"Where are you staying?" Jen's furrowed brow showed doubt and confusion.
"With my grandmother."
Jen choked on her pizza. "Excuse me? Have you gone off the deep end?"
Caitlin handed her the journal and finished a third slice of pizza while she watched the look on her friend's face turn from one of confusion to one of joy. "You are kidding me. T his is the best-kept secret ever. How did it never get out? People in town love to talk." Jen handed the journal back to Caitlin. "This is exciting. You'll be close to Garrett, but what about everything else? Is it over?"
"I don't know," Caitlin said pausing for a moment to slow down the pace of their conversation. "It's time to concentrate on positive aspects of life and get back on track with Garrett."
"So, you're leaving Richmond for good," Jen said.
Smiling and nodding, Caitlin relaxed against the chair. She looked at her apartment and even though it had been home for the past ten years, it was not home in the true sense of the meaning of the word. "I need the ranch," she said. "City life isn't for me."
They talked until midnight. Before Jen left she said, "Call him. You know you want to."
Caitlin dialed his number and hung up before the first ring. "You want him to treat you like an adult, yet you act like a child." She dialed again eager to hear his voice. When the answering machine picked up, she hung up with a promise to call tomorrow.
She busied packing up her apartment, ready to take the first step in her new life. Promise, fun, and love were part of that new life, as was a ranch full of life and laughter. What else could she want? After loading her car, and turning in her key, Caitlin drove home.
"Through strength and belief, I am realizing my dreams of a wonderful, happy life. I'm doing this granddaddy. Thank you for your lessons, love, and wisdom. The Double C will live again."