“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 addictedto.
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 wasonly 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.
