Dena and Tim were prepping a late lunch in the kitchen while Emily and Caroline were searching the internet for wedding ideas. Emily wanted to help plan the event and didn't waste anytime in voicing her desire to do so.

"You know Em, we haven't even set a date yet. We've only been engaged about 24 hrs" Caroline remarked.

"A mere technicality" Emily chuckled.

****

Tim prepped the chicken for the barbecue while Dena made the salad and sweet tea.

"Tim, may I ask why you changed your minds about staying in the islands. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful you're home" she stated grabbing a container from the cupboard.

"It was Caroline's idea. I tried to convince her to stay, especially since being there has greatly improved her health, but"..he hesitated a bit before continuing how she sensed the effect their leaving after they visited had on him. "She said she couldn't bare to keep me away from my family, our family and said it was time...time to come home" he told her as his eyes watered a bit.

"You ok" Dena asked, noticing a tear escape his eye.

"Yeah, dang onions" Tim replied. Neither of them were using onions in the food.

****

"You're going to make a great wife, Timmy" laughed Emily as she dug into another piece of his bbq chicken.

"Actually, he already is" added Caroline giggling.

"Ha ha" Tim replied "my Momma didn't raise no fool. She's made sure I've known how to survive on my own. You should take note, Emily. Just in case you become an old maid" he told her.

"Nope, don't worry, I'll just live with you or Momma, thats all" Emily stated.

Tim laughed so hard he snorted "dream on squirt. I did my time, 18 yrs with you was enough. I've been paroled" making everyone laugh, including Emily. Tim winked at Caroline when she nudged him in the side, he was only kidding. He would do whatever he needed to be sure all three of the women in his life were taken care of.

****

Caroline and Emily decided to take a walk through one of the back fields after dinner. Tim was reluctant to let them go, not knowing he had nothing to fear with Boden now dead and Harrison in the jail.

"Tim, you have to give her a little bit of freedom. She needs to be independent especially after all she's been through" Dena told him as they sat on the porch watching the girls walking away.

"I know, Momma. I just want her safe, both of them" he replied sipping a glass of sweet tea.

"I was thinking, now that you're back home, why don't you move into Nana's place. With it being just across the field, you'd be nearby but have your own place without having to pay rent. You know she would be happy it wouldn't be empty anymore" Dena stated.

Tim thought for a bit, "it would be nice, plenty of land, closer to you and Emily. I'll talk to Caroline. My concern is being close to her father. Whatever that man's problem is, she wants to stay away from him. And I don't want her going through anymore with them. I don't trust him. Have you heard anything about the case? I haven't heard from Bobby since we left " he replied.

"The last I spoke with Caroline's mother was the night of the assault. As you know I drove her home, I offered if she needed anyone to talk to, just call but she never has. I do know there was a fire on the property a few weeks back, guess suspicious, but nothing has been said since. Very odd, ya know" Dena told him.

Tim furrowed his brow as he listened to his mother. He agreed, everything seemed suspicious and made note to give Bobby a call in the morning.