THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

tripped her up about every fourth step. The pup paused, twisted, then nipped at the huge floppy bow.
    “Mommy!” Jake ran across the yard and knelt in front of the puppy. He placed his hand flat on the puppy’s back and stroked her. “He’s soft. Does he have a name?”
    “He’s a she.” Scott looked up and locked eyes with Kasey. “Her name is Shutterbug. She likes getting her picture taken.”
    “That’s a funny name.” Jake looked up at Scott. “My mommy loves clicking pictures.”
    “I’ve heard that about her.”
    The puppy flipped her long pink tongue out to kiss Jake. He laughed and fell back on the ground. There must have been syrup on his face, because Shutterbug licked Jake’s face making him wiggle and twist away, which only encouraged Shutterbug.
    “She’s so funny,” Jake said. “Mommy, come see her.”
    Scott gave an innocent look. “Shutterbug needs a home, and I thought you might need someone, too. Is it a good match?”
    “Mommy, can we keep her?”
    Kasey smiled at Scott. “You don’t play fair. You know she’s my favorite one.”
    “You could say you’ll love her and give her a good home.”
    Kasey bent down and picked up the puppy. “Oh, I do love her.” She snuggled Shutterbug. “So sweet.”
    “She’s adorable,” Riley said.
    Kasey squatted next to Jake. “I had to leave Dutch at the old house. He was too old to make the move, and he likes being a farm dog with his old friends. Do you think Shutterbug could live with us?”
    “Yes, ma’am. I’ll take good care of her. I promise.”
    Kasey turned to Scott. “How can I say no to that? Thank you. The puppy was a thoughtful gift.”
    “She’s Jake’s present. I have something for you, too,” Scott said.
    Just then, a car pulled into the driveway. Kasey recognized the vehicle. “That’s Chaz.”
    Chaz got out of his truck and walked toward them. “I heard there was reason to celebrate today.” He handed Kasey a foil-covered plate.
    “You heard right,” she said, grinning. Her cheeks hurt from smiling.
    “Seems like every time I run into one of you, the other is around.” Chaz gave them a knowing look, wagging his finger between Scott and Kasey. “That’s good. Real good.”
    Jake glanced over. His eyebrows shot straight up when he recognized Chaz.
    Chaz waved to him.
    “Mr. Hucktabeeeeee,” Jake yelled as he ran toward him. “Mommy knows about the secret.”
    “I know.” Chaz said.
    Jake put his hands on his hips. “Did you tell?”
    “No. Not until we were supposed to.”
    “She likes it.”
    “We done good, didn’t we?” Chaz said.
    Jake tipped his head back, and then gave a giant nod. “Yeah!”
    “I haven’t seen you in a while,” Chaz said to him. “I wasn’t sure if you’d remember me.”
    “I’ve been on a trip,” Jake said. “I’m home now.”
    Chaz nodded. “He seems fine,” he whispered to Kasey. He held out his hand to Jake. “Put ‘er there, partner.”
    Jake stuck his hand out and shook Chaz’s hand.
    “Good job,” Chaz said.
    Kasey had never seen her little man shake hands before. How sweet.
    “Okay. I have to play with Shutterbug. She’s lonely.” Jake ran off, squealing as he ran in circles, enticing the puppy to chase him across the yard.
    Chaz cuffed Scott’s shoulder and gave Kasey a hug. “I’m not going to stay. I just wanted to deliver the treats and let you know how happy we are for you.” Chaz hustled over to his truck, always in a hurry.
    “He is the nicest man,” Kasey said as she watched him leave and waved.
    “Chaz is good people. We’ve got more than our fair share of nice people in this town.”
    “I’m beginning to see that.”
    “Speaking of nice,” Scott said, “I’d like to invite you to brunch on Sunday.”
    “Brunch?”
    “Yeah, I take Mom to brunch every Sunday after church. Mom thought it would be nice if I asked you to church with us. I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I mean, I’d love it if you’d like to, but no pressure.”
    Kasey stood quietly for a moment, then looked over at Jake and back at Scott. “Church and brunch is perfect. Jake and I used to go to church every Sunday with Nick. I haven’t been since. It’s perfect timing. Yes. Thank you.”
    “Really?” His grin made the wrinkles on the side of his eyes more pronounced. “Mom and I will pick y’all up at nine on Sunday.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Sunday morning, Scott walked into church with his Mom on one arm and Kasey on the other.