28. Jesse
28
Jesse
Fishing went better than I expected. I’d been nervous about the kids getting bored, but they both really got into it. The overcast weather turned out to be perfect for fishing. No one got too hot and we all had a great time.
By the end of the day, both of the kids had really warmed up to my dad. I even noticed him wipe away a tear or two when we were all together.
Harrison ended up catching two crappie, Michael caught two bluegill, my dad landed a bass, and Cora… well, Cora accidentally caught a turtle. As for me? I caught nothing.
Honestly, I wasn’t even mad. I had an incredible time teaching my sons how to fish and spending the day with my new little family.
We’re currently back at my house and I'm frying the fish that we caught for dinner. Harrison and my dad filleted and prepped the fish together so we could eat them. Michael thought it was gross and wanted nothing to do with it.
While we were busy getting the fish ready to fry, Harrison casually mentioned something he’d learned during the latest church service.
“We talked about the story where Jesus fed over five thousand people with just two fish and five loaves of bread,” he said. “A little boy gave Jesus his lunch and then, bam, it turned into enough food for everyone.”
That moment really struck me. It was the perfect opportunity to witness to him. As I shared my thoughts with him, I was reminded that children really do listen, sometimes more than we realize, especially when we think they’re not paying attention.
Cora sits down across from me, Michael at her side. Harrison is nestled between me and my dad. We all join hands and say a prayer to bless the food and thank God for providing it.
“This is really cool, Dad,” Harrison says after swallowing his first bite.
My heart skips a beat. He called me dad . This is all I’ve ever wanted, and it’s finally happening.
When I first found out about Harrison, I was angry at myself for missing so much of his life. But now, sitting here, I know that God’s timing is never wrong.
“I’m glad you think so,” I reply and smile. I look at Cora and I see her quickly wipe a tear from her face.
“Papaw Lloyd?” Harrison looks at my dad, “Thank you for teaching me how to get the fish ready. I had a good time today.”
“Me too! This was the bestest day ever!” Michael says in between bites of food.
“I’m truly honored that I was allowed to tag along with you all,” my dad says, his voice sincere. “Thank you again, Coraline. You don’t know how much this has meant to me.”
We continue to eat in comfortable silence, the weight of the day settling in, until it’s time to clean up. Cora wipes her mouth with a napkin, then clears her throat. “Do you boys want to go in the living room and watch TV with Lucy? Jesse and I will take care of the dishes and clean up.”
“Coraline,” my dad says, folding his hands together nervously. “If it would be okay, I’d very much like to play a game with them.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Cora replies with a smile. “We hooked their game system up to the main TV just a little bit ago, so it should be ready.”
The boys took off enthusiastically, with my dad in tow, while Cora stood up to start collecting the silverware. She was in the middle of picking up a glass plate when it slipped from her hand, shattering into tiny pieces on the floor.
“Shoot,” she whispered under her breath, her brow furrowing in frustration. She bent down to start picking up the broken glass, but then winced. She pulled her hand back quickly, grabbing at her finger.
“Are you okay?” I asked, immediately stepping toward her.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I think it’s just a scratch,” she muttered, but I could see the pain in her eyes.
“Let me go grab my first aid kit and I'll take a look at it.” I stand up and turn on my heel before she can protest.
When I walk back into the dining room, Cora’s sitting down in a chair holding a wet paper towel around her finger.
“Here, let me see it.” She winces again as I grab her hand.
I get down on one knee and inspect the cut. It’s a mild cut from the glass, more than just a scratch, but at least there’s no glass embedded in her skin—that’s a relief. I open up the first aid kit and gather the supplies I need.
Gently, I take a q-tip and apply some antibiotic ointment, followed by a fresh band-aid.
She sits in silence, her honey-colored eyes studying me as I work, her gaze soft and unwavering.
“Thank you, Jess,” she whispers, just loud enough for me to hear. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“It’s my pleasure,” I reply honestly. “You shouldn’t have to take care of everything by yourself. You do so much for everyone. I know it’s nice to have someone look after you for a change.”
I reach up and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers brushing against her skin. I notice the way her breath hitches slightly at the touch, and for a moment, I want to close the distance between us, kiss her, and see where things go.
Before I can make up my mind, she turns away, picking up around the table as if nothing happened. We fall into a familiar rhythm, clearing the table together and loading the dishwasher. The sound of the dishes clinking fills the space, but there's an undercurrent of something much more tender between us.
I’d be lying if I said she didn’t look perfect in my home. The sight of her here, with the kids, feels right—like this is where we’re meant to be.
I could get used to this. I hope and pray that one day, it will become my reality.
“This week has been great, with you and the kids,” she says, wiping her hands on a towel, her voice soft but steady.
“It really has,” I agree, my voice quieter than usual.
She takes a step closer to me, just close enough that I can feel the heat radiating off of her. The air between us feels thick with tension, and I swear I can almost feel the attraction that’s been building all week.
I look up at her again, and before I can stop myself, I lean a little closer. Her lips are right there, so close that I can almost taste the words that are hanging between us. I want to kiss her more than anything right now.
“I’ve enjoyed spending time with you again, Cora,” I murmur, my breath mingling with hers as our noses brush.
Her lips brush mine once and she pulls back, as if she starts to regret her decision. “I’m sorry, are you—” I don’t give her time to finish her sentence. I take the opportunity. I grab her face, my hands desperate to hold her, and I kiss her fiercely. It’s a kiss full of hunger and need, of all the years that I’ve spent missing her. She leans into me and opens her mouth to kiss me back. A soft groan escapes me.
I thread my fingers into her hair, holding her close. She grabs onto me, pulling me even closer, and for the first time in years, everything feels right. It's just me and her.
When we finally pull apart, my heart is racing, and it takes a full minute for me to catch my breath. I open my eyes slowly, still feeling the thrum of that kiss and the rush of emotions that came with it.
That was worth the wait.