Returning Hearts

Chapter 24: Forgiving

Jackson feels his heart ache as he watches August holding Cade's hand. They seem so giddy as they walk around to the front of Tammy and Mark's house. The swaying of her hips in the short red dress and her ponytail bouncing causes him to melt inside. He feels Isabelle's hand slide onto his arm causing him to look over to her. "I am ready when you are."

"Alright." Jackson kisses her on the cheek trying to hide some of the guilt he feels for being attracted to August.

"Oh no. You're not leaving?" Mark looks at Isabelle in disappointment.

"You being a Villanova fan is what chases me off." Isabelle teases him as she confidently throws her usual beautiful white smile.

"It was great to see you again." Rachel nods her head politely to Isabelle.

"You too. Thank you for having me over." Isabelle looks at Tammy, who is obviously annoyed by Isabelle's effect on her husband.

"Of course." Tammy politely nods to her.

Jackson takes Isabelle's hand as he kisses Rachel on the forehead. "See you later mom."

"Bye." Rachel sadly looks at Jackson and he knows it is because he is with Isabelle.

"I will be back in a few minutes Tammy."

Tammy waves at him. "Take your time. It is no trouble." She smiles at Carter as she picks him up.

Jackson and Isabelle walk quietly to his car. He opens the door for her as he speaks. "Thank you for coming." She nods at him politely as she steps into the passenger side of his car to sit down. As they begin to drive back towards her apartment, Jackson notices she seems different. He begins to wonder if him having a son bothers her. He knew it was a lot for her to take in. "Was meeting my son so soon too much?" He feels nervous as he asks.

"No. He was adorable." Isabelle sounds genuine. "You have a really great family."

"Thank you."

As they arrive to her apartment, Jackson walks her to the door. "So, are you available Tuesday night for dinner?"

"I am... but I don't think you are available." She looks up at him with a twinge of sadness in her eyes.

Jackson is confused by her response. "I am pretty sure I have no plans that night."

Isabelle smiles at his misunderstanding. "I meant for a relationship." Jackson looks at her blankly as she talks. "As much as I would love to date you, I know when I need to step off the playing field." Isabelle leans over and kisses him on the cheek. "August is a lucky girl. Bye Jackson."

Jackson can't seem to find the words to say to her as he stands running through his mind trying to get a grasp on his feelings for August. He is confused by the conflict inside his chest as he watches Isabelle disappear behind her door.

He makes his way back to pick up Carter, taking him over to August's for a nap as she suggested. He feels unsure what to do as he wanders around August's small apartment while Carter sleeps. Not knowing when August will be back, he knows he needs to take his mind off of her being out with Cade. Last time, he stressed the entire time they were on their date. Seeing a pile of laundry in the laundry basket, he decides he can wash them for her. He remembers how she always washed Zuri's clothes separate from theirs, so he pulls all Carter's clothes out and places them in the washer. He then decides to pick up Carter's toys in the living room and put the dishes up from the dishwasher.

Carter begins to whine just as he finishes putting the last plate in the cabinet and he goes to check on him. "Hey buddy. How was your nap?" Jackson changes Carter's diaper before getting him out of bed. Taking the diaper, he goes to throw it away in the bathroom. After he throws it in the trash can and turns to leave, he stops realizing what he just saw. A pregnancy test box is just under the diaper he threw away.