Chapter 26 Rosalie
ROSALIE
“I think that spot should do.”
Jackson points to where several flat boulders line the shore. He leads the way, carrying several bags, a small ice chest, two camping chairs, and three fishing poles. The sun peeks brightly over the tree line across the lake, and the crisp morning air sends goosebumps along my arms.
As promised, he pulled into our driveway at five o’clock sharp this morning. Despite the early hour, Edward was practically buzzing with excitement when we loaded into the truck and headed out.
That enthusiasm hasn’t waned, and he skips along, following Jackson and asking him way too many questions.
I’m surprised he’s so comfortable around Jackson, though I suspect that’s because of all the time he’s spent with Jackson’s nieces and nephews over the years.
I never realized Jackson also made an effort to establish a relationship with my son.
To make sure he felt included at all those family gatherings and parties we attended.
It shouldn’t surprise me.
Jackson is more thoughtful than most people realize. Like now, teaching Edward how to bait a hook. He explains each step, entertaining all of his questions because he understands how much this interests my son.
“Do all fish eat worms?”
“Good question, I’ll have to look that up. But fish around here love worms.”
“I feel bad we have to stab them with the hook.”
Jackson’s gaze flicks over Edward’s shoulder to meet mine before focusing back on the task at hand.
“It’s one of those circle of life things. But don’t worry. The worms don’t know what’s coming. Promise. You can actually cut them in two and they’ll still live.”
“What!” The mortification on Edward’s sweet face is almost comical.
“Wanna see?” Jackson offers, pulling a worm from the small container.
“No, thank you.” Edward blanches. “Maybe fishing isn’t for me.”
“How about we give it a try first?”
Jackson stands, and then motions for Edward to follow him closer to the water’s edge.
While they practice casting, I find a spot out of the danger zone and set up one of the camping chairs. I pull on a sweatshirt and kick off my shoes so I can tuck my feet close to my body. I basically cocoon myself in the chair.
Hiding behind my book, I observe Jackson’s gentle patience with Edward, and something in my chest shifts. Overwhelming affection blooms there. He’s so good with him, and I ended things because I didn’t think he would want to be part of my world.
I’m generally not wrong about people. After observing others’ actions for my entire life, I can predict most people’s behavior with ease. But maybe I am wrong about Jackson.
If that’s true, then I really screwed up.
A frenzied commotion pulls my attention to Edward. His pole jostles and yanks, and Jackson abandons his own pole, quickly making his way to my son’s side and giving him encouragement and direction to keep reeling the line in.
“That’s it! Keep hold of it. You’ve almost got ’im.”
A fish splashes at the surface of the water, fighting at being caught.
“Mama! Mama! Look!” Edward squeals. He glances back to make sure I’m watching.
“You caught your first fish!” I call over, setting my book down and shoving my feet back into my shoes to join the celebration.
“He’s a big one!” Jackson reaches out and grabs the line, pulling the fish close enough to hold.
“He’s bleeding.” Edward’s brow furrows.
“He’s okay.” Jackson points to the hook. “See there, it’s just got him by the lip.”
“Are you sure?” My sweet boy doesn’t have the heart for this.
“Promise. Want to throw him back?”
“We don’t eat him?” Edward asks.
“Only if you want to.”
“I don’t.” Edward’s gaze flicks to mine. “Mama, we’re going to throw him back.”
“Sounds good.”
“Want to hold him?” Jackson asks, and when Edward nods, stepping closer, he shows him how to do so. Then together they walk to the edge of the shoreline and kneel to release him back into the water.
Edward’s smile returns as soon as the fish splashes and swims away.
“He’s fine!”
“Told you,” Jackson says. “Want to try and catch another?”
Edward worries his bottom lip. “Can you put the worm on?”
“Sure, I can do that.” Jackson flashes me a grin when Edward looks down to retrieve the small container of worms.
I mouth the words, “Thank you.”
Jackson smiles wider, and that look fills me with a familiar warmth. One I’m afraid I’m becoming addicted to.
For the next hour, Jackson and Edward fish.
Though, I’m not sure how much fishing Jackson’s getting done.
Half the time he’s putting down his pole to help Edward untangle his line or replenish his hook with a new worm.
He doesn’t seem annoyed by that fact, or that my son would rather throw the fish back into the lake.
He also doesn’t make fun of the fact that Edward is obviously grossed out by the worms.
“I’m getting a little hungry,” Edward announces.
“Yeah? Me too.” Jackson glances over to him. “Why don’t we reel in our lines and take a snack break?”
While they do that, I set up the other camping chair and pull out the hand sanitizer and wipes I packed.
“Make sure you wash up before touching any food.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jackson says.
At the same time, Edward says, “Okay, Mama.”
I smile in spite of myself and unpack our food options. Jackson and I both brought snacks, and we have quite the feast. I’m hungrier than I expect, though it makes sense, what with being awake for several hours.
Edward makes a plate and moves to take the other chair.
“Edward, let’s give Jackson that spot.”
“It’s okay, bud.” Jackson shakes his head. “You stay there. I’m good over here.” He brushes the dirt off a big rock and takes a seat near me.
“Good book?” he asks, nodding at the novel tucked into my bag.
“It’s okay.”
It’s honestly a little boring. Or at least, it can’t seem to hold my attention. Not when he’s near.
“What else have you been reading this week?”
“You want to know what I’ve been reading?”
“I want you to give me a recommendation.” He grins. “I’m almost done with my current audiobook, and I need another.”
“Look at you go.” I am quite impressed. I really thought he was only reading to impress me, and to participate in recreating some of my favorite scenes. My cheeks heat just remembering.
“Right?” Jackson grins. “Who would have thought I’d become such a voracious reader?”
“See. Everyone is a reader; they just have to find the right books.”
“I like reading too,” Edward interjects.
“Yeah?” Jackson asks. “What’s your favorite book?”
Edward launches into a dissertation on his current series obsession, describing epic battles and several plot twists.
“Wow. That sounds really cool.” Jackson nods. “I might have to give those a listen.”
“Listen?” Edward laughs. “You don’t listen to books. You read them with your eyes, silly.”
“Silly,” I interrupt. “You can do both. How many times have I read you a book?”
Edward looks at Jackson. “Is Mama reading books to you, too?”
“I wish,” Jackson mutters under his breath.
“Audiobooks,” I say. “Remember, sometimes we listen to a book in the car.”
“Oh, yeah. That’s cool.” Edward glances at the water. “I’m full. Can I go back to fishing now?”
I open my mouth to tell him to wait, but Jackson answers first. “Sure thing, but pay attention to how close to the edge you are. Remember I said the rocks can be slippery.”
“I remember!” Edward is already making his way down to the water’s edge.
“Is that safe?” I ask, my eyes on my son.
“If he falls in, we’re right here,” Jackson assures, his gaze steady on Edward’s movements. “Now, tell me what books you’ve read.”
“Actually, I’ve been spending all my reading time writing.”
“You have?” The look of admiration in Jackson’s gaze is clear. “When do I get to read it?”
“You want to read my book?”
“Hell yeah, I do.” He leans over to whisper, “Please tell me there’s a few spicy parts?”
“There are.” I don’t tell him that the last two are inspired by him. His ego doesn’t need inflating. Besides, he might figure it out when he reads them. “I can send you some chapters this week.”
“God, Rosalie. You are incredible.” He meets my stare, and I swear my heart skips a beat. He’s the first to look away, shouting to Edward. “Your mom’s incredible, you know that?”
My son turns to face us, a giant smile on his lips. “She’s the best mom in the whole world.”
“She really is,” Jackson says, and when I meet his gaze there’s a tenderness there I can’t ignore.
I’m finding it harder to remember why I thought I shouldn’t give him a chance. He is nothing like my ex. He’s not even the person most people in this town assume him to be.
“Did you get enough to eat?” Jackson asks.
“Oh, yeah.” I motion to the open containers of food. “We should—”
“I’ve got it.” Jackson pops up and starts repacking the cooler.
“I can help,” I say, though it’s not really a two-person job.
“I like taking care of you. Remember?” He flashes me one of his devious grins.
Oh, I remember.
Heat radiates from my body, making me feel flushed, and it’s not from the sun.
“Jackson! My line is stuck,” Edward calls.
“Duty calls.” Jackson winks, then struts away.
I watch, because I can’t not. His ass looks just as good in those jeans as I remember. God, what is wrong with me? I’m acting like a horny teenager.
My phone vibrates with an alert and I pick it up to find a message from Clint.
Clint: Hi Rosalie, just wanted to thank you again for your company yesterday. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.
Shit. What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve gone from not dating at all to seeing two guys at the same time!
“You’re a very smart kid.” Jackson’s voice draws my attention over to their conversation at the shoreline.
Edward beams proudly. “That’s what Mama says.”
“Which is why it’s so important we don’t let your education lack when it comes to cowboy things.”
“What kind of cowboy things?”
“Like fishin’, or playin’ in the mud, or ridin’ a horse. You know, guy stuff.”
My son’s brows knit. “Girls can do all of those things.”
“Yeah, you’re right. My sister would probably kick my ass, er . . . butt if she heard me imply otherwise.”
“And I’ll be right there with her,” I interject.
Jackson hands the righted fishing pole back to Edward. “Okay, well, Edward needs someone to teach him how to be a local.”
“And you want to do that?” I challenge.
“Absolutely.” He nods smugly.
Surely, he doesn’t really want to spend all his free time with me and my son. I give him an out.
“Well, I have work. And so do you.”
“After work, then.” He lifts his brows as if to say he knows exactly what I’m doing and he’s still all in. “Edward, do you want to learn how to ride a horse?”
Edward glances from Jackson to me. “Um, they’re kinda big, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are,” I say.
“Sure.” Jackson clasps my son on the shoulder. “But I know the nicest ones on the ranch. You and your mama should come by tomorrow afternoon and we can feed them apples.”
This excites Edward. “Can we, Mama?”
“Maybe.” I see what Jackson’s doing. Spoiling my kid to get to my heart.
It’s working.
This entire morning has gone better than I expected. Though I can’t even say that because I never expected to have anyone in my life who showed my son this kind of affection. Who considered me and him a package deal.
This all feels too easy. Too natural. Too perfect.
Which has alarm bells ringing, warning me to proceed with caution. To expect the worst. To expect Jackson to disappoint me and my son.
But that’s not fair. Because Jackson hasn’t actually given me a reason to doubt him. His actions match his words. He might be exactly who he claims to be.
What if my fear is getting in the way of something wonderful?
I’m almost too scared to hope.