25. Jesse
25
Jesse
I’m sitting at the head of the table in the conference room at Camp Willowbrooke for the celebration's final meeting. My stress has been through the roof, especially with everything going on in my personal life. I’ve been trying to maintain it in a healthy way but it’s really getting to me today.
We had the Scottsdale Diner cater lunch for all the staff members attending the meeting. I wanted everyone to have something to enjoy while we go over the finishing touches. I even made a special request for Pamela’s desserts.
I’m confident that we have as much in place as possible for this party to run smoothly. I anticipate a few hiccups and bumps in the road and have tried to plan accordingly. Hopefully nothing too crazy happens that we can’t handle.
We have an emergency response team that has volunteered to hang out at the party and a security team as well. Dr. Dawson, the town’s doctor, promised that he would stay on scene too.
I’m halfway through announcing my checklist when my phone beeps. I ignore it since I’m almost finished reviewing my plan with the team. My heart starts to race when I realize that it could be Coraline. I’ve been waiting for her response and it’s been a few days since we met up.
I rush through the rest of the presentation and excuse myself from the room.
I pull out my phone and notice that I actually have two messages. One is from Cora, the other is from my dad. I choose to read Cora’s message first.
Hey Jess. I talked to Harrison last night and he has agreed to meet you. He requested that you come to our house and that you bring your dog. What day works best for you?
I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. This is such great news.
I’m free this rest of the week. Just let me know what day and the time. Lucy and I will be there. That’s her name.
I was so nervous that he wouldn’t want anything to do with me. I’m thankful that he’s giving me a shot at fatherhood and that Cora had a change of heart.
I’d be lying if I said that a part of me isn’t looking forward to hanging out with her too. I don’t expect us to get back together, but man wouldn’t that be something. It would be a testimony to how God’s timing works and not our timing.
I pull up the messages from my dad next to see what he needed.
Hey son, just checking in. I wanted to let you know that I talked to your mom the other day. She’s okay, but she’s taking some time off to let us calm down and have time to process everything.
I also wanted to apologize again. I promise you that I had no idea that she was hiding this from us.
I’ve been trying my best not to think about my mother. I do feel bad for my dad, he doesn't deserve any of this. I send him a quick reply saying that I'll call him later and we will talk about everything. I think he will be excited to have a chance at being a grandfather.
I'm standing in my bedroom the next evening, staring at my reflection. Cora mentioned today would be a good day to get together, and I’ve been pacing around trying to figure out what to wear. I want to impress her—but not come off like I’m trying too hard.
After going back-and-forth with a few outfits, I settle on my new fishing t-shirt, my “good” jeans, and a clean pair of tennis shoes.
I throw on a hat and give myself a couple spritzes of cologne. It’s the same scent I’ve worn for years—the one Cora always used to love.
“Are you ready Lucy girl?” I ask as I bend down to pat her head. She looks up at me, lets out a deep sigh and does a big stretch.
“I guess that means yes."
I make my way downstairs to the foyer. Tucked under my arm are two gift cards for the boys to the local toy store. I wasn’t sure what they already had, so I figured it was safer to let them choose. This time, I made sure to check with Cora before buying anything. I'm doing my best to stay on her good side.
On the way out, I grab the bouquet from the table by the door. I ordered it from the local florist late last night—she owed me a favor, so she got it done fast. The flowers look good. I just hope Cora doesn’t think I’m trying too hard. Even though I kind of am.
I grab my keys and load Lucy into the truck. She hops right into the front seat like she owns the place, tail thumping, tongue already hanging out.
I roll her window down before backing out of the driveway. Normally I don’t keep her on a leash, but I want the boys to feel comfortable around her—so I clipped on her pink harness just in case.
We could’ve walked but it’s been a while since we took a ride, and car rides are her absolute favorite. She leans into the breeze with her ears flapping and her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth—like the pig from that one old tv commercial. It makes me laugh, which I need.
As I turn into Cora’s driveway, my stomach knots up tight. I can’t stop thinking about Harrison and how all this must feel for him. I take a deep breath and remind myself: I won’t let him down. Not on purpose. Not ever.
“God,” I say softly, bowing my head and taking off my hat, “I want to start by thanking you for all the blessings you’ve given me. Thank you for bringing Cora back into my life and for her boys. I pray that Harrison will accept me as a father figure. Help me to be the best dad that I can be… to be someone he can look up to, like I look up to you.”
I glance toward the front door, nerves still rattling under the surface.
“Lord, I just ask that this play date goes smoothly. That your will be done—whatever that looks like. I ask all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.”
I turn the truck off and exit the vehicle. I grab Lucy’s leash, the bouquet of flowers and the gift cards. I walk up the front porch and take a deep breath. I smile nervously at Lucy and go to knock on the door. As soon as I lift my fist, the door swings open.
“Jesse, it’s so good to see you, please come in," Coraline says with her eyes bright.
The breath is stolen from my lungs. She's stunning and she doesn’t even have to try. No makeup on, comfy clothes, and her hair a mess. God, I love it when she looks like this. Just real. Just Cora.
How did I ever let her get away from me? If I ever get another chance with her, there’s no way I will ruin it.