Returning Hearts

Chapter 25: Boating

The week flies by as August begins her first week of work with the law firm. She had to enroll Carter into a daycare and now that Jackson has gotten to know Carter, they have been alternating days keeping him. She hasn't even seen Jackson all week because they just alternate picking up and dropping off Carter at the daycare.

"How was your first week?" Mr. Johnson asks as August is putting on her jacket to leave for the day.

"It was good. I really like it here."

"Great. You seem to understand and know how everything works. I don't think I have ever had an assistant pick up so quickly on tasks."

"Thank you."

"If you are interested, there is an event tomorrow we could really use you at. I would pay you time and a half to work from 11:00 to 4:00."

August doesn't want to say no but she knows it is her day to have Carter tomorrow. She knows though that if Jackson can't switch days her parents can watch him. "I would love to."

"Great. We leave here at 11:00 sharp."

"I will be here."

"Alright. Well, have a good night and we will see you tomorrow then."

"Thank you, you too."

August texts Jackson as she walks down the street to pick up Carter from daycare.

I have to work tomorrow from 11 to 4. Would you want to watch Carter?

5:07pm

Yes. Can you just bring him by my place in the morning?

Yes. Thank you so much!

August pulls up to the address Jackson had given her and she notices the park is in view of his apartment building as she and Carter ascend the stairs to his door. She remembers back to the night she and Jackson went to the jazz club, when she took Dolly to her hotel room. Jackson smiles taking Carter after he opens the door. "Hey buddy!" August is speechless as she thinks frozen on his porch looking confused. "Are you okay?" Jackson's question causes her to look up at him seeing the concern in his eyes.

"You live really close to the park."

"Um, yeah." Jackson doesn't understand why she is surprised.

"Why did you let Dolly come to my hotel room the night we went to the jazz club if you lived this close?" Jackson is caught off guard by August's question and realizes he has been caught. "Did you come here to get your car that night?"

Jackson can't find the words so he just nods his head.

August realizes he had done that to get to spend more time with her. She begins to think that maybe he really does care for her because that was before he knew about her being pregnant. She looks up into Jackson's eyes again and searches them trying to get a grasp on her feelings. He had also brought her those red roses and held her just after Carter's first steps, all before he knew she was pregnant. They stand silently for a moment before August finally speaks. "Did you still want to take me on that date?"

A smile of excitement sweeps across Jackson's face, causing August to smile cutely in return. He nods excitedly, "Would tomorrow night be okay?"

August's smile quickly is replaced with realization. "Oh. I actually have another date with Cade tomorrow night."

Jackson feels a pain in his chest at the idea of her dating Cade. He wants to scream but he contains his emotions, accepting the fact that she has the right to date him if she wants. "Awesome. I always like good competition. What is a good night for you?"