"Yes we do." Caitlin stood beside her grandma and put her arm around the lady's shoulders. "Thank you for including me in your plans. I needed this."
"As did I. This old house needed at transformation. It is doing my body and soul good too."
Later they headed to Jake's for ribs. While eating, Caitlin sensed someone watching her. She shrugged it off but the intensity never diminished. Looking towards the bar she saw no unfamiliar faces. When the door quickly shut, she knew someone had been watching her. She wanted to believe it was Scott, but this intense eerie feeling told her it was a stranger. Could it be the man who made the phone calls and sent the anonymous card?
The women left, but the uncertainty followed them home. To tell Rachel meant more worries and frets. Caitlin could not put Rachel through that, especially since she once believed she was full of bad luck. Now that they had found each other, the last thing Caitlin wanted to do was lose her.
Seeing the house brought a sense of joy and peace. It reminded her of the wind that brought her granddaddy. Walking in, Caitlin inhaled, smelling fresh paint and wallpaper paste. It made her come alive again.
"Looking good, sweets," Rachel said and then whistled. "Thank you for your help. When you and Garrett marry I'll help with the plans."
"No hurry. We haven't dated long enough to talk marriage."
"Sweets, you have the longest engagement of anyone I know."
"Excuse me?" Her eyes squinted in doubt over her grandmother's sanity.
"It was your sixteenth birthday. Marshall and I knew you and Garrett would marry someday."
"What?" Caitlin said, choking on her word.
Sitting in the living room drinking tea, Mrs. Carrington continued her story. "When Garrett gave you that bracelet, Marshall about keeled over. A precursor to a ring, he said. He loved, respected, and trusted Garrett, but you were his granddaughter and sweet sixteen too. You were too young to be thinking about love and commitment. Marshall knew Garrett would never interfere with your dreams and goals. If anything he would push you and cheer you on."
Caitlin fingered the bracelet. This meant the world to her. She was relieved it had been recovered from the fire. Her wrist would feel naked without it. Her entire being would be lost without the first gift Garrett ever gave her.
"Is Garrett your one true love?"
Caitlin hugged herself, happiness overflowing from her. "Yes. I can't imagine life without him. He helps me stay focused on my goals and encourages me when I'm down. He listens to me and includes me in his plans too." Caitlin sipped her tea then looked at her grandma. "It's none of my business, but why did you never remarry? I heard rumors many men asked."