sydney’s, house tonight while Jaxson is out of town. He’ll be here bright and early tomorrow before she has to head out of town.”
“I can’t wait.”
The screen door opened and the men came out on the back porch. Dad looked at me and gave a genuine smile. Levi asked, “What are you ladies discussing?”
Levi put his arm around Pam as she responded. “London watching Ty and us wanting her to take the guesthouse. She’d love to. ”
“He’s a handful. But I have a feeling you can handle your own.” Levi gave me a wink.
Dad gave me a hug as he stated, “Then, it’s all settled. I better get London unloaded, and then go to sleep. I have an early morning on the road since I need to be in Kansas tomorrow evening to pick up the new boarding horse.”
As we unloaded the vehicle, there was a suitcase I hadn’t packed. “I don’t think this is mine, Dad.”
“Millie packed it for you. She wanted to send some essentials out here until she could get here herself.”
I froze looking at the bag as if it could explode. “I’m afraid to look.”
