Hope in Our Hearts by Lydia Proffitt

Chapter Fifteen

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.

-Samuel Smiles

"Go! Go, Caleb! Go!" Lucy cheered from the stands.

Jason watched as his adoptive son juggled the soccer ball all the way down the field and kicked the ball as hard as he could passed the goalie to score. Caleb was smiling as he ran towards his coach––who was also his dad.

"Nice shot, buddy," Jason said, putting his hand up for a high five and patted Caleb on the back.

"Thanks, coach," Caleb said with a wink.

Jason glanced over at the bleachers where Lexie and Lucy were cheering on the boys. Lucy was holding their newest little bundle of joy, Meg. Lucy picked up Meg's hand and made her wave to Jason while bouncing on her knee. Jason waved back and smiled at his daughter.

Lexie was sitting beside Lucy helping Isabelle open her powerade. Lexie was very pregnant with baby number three. Jason loved seeing both their families grow. Jason then glanced at Kale who was playing on the playground with a bunch of other kids.

I am so blessed, Jason thought as he twisted his wedding band on his finger.

Jason started clapping his hands his team's game came to an end.

After shaking hands, Caleb ran over to Jason and asked, "Hey, Dad? Who prepared the snacks this week?"

"I think your mom did," he said pointing towards her. "I would check with her. And good game buddy. Way to play hard."

"Thanks, dad," Caleb said, running towards his mom.

Max and Caleb both ran towards Lucy who was already handing out Capri Suns and cookies. When she finished handing them out to each of the kids, she walked over to Jason.

"Hey, honey," she said.

"Hey," he said, kissing her on the cheek and taking Meg who was reaching for him. He blew a raspberry on Meg's cheek as he held her.

"They played a good game," Lucy said, nodding towards the team.

"Yes, they did," he said putting his arm around her. "What if, tonight, we call my mom and see if she will babysit the kids while we go out to dinner."

Lucy smiled. "That's sounds fantastic."

"Alright, I'll make sure I give her a call. Here take back Meg and I'll go get Kale. I'll grab the cooler too and meet you at the car," he said, handing over Meg.

Jason walked over to the playground in search for Kale. Kale was sliding on the slide when he noticed Jason walking toward him.

"Dad, did you see me on the monkey bars?"

"No, I must have missed it. Show me," Jason said.

Kale immediately ran to the monkey bars and climbed to the top. "I can get to the third one watch!"

Slowly, Jason watched Kale get to the third one and struggle to continue. Jason grabbed his legs giving him a little extra support to complete all the bars.

"See Dad? I am super strong like Bubba!"

"You might be stronger than Caleb. Let's race to the car––see if you're faster too?"

As they raced to the car, Jason grabbed the cooler. He let Kale win and laughed as Kale did his victory dance. Lucy had the car cranked with the windows down. Jason put the cooler in the back before making sure Kale was buckled up in his booster seat.