THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

Jake ran alongside them, holding Kasey’s hand.
    “Mommy,” Jake said in a loud whisper.
    They slid into the fourth pew, and Kasey helped Jake up into the seat between her and Scott.
    He leaned forward. “This is God’s house,” Jake said to Scott and Mrs. Calvin.
    “That’s right,” Scott said.
    Kasey handed Jake a hymnal and put a finger to her lips. It felt familiar for a moment, except that Nick wasn’t here. Jake looked up, then twisted in the seat and climbed onto his knees.
    “What are you looking for, sweetie?” Kasey asked. “Do you need to go the bathroom?”
    “No, ma’am. I went before we left.” He scanned the church, craning his neck, then flopped back on the pew with his brows furrowed and lips puckered.
    “What are you thinking?”
    He folded his hands on the hymnal, then leaned forward to talk to Scott and Mrs. Calvin. “My daddy lives here with God. He’s an angel.” His eyes were wide, but his words slow and serious. “He might be sleeping because I think a lot of angels have to work at night.”
    Scott’s mom mouthed, “He’s so precious,” to Kasey.
    Kasey patted Jake’s leg. “You are a smart boy.”
    Jake sat back in the seat. “I wanted to see Daddy.”
    Kasey brushed his bangs to the side. “Close your eyes. If you close your eyes and open your heart, you’ll see Daddy. He’s always right here.” She tapped his tiny chest. “In your heart. Looking after you.”
    Jake squeezed his eyes so tight that his cheeks bunched up and touched his thick black lashes. He held his hands together under his chin in prayer. Kasey watched him, wishing she could roll back time.
    Jake’s eyes flashed wide. He looked up at Kasey and grabbed her sleeve. “Mommy?”
    “Yes?”
    “Daddy says he loves us and he’s glad we’re here.” Jake smiled and placed his hands in his lap. “He likes this church.”
    Kasey swallowed back tears. Scott passed her a handkerchief.
    “I love you, Mommy.” He raised his eyebrows. “Ten and five.”
    She took his hand in hers. “That’s a bunch. I love you, too.” Kasey put her finger to her lips and whispered, “Time to be quiet.”
    He nodded and sat still.
    The sermon was about God giving us second chances when we ask for them—perfect for the day. T he preacher’s voice reverberated through the church, a kindness in his tone that felt like a warm blanket.
    “Since those second chances take place in the parameters of the life we already have,” he said, “second chances include baggage and ghosts of our past.”
    Kasey turned to Scott. He was looking at her.
    She smiled.
    He reached over and held her hand.
     
    * * * *
     
    After brunch, Scott dropped off his mother first.
    “It was so nice to meet you,” Kasey said to her, and gave her a hug.
    “You’re right down the street. If you need me to sit with Jake, don’t you hesitate to ask. I’m old, but I love little boys.” She put her hand on Scott’s cheek. “I raised a pretty good one.”
    “You sure did.” Kasey admired the tender relationship between Scott and his mom.
    It was only a two-minute ride from her place to Kasey’s house. Jake changed clothes and raced outside to play with Shutterbug. Kasey poured two glasses of tea, then she and Scott went outside to sit and watch them.
    Jake ran over to her, looking serious. “Hey, Mommy? Do we have a ball to throw?”
    “Hmmm. Let me see.” Kasey pretended to match his serious look. “I think I saw one in the hall closet.”
    “Can I go look?”
    “Sure.” She watched him run into the house. “He knows this place better than I do.”
    A minute later Jake came out with the ball and a glossy white box with a big teal-blue bow on it. “Mommy, what’s this present?”
    “I forgot all about that. Bring it to Mommy.” She took the shiny wrapped gift from Jake and turned to Scott. “Cody gave me this when I left the tour. I never opened it.” She shook the box. “I forgot all about it.”
    “Can I open it?” Jake asked.
    “Sure. Here you go.” She handed him the box.
    He climbed up in one of the chairs and pulled on the ribbon, which captured his attention more than the idea of the gift. He jumped from the chair with the streamer, tempting Shutterbug to run after him.
    “Can’t get good help these days,” Scott said, laughing.
    Kasey peeled off the paper, crumpled it into a ball, then lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a note and a CD. “It’s the original cut of ‘ A Mother's Love ’.”
    “He