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, quicklymaking 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.”
