Brushed By Hope: The Pattern of Piney Series Book Three, page 11
“Ted?” Jason stared at Jamie.
“Was he not a good choice? I figured since he was your second in command that was the safest bet. I also have his wife’s number, so I messaged her for it this morning and she shared it with me. I didn’t go through your phone or anything. Though I did place it there on the lamp stand.”
Baffled, Jason stared.
“Jason?” Jamie looked as if she were preparing for a lashing, and he shook his head to wake up further.
“No, that’s fine. That’s… good. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
“But what about your shop?”
“What about it?”
“You normally open at six.”
“And it won’t hurt Reesa to wait for a cup of coffee. I’m sure she’s drifted to the diner by now anyway.”
“Jamie—”
“Don’t. It’s fine. Billy Lou will be here about 9:30. Jarin is helping me make some muffins for her. He’s doing a great job,” she praised the little boy again, his young eyes looking up at Jason for approval.
Jamie nodded encouragingly at Jason and tilted her head at the boy. Jason cleared his throat. “Good job, buddy.” He eased onto a stool and the little boy watched his every move. “Do you remember me from last night?” Jason asked.
The boy nodded.
“And you know who I am?”
“He’s probably not going to understand that,” Jamie whispered.
“Do you know my name?” asked Jason, rephrasing.
The boy shook his head.
“Well…” Jason looked to Jamie, and she nodded. “I’m your daddy.” He struggled over the last word before clearing his throat again and continuing. “Did you know that?”
The boy shook his head again, his eyes looking up at Jamie. She smiled down at him with excitement and nodded.
“You scared?” Jason asked softly.
The boy’s bottom lip trembled as he nodded his head. Jamie lightly brushed a hand over his soft hair.
“You don’t have to be scared, okay? We’re going to take good care of you. Ms. Jamie here, well, she’s the nicest person in the world. Did you know that?”
The boy looked up at Jamie and then back to Jason.
“It’s the truth. I’ve yet to meet a better person. And she’s going to help us. Are you okay with Ms. Jamie helping us?”
He nodded, his little hands regripping the spoon, his eyes never leaving Jason’s face.
“We’re glad you’re here.” Jason’s voice broke as he took a step back and turned away from them to gather his emotions. A knock sounded on the door and Jamie waved for him to answer it as she helped Jarin spoon batter into the muffin tin.
“Ms. Billy Lou.” His voice was quiet as the pretty, put-together woman reached her arms out and embraced him, flooding him with expensive perfume, mint bubble gum, and enough comfort to erase a few of his fears. She cupped his face. “Mornin’, honey. I hear you’ve got a morning for the record books.”
He smirked despite the circumstances, and she winked at him. “We’ll get ya sorted. Don’t you worry. Now where’s that baby?” She walked inside and she clasped her hands. “My, my, my! Somethin’ sure smells good!”
Jarin’s head popped up as she walked towards him. “Hi darlin’! Are you makin’ some muffins?”
Jarin nodded, his eyes soaking in the vibrant woman in front of him in wonder. “Well, I bet they’re delicious. I can’t wait to eat one.” Billy Lou smiled at Jamie and scooted around the counter to give her an encouraging hug. She gently brushed a hand over the toddler’s head. “Goodness me, he looks just like you did at that age, Jason.”
“I know.”
“Let’s hope he’s half as devious, hm?” Billy Lou mumbled.
Jamie chuckled at Jason’s embarrassed expression.
“Now, let me see that letter. You got the folder she left ya?” Billy Lou walked back over to Jason, and he handed her the letter and watched her read it. She shook her head. “That girl…” she sighed. “Selfish people are blind people. And until one thing changes, the other will stay the same. At least she left you his birth certificate.” She pored through the folder of documents and pulled out a piece of paper. “You see this?”
“I honestly didn’t really get through it all past the birth certificate.”
“Bless your heart, of course you didn’t.” She held up the paper for him to see it. “That girl has signed over her parental rights to you.”
His face was blank, and Billy Lou wriggled the paper. “This means that you now have full custody of your son without her interfering now or in the future.”
“Why would she do that?”
“She doesn’t want him.” Billy Lou stated simply, but in a hushed tone so Jarin didn’t overhear.
“But why not?” Jason looked at the boy who flashed a quick, faint smile up at Jamie as she did one of her signature dance moves as they slid the muffins into the oven.
“Only the Lord knows.” Billy Lou shook her head in sympathy. “That boy is going to need you, honey. Now, I know you aren’t ready. None of us ever are, even when we do have the nine months of pregnancy to prepare us. You’ve had him dropped in your lap and now have to be a daddy, so I know you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed.”
“A little?” Jason turned to her stunned. “Billy Lou, I’m drownin’ here. I have no clue how to raise a child. What if he doesn’t like me? What if I screw him up?”
Billy Lou smirked. “Honey, you are one of the hardest workin’ men I know. You’re charming, polite, and have a decent head on your shoulders. I think you’ll do just fine. You’ll find help from your friends.” She nodded towards Jamie. “And you’ll find help from the community. ‘It takes a village’ is not just a cliché saying, honey. It’s the truth. And lucky for you, you have a village.”
“You’re in that village, right?” he mumbled.
Billy Lou hooted and patted his shoulder. “Of course, I am. And I just love little ones.” They watched as Jamie taught Jarin a dance move that involved him wiggling his little hips and jumping in the air. “She’s such a doll.”
“She truly is,” Jason agreed.
Billy Lou looked up at him and squinted. “You be sweet to her.”
Jason’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, it’s not like that, Ms. Billy Lou. I just appreciate her is all. I don’t…” He trailed off as Billy Lou fisted her hands on her hips and narrowed her gaze.
“And why not? She’s beautiful, bubbly, and vivacious. She has a heart of gold, works just as hard as you, and supports her friends. She’s dedicated to this town, much like yourself, and she answers the door after midnight to a crazy man who needs help. Need I go on?”
Jason chuckled. “No ma’am.”
“Good. I suggest, Jason Wright, that you look at that girl as more than just your neighborhood barista and start treatin’ her like the jewel she is.”
“The ruby of Piney,” he muttered under his breath.
Billy Lou softened at his remark and nodded. “Yes. Yes, she is. Now, let’s get that boy to talkin’ to us. By the end of the hour, he will love you.”
“I hope so. He’s a little scared of me right now.”
“Well, of course he is. You’re all legs and broad shoulders, deep voice, and nerves. You’re rattlin’ in your boots. Let’s show him the confident Jason Wright everybody knows and loves, shall we?”
Jason grabbed Billy Lou’s hand before she walked off and gave it a friendly pat. “Thank you, Ms. Billy Lou.”
She patted his cheek. “Don’t you even mention it, honey. I just expect you at my house for Sunday evening supper with the rest of the kids from here on out.” She pointed a finger at him until he agreed. “Good.”
He relinquished her hand, and she walked over to the kitchen area. Jamie glanced up and tilted her head at him. He gave her a thumbs up and she nodded in acceptance. Her small way of checking on him made him smile as he walked towards the island. Jarin’s face grew serious as he looked at him.
“Daddy.” Billy Lou pointed at Jason. “Is this your daddy?” she asked the little boy.
He looked to Jason for what to say and Jason nodded his head.
Jarin then affirmed it with a nod of his own head.
“Can you say Daddy?” Billy Lou asked.
The boy stared at her for a moment.
“Billy Lou.” She pointed at herself. “Jamie.” She pointed to Jamie. “Daddy.” She pointed at Jason. She repeated the gesture and before she could reach Jason again, the little boy stated “Beewee.” Billy Lou placed a hand over her heart and gushed. “Oh yes! I’m Billy. Good job, baby doll. And my goodness, don’t you just have the voice of an angel. Can you say it again?”
“Beewee.”
“Oh heavens, I think this little doll has just won my heart.” Billy Lou chuckled as she pointed to Jamie. “Jamie,” she said slowly.
“Damie,” he repeated.
“Woo hoo!” Jamie raised a hand and he smiled before giving her a soft high five.
“Daddy.” Billy Lou pointed to Jason and the boy hesitated a moment before he quietly muttered “Daddy” under his breath.
“That’s right. Daddy.” Billy Lou beamed. “He’s a fast learner. Now, Jarin, you tell Ms. Billy what you want to do today. You want to go play at the park?”
The little boy’s eyes lit up at her suggestion.
“They have swings, slides, seesaws…” Billy Lou explained, and he jumped on his tiptoes and grinned. Jason’s heart lifted at the sight. “Maybe your daddy will take us. What do ya say?” Billy Lou looked up at Jason.
“Yep. The park it is,” Jason agreed, his eyes looking up to see if Jamie were willing to join them, but she turned to pull the muffins out of the oven.
“You have to eat first. Jarin and I worked too hard on these muffins for you not to.” Jamie made quick work of dishing up the muffins, cutting Jarin’s in half to let the steam escape and cool faster.
Billy Lou leaned over her muffin and inhaled a deep breath. “My goodness these smell good. Good job, Jarin.
The little boy’s shy smile and overly observant eyes scanned the room until landing upon him. He watched as Jason took a bite too. “Mmm mmm mmm! These are amazing! Good job, buddy.”
Jarin’s smile widened as he took a bite of his own muffin and accepted the glass of milk Jamie set beside him. She tenderly brushed a hand over his hair before enjoying her own breakfast.
“You’ll join us, won’t you, Jamie?” Jason asked. “At the park?”
“Oh.” Her surprised expression and quick aversion of the eyes gave him his answer before she spoke. “I should get some things done around here; maybe open the shop for the second half of the day.”
“Right.” Jason shook his head. “I forgot I completely derailed your morning.”
“You didn’t,” Jamie assured him. “I mean, you did, but it’s totally okay.” She fumbled over her words, her cheeks turning rosy as she began to crumble under Billy Lou’s watchful gaze. “Honestly,” Jamie assured him. “I just need to get some things done.”
“No problem.” Jason cleared his throat and set his plate on the counter. “I guess it’s park time. Ready?” He looked to Jarin, the little boy hesitant to leave Jamie. He looked up at her in silent plea and she gave him an encouraging smile.
“You have fun, Jarin. I can’t wait for you to tell me all about it. Okay?”
The boy’s eyes glassed over as he realized he’d be leaving her and he nodded, his bottom lip trembling as Jason held out his hand to him. Billy Lou hopped off her stool and grabbed Jarin’s other hand. “Don’t you forget about me now. I love to swing. And I bet your daddy can push us real high.” She patted his small hand until he managed a watery smile.
Jason stopped at the door as Billy Lou could be heard talking in upbeat tones to his son on the way down the stairs. He paused and watched Jamie start to straighten up her kitchen. “Thank you, Jamie. Again. For everything.”
She glanced up, her easy smile at the ready. He took a step towards her and then paused, realizing he’d wanted to walk back to her kitchen and pull her close. “Don’t mention it,” she replied. “Maybe we can meet up for supper later.”
“Yes.” He readily agreed, relief washing over him knowing he’d have her help once again. He also felt a small lift in his chest at having the opportunity of spending more time with her. “But at my place. What d’ya say?”
“Oh.” Surprise had Jamie considering. “Alright. Do I need to bring anything?”
“Nope. Allow me to feed you for once.” Jason grinned. “Though it probably won’t be as good as your cookin’.”
Jamie chuckled. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. The only people that can out-cook me are Billy Lou and T.J., though don’t tell him I said that. He’d never let me live it down.”
“My lips are sealed.” Jason sighed as he walked back to the doorway. “I’m a little scared to walk out of here. I mean… in here I can just be me. Out there… it’s all new territory for me.”
“You’re a fast learner,” Jamie encouraged, walking towards him to aid in nudging him out of her house. “He’s a sweet kid. Shy. But I think that’s just because he’s completely surrounded by new faces. I have a feeling he’ll start perking up the next couple of days.” Jamie smiled up at him. “He has your eyes.”
Jason rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and nodded. “I noticed that too.”
“Go. Have fun. Be fun. And I will see you two guys later, okay?”
Jason reached for her hand and held it a moment, looking down at her perfectly trimmed nails. She didn’t waste time or money on polish, Jamie was just sensible. But her hands were soft and strong. He lifted one to his lips and kissed the back of it. “Thank you.” He released his hold and walked out into the morning sun to a chattering Billy Lou and timid little boy.
CHAPTER EIGHT
She didn’t open up her store. She was too tired to even think about mixing coffees. And that was okay, because clearly, Reesa clearly needed her. She watched as her friend frantically rushed about her small cabin, rearranging furniture, fluffing pillows, moving frames all in a frenzy. “No, no, no… maybe the couch should stay where it was, and I will move the chair. What do you think?” Reesa looked up and Jamie sighed.
“I think you are stressing over this too much. Your mom isn’t going to care where your couch sits.”
“Wrong!” Reesa stated. “She most certainly will. She’ll look about the room with disdain and then silently judge me for every decorative decision.”
“And I think you’re wrong. I doubt she even expects you to let her in the door, so I imagine she will enjoy the few minutes she’s given to take a peek at the life you’ve created with Clare.”
Reesa paused in her movements, Jamie’s words sinking in. “You think she’ll be that observant?”
“Yes. After watching her with Clare the other day, I think she will be quiet, collected, and soaking in the time she has with the both of you.”
Reesa ran a hand through her hair and puffed a relieved breath. “You’re probably right. I shouldn’t assume she’s going to act the monster. That’s wrong of me. Even if it’s been my experience, it’s wrong of me to not at least give her the benefit of the doubt… cautiously.” Jamie smiled in agreement. “I’m glad you’ll be stopping by to relieve what I know will be thick tension.”
“Oh, right.” Jamie grimaced. “About that…”
Reesa’s eyes rounded. “Don’t say you’re backing out on me.”
“Well…”
“What? No!” Reesa clasped her hands together and danced from foot to foot. “Why?”
“Jason needs help.”
“With what? His ex still in town?”
Jamie shook her head. “It’s actually what I came to talk to you about.” Jamie relaxed in one of Reesa’s deep-set chairs, the crocheted granny square pillow snug under her arm. “She left.”
“Is that not a good thing?” Reesa asked. “He didn’t seem like he wanted to see her. I mean, I hope they worked something out regarding his son, but…”
“No. She left in the middle of the night and left Jarin, the boy, with Jason.”
The seriousness of turn in the conversation had Reesa slowly sinking to a sitting position on her couch as she quietly soaked in the information. “Wow.”
“Yeah. He showed up at my place around one this morning in a complete panic.” Jamie gave Reesa the complete rundown, including the help that Billy Lou was providing today. “So, I came here this afternoon because I’m exhausted and not really in the mood to open the shop, but he’s asked me over for dinner later this evening. Jarin has taken a shine to me.”
“Of course, he has. You’re awesome,” Reesa complimented. “Wow. Poor Jason. I know he was shocked to find out he had a son, but for her to just leave the poor boy… that’s tough.”
“Yeah.”
Reesa’s brows lifted slightly. “Although, I do find it quite interesting that Jason drives to your house in the middle of the night for help. Thoughts on that?” Her sly smirk told Jamie the matchmaking wheels were turning.
“Probably because I’d just seen him. I was just the person on his mind, I’m sure.”
“I bet you were,” Reesa muttered and then grinned.
“It’s not like that.” Jamie rolled her eyes. “Jason doesn’t see me as more than a friend, Reesa. Trust me. He never has and he never will.”
“Would you want him to?” Reesa asked.
Sighing, Jamie rubbed a loose strand of yarn in between her fingers on top of the pillow, avoiding her friend’s stare. “I’ve thought about it, but it’s just not in the cards. Never has been. Jason’s always gone after the beautiful bombshells.”
“Um, you’re a beautiful bombshell,” Reesa pointed out.
Jamie chuckled. “Thanks for that, but you know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t,” Reesa countered. “You are beautiful, Jamie. And even better, not only are you beautiful on the outside, you’re beautiful on the inside. Do you know how rare that is?”
