Free Last First Kiss by Kimberly Killion, Lori H. Leger Page A

guess so. I don’t think I can handle that right now, Jackson.”
    “Bill and I will take care of them for you, Giselle.”
    “Everyone’s already doing so much for us around here, I feel like such a burden.”
    “You’re the only one that thinks that.”
    “I wish things could be like they were,” she said, barely above a whisper.
    Jackson was quiet for a moment as he ran a hand through his hair. “Believe me, we all wish the same thing,” he murmured, before clearing his throat. “If it’s dry enough on Sunday, I’ll mow your lawn.”
    “You don’t have to keep doing that; I can hire someone.”
    He stood up and walked nervously to the window of his office to look outside. “Look, I’ve got all this free time on my hands, remember?” He listened as she released a long sigh before speaking again.
    “That’s fine, I don’t care,” she said, before hanging up.
    Jackson stared at the dead phone in his hand. He thought of the years of performances Chloe had given him. Compared to the genuine article, his wife’s act had been nothing.
    At the end of his workday, Jackson drove to his gym. His membership had been a birthday gift from Chloe, whose gifts to him always contained a not so hidden barb. This one had come with the snide comment, “Love handles on men your age are never attractive, Darling.” Even though he hadn’t the slightest hint of love handles, he’d tried to work out twice a week, despite Chloe’s demands and tantrums. Now that he had free time on his hands, he was able to go nearly every day or night of the week. He didn’t see any difference in the way he looked yet, but he felt remarkably better.
     
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    With the dawn of Saturday morning came the promise of a beautiful day. Jackson and Bill walked into the ballpark at a quarter till eight, amazed at the horde of people there already.
    “Kenton’s serious about their summer league. Look at this crowd,” Bill commented.
    “Sam said that everyone shows up for opening ceremony but it thins out as the games begin. Mac and Lex each have two games to play today, but I’m not sure about the times.” Jackson stared at the groups of kids running around in uniforms. “I can’t pick anyone out...Hell they all look alike suited up.”
    Bill laughed at his nephew. “That’s why I’m looking for Sam. That big boy will stand out in a crowd, no matter what he’s wearing.” He pointed. “Look, he’s at the concession stand.”
    Sam looked up as Jackson called his name. “Hey, I’m glad you two could make it,” he said, exchanging handshakes.
    “Mac and Lex wouldn’t have let us live it down if we hadn’t. Did Giselle come?”
    Sam shook his head while opening a case of chips for the workers. “No, she wasn’t feeling up to it. Carrie said she would be checking up on her all day in between catching up with some things that she wanted to do at the house. The girls are here already. They’ll be excited to see you two.”
    “Can you tell us where to find them?”
    Sam pointed to a spot in the stands and they walked in that direction. The two men, who towered above everyone else in the crowd, generated quite a bit of attention. Within seconds, Jackson heard his name called as Mackenzie, Lexie, and four other children ran up to him.
    Lex threw her arms around his legs. “Jackson, you came to watch us play?”
    He leaned over to hug both girls then reached down to pick her up. “Of course we did, just like we said we would.”
    “Momma doesn’t feel well, so I’m glad we have you.”
    “I’m glad too, Sweetie.”
    Mac beamed up as Bill placed his hand gently on her head and pulled her to him for a hug. “Now, who are all of these kids?” Bill asked.
    Mac introduced them to Cathryn, Allie, Emmelia, and Gage, all grandchildren of Sam and Carrie’s, and all in uniforms. Their mothers, Amanda, Gretchen, and Lauren walked up to hug the two men and told them how glad they were to see them there.
    As soon as the ceremony