Page 25 of Every Beat of My Heart

When Owen finished eating, he cleared his dish and asked to go outside. I let him go, and then it was just me and Jameson. I covered his hand with mine. “Thanks again for everything you’ve done for him.”

Jameson’s lips curved up. “It’s been fun.”

“I don’t know many single men who’d spend their spare time helping a kid prepare for football tryouts.”

“I’m happy to help.”

“He’s already feeling more confident.”

“It’s the working out. It really helped me when I was a teenager too. It will make him feel stronger even if he won’t see the results for a while. Plus, it teaches him discipline. You get results with hard work and practice.”

“You’re pretty amazing; you know that?” I asked him, floored by his words.

Jameson shrugged. “It’s nothing special.”

“Owen’s own father doesn’t take the time to do this for him, and he certainly doesn’t worry about his confidence or growth.” It was tough shouldering all the responsibility for his upbringing. Eric only showed up for accolades and award ceremonies as if he had anything to do with Owen’s success.

“He can get that from you.”

“This isn’t something I would have thought to encourage him to do. Go out for football? Yes. But starting a workout regimen? I wouldn’t have known where to start. Do you think he has a chance at making the team?”

“Not knowing who he’s up against, I can’t say. But I think he has a good shot. He wants it. That’s a big part of it. And he’s willing to work for it. If he doesn’t make it this year, he will next.”

“I hope he makes it this year. I want him to make friends.”

Jameson nodded in understanding. “Teams are great for that.”

I stood and cleared the dishes. Jameson helped, then excused himself to go outside with Owen. When the kitchen was clean, I carried glasses of lemonade outside for them. As soon as they saw me, they ran over.

“This is perfect. Thanks.” Jameson raised a brow in Owen’s direction.

“Yeah, thanks, Mom,” Owen added sheepishly.

“You’re welcome. You need me on defense again?”

“That would be great,” Jameson said with a wink when he’d drained his glass.

We went to the yard and ran through some drills similar to the last time we were all together. When the sun started to set, Owen excused himself to take a shower.

“You want a beer?” I asked him.

“That would be great,” Jameson said as he sat in the rocker.

My heart rate picked up. I hadn’t intended to ask him to stay, but I had bought beers in case Jameson hung around one night.

I carried the two bottles out to the porch. It was a beautiful fall evening. There were a few kids playing outside and couples walking their dogs, but otherwise it was quiet.

“Thanks.” Jameson took the bottle I offered him and took a long swig. “That hit the spot.”

I sat next to him, sipping mine. “You’re not working at the firehouse tomorrow?”

“I’m actually meeting with a realtor.”

“Oh? I didn’t realize you were planning to move.”

“Yeah, it's time for me to get a new place. But I want something with property. I’m just not sure I’ll be able to find what I want.”

“I chose a neighborhood for Owen thinking it would help him find friends, and it has. But having more property would be ideal.” When I looked, anything with more acreage was too expensive for me on a teacher’s salary.

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