by Nancy Naigle
“I missed you too, sweetie. I missed you every day.” She kissed Jake on both cheeks and on his forehead.
His lip quivered. “Why are you crying, Mommy?”
“Mommy’s happy.” Kasey tweaked his nose. “I’m so happy to see you. These are good tears, I promise,” she choked out between sobs of relief. “I love you.”
Jake reached out and put his hands on Kasey's cheeks. “Don’t cry, Mommy.”
He brushed at her tears with his sleeve. “I didn’t mean to make you sad.”
“I’m not sad, honey.”
Jake lowered his head. “Daddy can’t come home, Mommy.”
“I know.” Kasey hadn’t even considered how she’d tell him about his dad.
“Jeremy and me swam, and Daddy went to the angels.” Tears filled Jakes eyes and his lip poked out. “Mommy? Uncle Jeremy’s not Daddy, is he? Miss Libby thinks Uncle Jeremy is Daddy.”
“No, baby. He’s not. She was mixed up.” She held him close. “You’re home now. No one will ever separate us again. I promise.”
“I’m a big boy. I’ll take care of you.”
“I know you will. You are my little man.” She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Mommy missed you so much.”
They walked into the small terminal and sat at a Formica-topped table. Kasey moved her chair close to Jake, facing him. “Were you afraid?”
“Miss Libby is nice. She’s old, but she likes swings. Jeremy said you were busy, but you missed me. I was a good boy.”
“I’m sure you were, my little angel.”
Scott strode in looking tense and serious, but a grin spread across his face when he saw Kasey sitting with Jake.
“Success,” he said as he joined the small, special group of friends around Kasey. “Thank you.” Scott shook Cody’s hand. “Right place, right time. Couldn’t have worked out better.”
“Happy to be a part of it.” Cody gave Jake a wink.
Jake’s face contorted as he tried to mimic Cody.
“Thank you,” Kasey met the gaze of each of her friends—Riley, Scott, Von, Cody and Lou. “All of you. Thank you for believing in me when everyone else thought I was crazy. I don’t know what I’d have done without your help. I never would have found Jake without each and every one of you.”
She felt a raw but healing ache in her chest.
“Never doubt a mother’s love,” Scott said.
Cody nodded and the two men exchanged a knowing glance.
Chapter Forty
“You’ve grown,” Kasey said as she carried Jake to Von’s SUV. He was really too big to be carried, but she couldn’t bear to let go of him.
“I’m big,” he said.
They rode with Von and Riley back to her house. Scott followed in his police car, and Lou and Cody followed behind him in Lou’s car.
Jake was asleep before they pulled into the driveway.
Von carried him in. “Where do you want me to put him?”
Kasey pressed her lips together. “I don’t want him to wake up in a strange place. He can sleep through anything. Just put him on the couch. He’ll be fine.”
Von laid him on the couch, then joined the others in the kitchen.
A rush of adrenaline coursed through her as they rehashed the chain of events. Everyone else seemed hyped up, too.
Cody got up from the table and walked behind Kasey’s chair. He put his arms around her and gave her a squeeze. “Girl, I know you’ve got to be emotionally beat. When you come down off this rush, you’ll crash for a week.”
“I’m sure you’re tired too. Want me to show you the guest room?”
“No, no. We aren’t staying here.”
“I don’t mind.”
“I know, but I’ve made arrangements up the road for us to stay at the B&B tonight. We’ll stop by tomorrow to say goodbye. You need to be with Jake, not entertaining us.”
She jumped from her chair and put her arms around him. “Cody, this never would've happened if you hadn’t made that announcement in Raleigh.”
He hugged her and put his cheek to her hair. He pulled back slightly. “I told you there was value in a country music network.”
“You were right.”
“People helping people, it’s what country folks do,” Cody said.
Scott nodded. “Couldn’t be more true.”
“You’ve done so much for me,” Kasey said to Cody.
“It didn’t work out so bad for me either. You know that song went gold.”
“‘A Mother’s Love’? I didn’t know. Congratulations.”
“I was thinking I owed you a big thank you.” He gave her a wink. “Two, really. If it hadn’t been for you and our talks on tour, I never would have looked up Lou again.”
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough,” Kasey said.
“I guess we’ll be friends forever then, won’t we?”
“I sure hope so. And Lou, you have a great guy here. I wish you both so much happiness.”
Lou hugged Kasey. “I feel like I already know you. We’ll come back. I promise.”
Kasey walked them out to their car. After they drove away, she stood there staring at the sky. Among the stars, in the heavens, she knew Nick was with her. “Nick, our baby is home. Thank you for watching over us.”
She went inside. Riley, Von and Scott had all moved into the living room. She sat on the couch with her arm across Jake’s ankles. He looked so sweet sleeping there, without a worry in the world. He seemed to have no understanding of the drama that had been going on for all these months, and she was thankful for that.
A tear ran down her cheek. “I still can’t believe he’s home.”
Riley snuggled against Von in the loveseat. “I don’t think I’ve felt this happy in a long time. We are so blessed.”
Scott leaned forward in the oversized leather chair. “Kasey, I need to tell you something.”
“What?”
“When I got called away from the airport, it was about Jeremy?” Scott let out a long breath, then leaned in closer to her. “While he was being treated at the hospital, he...he took his own life.”
Kasey opened her mouth, then shut it. She froze. “I’m not even sure how I feel about that.” She blinked. “He was like family. None of it makes sense. Part of me wants to say he deserved to die, but that’s wrong and I know that. I wouldn’t wish that on him, or on his family.” She shook her head. “I guess we won’t be getting a lot of answers then.”
“I know.” Scott leaned toward her and rested his cheek on the top of her head. “A lot of emotions tangled up.”
“Y’all are going to stay the night, aren’t you?” Scott asked Von.
“Yeah. Thought I’d head back in the morning, and I think you’re staying another day, aren’t you, honey?” Von patted Riley’s leg. She nodded.
Scott stood. “Good deal. I’m going to head on out, but I’ll stop in and check on things tomorrow, if that’s okay with you.”
“I’d like that.” Kasey got up from the couch and looked back down at Jake.
Scott gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Happy endings. Good stuff.”
The next morning Jake woke up before Kasey. She’d snuggled up on the couch with him, unwilling to let even a room separate them.
“Mommy! We’re at the surprise house.”
“Jake?” His shouting scared her to a sitting position. She relaxed a bit when she saw the smile on his face. “Yes. We’re at the surprise house.” She’d almost forgotten the whole surprise regarding the house.
Jake’s little mouth formed an O. “Me and Daddy made it.”
“I know. I love it.”
Von came out from the guest room in a jog, with Riley at his heels. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” Kasey smooched Jake’s tiny fingers. “We’re good. Sorry we woke you up.”
Von bent over and opened his arms to Jake. “Where’s my buddy?”
Jake giggled and ran toward Von, full-speed. Von caught him and airplaned him aroun
d. “Vrrrrroooooom.”
Jake laughed so hard he hiccupped.
Von set him down and Riley slapped Von on the butt. “No horsing around in the house, boys. Anyone hungry?”
Von and Jake both raised their hands. “Me. Me,” they yelled.
“I gotcha covered.” Riley disappeared into the kitchen.
Soon the smell of bacon to wafted into the living room.
Kasey called to Riley. “Need my help?”
Riley leaned into the living room with a dishtowel over one shoulder and a spatula in her hand. “You’re kidding, right? I know how you cook. You stay right where you are.”
Kasey twirled her hair and flopped back on the couch. “Works for me.”
Ten minutes later, Riley banged a spoon against a plate and yelled into the living room. “Breakfast’s ready. Come and get it.”
Kasey and Von each grabbed one of Jake’s hands and ran into the kitchen, swinging Jake through the doorway.
“Awwwww.” Kasey’s head tilted as she spotted the plate of pancakes on the table. “Heart shaped pancakes. Aren’t you just a regular Martha Stewart?”
“It is Valentine’s Day.” Riley walked over to Von, slung the dishtowel around his neck and pulled him to her for a kiss. “Be mine?”
He hugged her tight. “Better believe it. You’re my Sweet-tart, sweetheart.”
Kasey sat at the table and took a bite of the pancakes. “These are tasty.” She took a sip of coffee. “I can’t believe I almost let Valentine’s Day sneak by.”
Riley twirled her fork in the air. “You’ve had a little bit going on, my friend.”
Kasey wrinkled her nose at Jake. “Yeah. Good stuff.”
Jake chomped on his pancakes. “My favorite.” He took another bite and swung his feet. “Hey, Mommy?”
“Yes, sweetie?”
He tilted his head. His lips glistened from the sticky syrup “Am I your valentine?”
“My very favorite valentine.”
“Good.” He grinned, then dug back into his pancakes.
Von finished his breakfast, then got ready to head home. Riley walked him out to the SUV while Kasey helped Jake up to the kitchen sink to wash the syrup from his hands.
“Hello,” Scott yelled from the front door. “Kasey? Riley said you and Jake were in here.”
“In the kitchen,” she answered.
Jake jumped down and ran to greet Scott. “Hi.”
“Good morning, Scott,” Kasey said.
“Bet you slept good.”
“Best night in a long, long time.”
“I brought you something. Sort of a welcome home present for Jake.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
He lifted a shoulder. “I wanted to. I hope you don’t mind. It’s out in the car. Can y’all come outside?”
“Sure.” She took Jake’s hand and followed Scott out to the porch. Riley waved to Von as he backed out the driveway.
Scott put his hand up to stop Kasey and Jake. “Stay right there.”
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.”
&
nbsp; “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.”