TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
A fog seemed to surround Jaime as she followed Savannah and Hayden to the edge of the hearing room. “Is that it? Do we need to stay for the vote?”
“They will probably conduct an executive session first.” Savannah nudged her toward the door. “We can talk in the hall.”
The only problem was the moment they stepped outside, more cameras waited with reporters shouting questions at her. In a moment Chandler stepped next to her and began clearing a path for her.
“There you are.” Caroline’s clear Southern lilt sounded like music but so out of place in the cacophony of the reporters. “Make way, y’all.”
“Will you give a statement, Miss Nichols?”
Savannah stepped in front of her, further shielding her from the hordes. “My client has said all she will in her testimony before the Armed Services Committee. I suggest you contact your colleagues who were inside for more.”
Then Jaime was escorted through the melee and around a corner by her friends. After a few more turns, Hayden opened a door. “We can collect ourselves here.” She waved at the receptionist. “Emma, we’ll be in the small conference room for a minute.”
“Sure thing. Should I let the senator know?”
“Only if he asks. The hearing looked like it would continue for a while.” Hayden opened a door, and in a minute the group was standing in a wood paneled room filled with a large conference table and chairs. “The media won’t get past Emma.”
Before Jaime could register where she was, she was swept into an embrace four people strong. She looked over Hayden’s shoulder and caught Chandler standing outside the circle with a small smile tipping his lips.
Caroline squeezed so tightly Jaime was surprised a rib didn’t crack. “You okay?”
“I’ll know for sure when I read the headlines.”
“That’s not what I mean.” Caroline’s gaze was fierce.
Emilie squeezed her arm. “You were so poised and articulate in there.”
Savannah stepped back, and Jaime felt like she could breathe. “That little girl is not your identity. The woman I saw today has moved past the horror.”
“What do you mean?”
“You are not the powerless eight-year-old who was violated.” Savannah’s gaze was steady and unflinching. “You are so much more, but still a shadow of what you can be.”
Not here. Savannah must have caught the emotion on her face, because she squeezed Jaime’s hand and left it at that. Hayden, however, looked ready to tackle it head on. There was that holy zeal in her eyes, the one she got when she was ready to launch into a heartfelt call to action. Caroline stopped her. “Not here, girl.” Caroline turned back to Jaime. “Let’s get tea somewhere. If I know you, you haven’t eaten a thing.”
“I didn’t dare around the butterflies. Can I say something first?” Jaime took a deep breath. “A couple days ago I did something you have wanted me to do for a long time. After reading a book Chandler gave me and asking some questions, I prayed with Caroline. I’m still new to everything, but I’ve started the journey toward God.”
Emilie’s squeal about shattered Jaime’s eardrum, while Hayden’s “It’s about time” made Jaime grin.
“I came in my own timing, Hayden.”
Her friend patted her French-twisted hair. “I know, but I’ll be delighted to alter my prayers for you.” She considered Jaime for a minute, searching her soul. “You’ll be fine.”
“I know.” It wouldn’t be easy, but she’d come so far already. She turned to Caroline. “What was that about food? I’m pretty sure my cup of coffee has worn off.” She was ready to live knowing life was a bit bitter around the edges with a dollop of sweetness that kept it interesting.
“Remember I learned all your secrets living with you.” Caroline waggled her eyebrows, but Jaime smiled. Caroline knew her best and was still here. Sweet, quiet, sassy Caroline.
Emilie looked up from her phone. “I just made a reservation for six.”
Chandler stepped back. “No need to include me. I wouldn’t want to intrude. And I need to get over to my office.” He turned to Jaime. “I’ll call you tonight.”
As he walked away, she wondered. Could she trust his word? Or would she allow him to get close only to push him far away when he risked entering too deeply into her heart? As she watched him leave, she believed she’d grown past that older version of herself. She didn’t want to push him away. He had proven himself a man worth holding close to her heart.
When Chandler reached the Vet Center, he found the cleanup crew packing their tools. The foreman told him they were done and the office was ready. Chandler would let Allison and Beth know they could come back tomorrow if they were ready. They were the ones who had suffered the trauma of being hostages. Meanwhile, he’d take advantage of the locked doors and resulting quiet to put his head down and work through everything in his in-box. It was time to launch back into his work helping veterans. It was a worthy way to spend his life, but as he looked at the pile of work, he knew it’d take time to get caught up. Thank God for dictation software.
Five hours later he’d knocked the pile in half. He’d also determined which items to take home to keep after. Another block of time like this and he’d be back where he wanted to be, but as the clock hit five, he needed to head back to the apartment. He and Aslan would be waiting at her door when Jaime got home.
When Jaime didn’t respond to his text, he texted Caroline. Still with her?
No, she left an hour ago.
Where was she headed?
Home
He frowned. Alone?
She insisted she’d be okay
Okay
Thanks for being there for her today. She might not say it, but I could tell it mattered.
Thanks.
He had to smile. Caroline the peacemaker, trying to make sure he knew he mattered.
But as he packed up he had a bad feeling about what he’d find when he reached Jaime’s. He’d stop at his apartment long enough to get Aslan out and order takeout. Then it would be time to tell Jaime exactly how he felt about her and where he wanted their relationship to go.