The Perfect Ten Boxed Set

by Dianna Love

  They stopped. Riley joined them. “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “Scott said he has a present for Jake.”

  Scott opened the passenger door of his truck, then leaned over, disappearing behind the open door.

  “What’s he doing?” Riley asked.

  “Who knows?” Kasey stood on her tiptoes, trying to see.

  A little golden puppy pranced out from around the truck, across the yard. A huge silk bow, with pink and red hearts on it, tripped her up about every fourth step. The pup paused, twisted, then nipped at the huge floppy bow.

  “Mommy!” Jake ran across the yard and knelt in front of the puppy. He placed his hand flat on the puppy’s back and stroked her. “He’s soft. Does he have a name?”

  “He’s a she.” Scott looked up and locked eyes with Kasey. “Her name is Shutterbug. She likes getting her picture taken.”

  “That’s a funny name.” Jake looked up at Scott. “My mommy loves clicking pictures.”

  “I’ve heard that about her.”

  The puppy flipped her long pink tongue out to kiss Jake. He laughed and fell back on the ground. There must have been syrup on his face, because Shutterbug licked Jake’s face making him wiggle and twist away, which only encouraged Shutterbug.

  “She’s so funny,” Jake said. “Mommy, come see her.”

  Scott gave an innocent look. “Shutterbug needs a home, and I thought you might need someone, too. Is it a good match?”

  “Mommy, can we keep her?”

  Kasey smiled at Scott. “You don’t play fair. You know she’s my favorite one.”

  “You could say you’ll love her and give her a good home.”

  Kasey bent down and picked up the puppy. “Oh, I do love her.” She snuggled Shutterbug. “So sweet.”

  “She’s adorable,” Riley said.

  Kasey squatted next to Jake. “I had to leave Dutch at the old house. He was too old to make the move, and he likes being a farm dog with his old friends. Do you think Shutterbug could live with us?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll take good care of her. I promise.”

  Kasey turned to Scott. “How can I say no to that? Thank you. The puppy was a thoughtful gift.”

  “She’s Jake’s present. I have something for you, too,” Scott said.

  Just then, a car pulled into the driveway. Kasey recognized the vehicle. “That’s Chaz.”

  Chaz got out of his truck and walked toward them. “I heard there was reason to celebrate today.” He handed Kasey a foil-covered plate.

  “You heard right,” she said, grinning. Her cheeks hurt from smiling.

  “Seems like every time I run into one of you, the other is around.” Chaz gave them a knowing look, wagging his finger between Scott and Kasey. “That’s good. Real good.”

  Jake glanced over. His eyebrows shot straight up when he recognized Chaz.

  Chaz waved to him.

  “Mr. Hucktabeeeeee,” Jake yelled as he ran toward him. “Mommy knows about the secret.”

  “I know.” Chaz said.

  Jake put his hands on his hips. “Did you tell?”

  “No. Not until we were supposed to.”

  “She likes it.”

  “We done good, didn’t we?” Chaz said.

  Jake tipped his head back, and then gave a giant nod. “Yeah!”

  “I haven’t seen you in a while,” Chaz said to him. “I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me.”

  “I’ve been on a trip,” Jake said. “I’m home now.”

  Chaz nodded. “He seems fine,” he whispered to Kasey. He held out his hand to Jake. “Put ‘er there, partner.”

  Jake stuck his hand out and shook Chaz’s hand.

  “Good job,” Chaz said.

  Kasey had never seen her little man shake hands before. How sweet.

  “Okay. I have to play with Shutterbug. She’s lonely.” Jake ran off, squealing as he ran in circles, enticing the puppy to chase him across the yard.

  Chaz cuffed Scott’s shoulder and gave Kasey a hug. “I’m not going to stay. I just wanted to deliver the treats and let you know how happy we are for you.” Chaz hustled over to his truck, always in a hurry.

  “He is the nicest man,” Kasey said as she watched him leave and waved.

  “Chaz is good people. We’ve got more than our fair share of nice people in this town.”

  “I’m beginning to see that.”

  “Speaking of nice,” Scott said, “I’d like to invite you to brunch on Sunday.”

  “Brunch?”

  “Yeah, I take Mom to brunch every Sunday after church. Mom thought it would be nice if I asked you to church with us. I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I mean, I’d love it if you’d like to, but no pressure.”

  Kasey stood quietly for a moment, then looked over at Jake and back at Scott. “Church and brunch is perfect. Jake and I used to go to church every Sunday with Nick. I haven’t been since. It’s perfect timing. Yes. Thank you.”

  “Really?” His grin made the wrinkles on the side of his eyes more pronounced. “Mom and I will pick y’all up at nine on Sunday.”

  * * * *

  Sunday morning, Scott walked into church with his Mom on one arm and Kasey on the other. Jake ran alongside them, holding Kasey’s hand.

  “Mommy,” Jake said in a loud whisper.

  They slid into the fourth pew, and Kasey helped Jake up into the seat between her and Scott.

  He leaned forward. “This is God’s house,” Jake said to Scott and Mrs. Calvin.

  “That’s right,” Scott said.

  Kasey handed Jake a hymnal and put a finger to her lips. It felt familiar for a moment, except that Nick wasn’t here. Jake looked up, then twisted in the seat and climbed onto his knees.

  “What are you looking for, sweetie?” Kasey asked. “Do you need to go the bathroom?”

  “No, ma’am. I went before we left.” He scanned the church, craning his neck, then flopped back on the pew with his brows furrowed and lips puckered.

  “What are you thinking?”

  He folded his hands on the hymnal, then leaned forward to talk to Scott and Mrs. Calvin. “My daddy lives here with God. He’s an angel.” His eyes were wide, but his words slow and serious. “He might be sleeping because I think a lot of angels have to work at night.”

  Scott’s mom mouthed, “He’s so precious,” to Kasey.

  Kasey patted Jake’s leg. “You are a smart boy.”

  Jake sat back in the seat. “I wanted to see Daddy.”

  Kasey brushed his bangs to the side. “Close your eyes. If you close your eyes and open your heart, you’ll see Daddy. He’s always right here.” She tapped his tiny chest. “In your heart. Looking after you.”

  Jake squeezed his eyes so tight that his cheeks bunched up and touched his thick black lashes. He held his hands together under his chin in prayer. Kasey watched him, wishing she could roll back time.

  Jake’s eyes flashed wide. He looked up at Kasey and grabbed her sleeve. “Mommy?”

  “Yes?”

  “Daddy says he loves us and he’s glad we’re here.” Jake smiled and placed his hands in his lap. “He likes this church.”

  Kasey swallowed back tears. Scott passed her a handkerchief.

  “I love you, Mommy.” He raised his eyebrows. “Ten and five.”

  She took his hand in hers. “That’s a bunch. I love you, too.” Kasey put her finger to her lips and whispered, “Time to be quiet.”

  He nodded and sat still.

  The sermon was about God giving us second chances when we ask for them—perfect for the day. The preacher’s voice reverberated through the church, a kindness in his tone that felt like a warm blanket.

  “Since those second chances take place in the parameters of the life we already have,” he said, “second chances include baggage and ghosts of our past.”

  Kasey turned to Scott. He was looking at her.

  She smiled.

  He reached over and held her hand.

/>   * * * *

  After brunch, Scott dropped off his mother first.

  “It was so nice to meet you,” Kasey said to her, and gave her a hug.

  “You’re right down the street. If you need me to sit with Jake, don’t you hesitate to ask. I’m old, but I love little boys.” She put her hand on Scott’s cheek. “I raised a pretty good one.”

  “You sure did.” Kasey admired the tender relationship between Scott and his mom.

  It was only a two-minute ride from her place to Kasey’s house. Jake changed clothes and raced outside to play with Shutterbug. Kasey poured two glasses of tea, then she and Scott went outside to sit and watch them.

  Jake ran over to her, looking serious. “Hey, Mommy? Do we have a ball to throw?”

  “Hmmm. Let me see.” Kasey pretended to match his serious look. “I think I saw one in the hall closet.”

  “Can I go look?”

  “Sure.” She watched him run into the house. “He knows this place better than I do.”

  A minute later Jake came out with the ball and a glossy white box with a big teal-blue bow on it. “Mommy, what’s this present?”

  “I forgot all about that. Bring it to Mommy.” She took the shiny wrapped gift from Jake and turned to Scott. “Cody gave me this when I left the tour. I never opened it.” She shook the box. “I forgot all about it.”

  “Can I open it?” Jake asked.

  “Sure. Here you go.” She handed him the box.

  He climbed up in one of the chairs and pulled on the ribbon, which captured his attention more than the idea of the gift. He jumped from the chair with the streamer, tempting Shutterbug to run after him.

  “Can’t get good help these days,” Scott said, laughing.

  Kasey peeled off the paper, crumpled it into a ball, then lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a note and a CD. “It’s the original cut of ‘A Mother's Love’.”

  “He wrote that song about you and Jake, didn’t he?”

  “Yes. On the plane when we were on tour. In fact, I knew the melody well before I’d ever heard the song. He’d been working on it on the plane every night while I was reading. He played it live the last night I was on tour with them.”

  Her eyes met his. “That was in Raleigh. That’s where Billy Goodwin saw the picture of Jake and heard about the kidnapping.”

  “Cody is a good friend.” Scott smiled.

  “He is a good friend. But it’s not like our friendship,” Kasey said. Her heart felt full.

  He reached across the table, and she laid her head on his arm.

  Scott stood. “Come walk with me.”

  She popped back up. “Okay.”

  He took her hand and led her to the side of the house.

  “Mommy? Where you goin’? Can I come?”

  “Sure. Bring Shutterbug,” Scott said.

  Jake and Shutterbug caught up just as the big oak tree came into view. The tree was similar to the one that Nick was buried under: strong and tall, with one long, low branch. Two fat ropes hung from the limb with a red, white, and blue wooden seat.

  “You made the swing.” She took both of Scott’s hands in hers. “You are the most thoughtful man in the world.”

  “You like it?”

  “It’s like that one I saw in the magazine that day at your house. I love it.”

  “A swing! Cool!” Jake ran up and jumped in the seat. “Push me.”

  Scott pushed while Kasey smiled and clapped. Jake soared higher and higher. Fearless.

  The swing slowed and Jake leapt to the ground. “That was fun.”

  Scott caught the seat mid-air and bent down beside it. “Come here, Jake’s mom.”

  Kasey gave him a what-the-heck-are-you-doing look but stepped up to the swing.

  He put his hands on the edge of the swing. “Someday. When the time is right.” He tipped the seat of the swing up, the bottom facing her. Painted in bright red letters:

  SOMEDAY...

  Will you be my bride? Yes ___ Maybe ___

  Kasey tilted her head. “Hedging your bets a little there, aren’t you?”

  “What?”

  “Yes or maybe? I take it you won’t take no for an answer.”

  “Whoops. Sorry. Turtle Mike and Maggie did the editing, they must have missed that.” He put the seat back down and patted it, encouraging her to sit.

  “Scott, you’ve been a true angel in my life.”

  “You are the angel.” He leaned forward, brushing her lips. “I love you, Kasey Phillips. I want you and Jake to be a part of my life always, and in all ways.”

  The words poured like melted chocolate over her heart, sweet and warm. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

  She missed Nick. Her heart broke every day without him, but there was a feeling when Scott said those words. A feeling of joy that her body recognized before she did.

  She put her hand on top of his. “My head isn’t ready for this, but my heart feels it. Something. Someday...when I am....”

  “I’ll be here. Waiting.”

  “It might be a month. It might be five years. I can’t make any promises. But I can’t imagine sharing my heart with anyone but you. My life has been out of focus this past year. It’s starting to become clear again, thanks to you.”

  This must be what joy feels like.

  “Is that a maybe?” His mood seemed buoyant. He glanced over at Jake and Shutterbug, running through the yard with a smile.

  “It’s not a no. So much has happened, I’ve put off dealing with most of it. But if you can be patient with me....”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” He gently pressed her hand to her cheek, kissed the tip of her nose, then pulled her close. “We’ll take it a day at a time.”

  THE END

  ~*~

  Join Cody Tuggle and Kasey Phillips again in the Adams Grove novel Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies

  About the Author

  Nancy Naigle writes love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense.

  Living on the cutting edge of technology in her day job, Nancy spends each night creating make-believe small town worlds filled with community, heart, and suspense. She hopes readers will accept her invitation to visit Adams Grove and will grow to care about the residents as much as she does.

  Stay up to date on releases, appearances and news on facebook, twitter @NancyNaigle and on Nancy’s website:

  www.NancyNaigle.com

  Thanks for spending your time with me in Adams Grove. If you enjoyed OUT OF FOCUS, I hope you’ll leave a short review on your favorite bookseller website so other readers might it in the vast number of books available.

  Don’t forget to:

  sign up for my free newsletter at www.NancyNaigle.com/ncont.htm,

  follow me on twitter @NancyNaigle,

  LIKE my facebook page Nancy Naigle Author,

  and spread the word.

  ~*~

  OTHER NOVELS BY THIS AUTHOR

  ADAMS GROVE NOVELS

  Sweet Tea and Secrets

  Out of Focus

  Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes

  Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies (9/24/13)

  Mint Juleps and Justice (1/14/14)

  Also look for these novels co-authored with Nancy

  inkBLOT : a Young Adult Suspense by Nancy Naigle and Phyllis C. Johnson (2011)

  IN FOR A PENNY : The Granny Series : by Nancy Naigle and Kelsey Browning (11/5/13)

  www.TheGrannySeries.com

  Share your favorite books with friends through reviews and social media.

  It’s a wonderful gift.

  THE MERZETTI EFFECT

  by

  Norah Wilson

  Also available from Norah Wilson

  Paranormal Romance

  Nightfall, A Vampire Romance, Book 2

  Romantic Suspense w/ Paranormal Elements

  Every Breath She Takes, Montlake Romance 2012

  Romantic Suspense

  Serve and Protect Series

  Guarding Suzannah, Book
1

  Saving Grace, Book 2

  Protecting Paige, Book 3

  Needing Nita, A Novella

  Available from N.L. Wilson

  (writing partnership of Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty)

  Funny Cozy Mystery

  The Dix Dodd Mysteries

  The Case of the Flashing Fashion Queen, Book 1

  Family Jewels, Book 2

  Death By Cuddle Club, Book 3

  Chapter 1

  AINSLEY CRAWFORD steered her 1993 Crown Vic to the empty curb, wincing at the ugly crunching sounds her power steering made as she cranked the wheel. Great. Fluid must be leaking again. She needed another repair bill like she needed a bladder infection.

  What she should do is dump the old boat and get something smaller, something easier on gas and maybe with a bit of warranty left so she wouldn’t have to pour money into it so regularly. Of course, if she ever wanted a new car, she was going to have to learn to keep her mouth shut.

  Right. Like that was gonna happen. She’d pretty much sabotaged her prospects when she’d reported that handsome anesthetist who was dipping into the anesthetic agent, shortchanging patients in the process. Although the situation was dealt with promptly and appropriately, it turned out no one liked a whistleblower.

  Well, at least she had a lead on a new job. A better paying one, even, and God knew she needed the money. Lucy and Devon were depending on her, maybe for their very lives.

  Which was why she was here. Except here looked pretty creepy. She glanced around, reluctant to kill her engine or release her door locks.

  Okay, not creepy, exactly. It was a respectable enough commercial zone; not a slum by any stretch of the imagination. And she’d lived here in St. Cloud, New Brunswick, long enough to know she was less than three or four blocks from the club district, which would be hopping even on a Wednesday night, so it wasn’t like she was in the middle of nowhere. But the quiet buildings gave off a different vibe once they were abandoned for the night. Beneath the streetlights, the empty avenue shone after the warm August rain.