Buried [Completed]

Chapter twenty-six

The elementary school celebrated the last day of the school year with a family barbecue, starting at three-thirty in the afternoon.

Jamie left work early to attend. She'd baked brownies for the affair the previous evening— something that had really made her feel like a mother, as she remembered her own mom doing the exact same for her on more than one occasion.

Three days had passed since her meeting with Dougal. She hadn't taken any further steps to find her father— but she hadn't written off trying, either.

At twenty-to-four she met Cory in the parking lot behind the school. A row of barbecues were already in full commission, grilling burgers and hot dogs. She let Cory add the brownies to the other dessert contributions set out on a table beside a tub of ice containing juice boxes.

"Is your father here, yet?"

"He's playing football." Cory pointed out a group of fathers and sons scrimmaging together. Jamie sensed Cory felt left out.

"Let's go."

Cory glanced hopefully toward the game.

"Girls aren't playing."

"Why not?"

Jamie took Cory's hand and walked to the edge of the field. She waited until one of the fathers noticed them.

"May we join in?"

The father seemed surprised by the request, but at that moment Kyle spotted them. Her heart lifted as he smiled, waving them onto the field.

"You can both play for our side. We were one player short, anyway."

It was simple, disorganized, spontaneous fun. No one played set positions. At one point Jamie snagged the ball only to be tackled by her own team-mate. She was cushioned on the way down, when Kyle pulled her on top of him.

"Hey—" she sputtered. "We're supposed to be on the same side."

"I couldn't resist. You look so damn cute. Where'd you learn to catch a ball like that?"

She just grinned, and he helped her up, and the next minute Cory made an amazing interception, much to the astonishment of all the boys.

"Run, Cory, run!"

They were all cheering for her, even the fathers playing on the other side. As soon as she scored the touchdown, she threw the ball triumphantly to the ground, then searched the crowd of players for her father's face. At his proud smile, Cory just shone. The happy glow stayed with her all evening, throughout the dinner, then later on the walk home.

"Time to hit the shower, kids," Kyle announced when they stepped in the front door shortly after eight.

"Cory first, then Chester."

As the kids ran off, he snagged Jamie around the waist.

"As soon as they're in bed, I have plans for you, sweetheart."

She loved it when he was in this playful mood.

"Let me guess... do your plans involve tackling, turnovers and double coverage?"

"Add a tight end and a wide receiver, and I think you've got the idea."

"Hm. I think I'll go have a bath, then slip into something more... appropriate... for the game."

"You do that. I'll handle the kids. Just give me half an hour."

Before they were married, Kyle's fathering skills had been one of his most endearing qualities. Having been raised by a kind mother, herself, she appreciated that quality above all others in a parent. And that was what she had seen in Kyle. Patience, good humor and kindness. He could be firm, too, when the situation warranted, and that was something she admired, as well.