The smell of barbeque ribs hit her as she stepped inside and her stomach grumbled. She did not know if it was the hard work or the fresh air, but something about being home had awakened her senses and her want for food. Luckily they found an empty table near the dance floor. She did not believe they would dance tonight, but since no one else was dancing this spot offered more privacy. Country songs filtered through the jukebox, but on the quiet side tonight.
When Jake served their platters of ribs, Caitlin licked her lips and smiled. "Thank you," she said.
"My pleasure. Hey, when you have time, Melinda has ideas for your camp."
"Great," she said. "I really appreciate it." Her head shook as a quiet chuckle escaped.
"What?" Garrett said smiling, because Caitlin's smile was contagious.
"I can't believe how many people want to help. Melinda's busy keeping Jake in line and helping here, but yet she's been thinking about my camp."
"Why do you find this hard to believe? Valley View was founded on these very principles."
Caitlin took a long drink of cola while considering her words. "Very few people to this day call me Caitlin. Did you hear the guys this morning? I'm Miss Chadwick. Most don't even look me in the eyes when talking to me. I know they do it out of respect for granddaddy, but he's not here now. When will they see I've grown up?"
He reached across the table and took her hand. "These people love you and will do whatever to help you succeed."
"I know, but with granddaddy gone do I blend in with the woodwork?"
"No, and I will never let that happen." His rough, calloused hands gingerly caressed her hand, trying hard to avoid the blisters. Warmth and constant attention from him left her flustered. She pulled her hand away.
"Let's eat," she said and then cleared her throat. "We don't want Jake getting a complex. You know how he is about his ribs."
They laughed and ate and enjoyed each other's company. At these times Caitlin could not imagine spending time with any other man. Though Garrett was old-fashioned and too much of a protector, she enjoyed him. This was not enough, though. She wanted to spend the evenings with him and wake up beside him every morning. His ex-wife, Barbara, did not leave him with a broken heart, but rather a fear of getting close to anyone else. Caitlin wondered how to change that and was it even possible or was he too set in his ways?