Entertainment

Mystery Author’s story (Chapter 12)

Read from the beginning – links at the bottom.

February 15, 2022

Are you able to guess the mystery author?

Chapter 12

Paige walked into her son’s room with a knowing smile which grew even larger at the sight of father and son cuddled on the trundle bed together. As if sensing her presence, Jason stirred and looked in her direction.

“Did you get any sleep,” she asked quietly as he got up, carefully maneuvering around the still sleeping boy.

“Your mom did that on purpose didn’t she.” In addition to waking him up for conversation, Aiden woke him up twice more, needing to get water and then needing to go to the bathroom. Eager to impress, Jason got up both times and escorted his son on both small quests. He was lucky if he got 3-4 hours of sleep adding it all together. Paige’s amused expression said it all. He strolled over and kissed her fully on the mouth and she complied readily.

“Good morning,” greeted Rachael announcing her presence, causing Paige and Jason to separate sheepishly. “Will you come with us to Church this morning and lunch after?” Jason nodded. He had planned on going home to and taking care of business, then checking in with his boss before heading out to the Job at hand; however the invitation convinced him to stay a little while longer. He wanted to spend as much time with his family as possible. It was crazy how quickly he had connected with Aiden and had already considered both Paige and Aiden a part of his family.

The morning routine went quickly and before he knew it, Jason was sitting as a passenger in Page’s car on the way to Church.

“What, No Jeep?” he commented.

“Mommy won’t let me ride in her Jeep until I am older.” Aiden announced. After a ten-minute drive, they pulled into a parking lot and made the short trek into the building. Aiden insisted that both of his parents drop him off at the Child’s center and was proud to introduce everyone to his daddy causing quite a few gaping mouths and surprised glances. Child leaders, and parents referred to Paige who nodded in agreement and confirmed that Aiden’s father was indeed in their lives again. While walking out of the kids church area, Jason heard his son’s distinctive voice saying.

“See I have a daddy too.” Chuckling to himself, Jason allowed himself to be led into the sanctuary where the gossip had already begun to spread about the stranger who had escorted Paige and Rachael to Church. It was a small congregation where Jason was introduced over and over. Most saw the family resemblance immediately and threw questioning glances at Paige however she didn’t seem inclined to elaborate. She found her mother in a pew and sat down leaving room for Jason to sit with them. Though there were many stares and whispers in their direction, the three ignored the gossipers and instead focused on the Worship music and message.

At the end of the service, Paige introduced Jason to the Minister, and they exchanged pleasantries before picking Aiden up and making their way to the Car.

“What does everyone want for lunch,” Jason asked after everyone was buckled in.

“Pizza,” Aiden called from the back seat.

“Rachael?”

“Pizza’s fine.” They had lunch and then returned to the house. After putting Aiden down for a nap, Jason and Paige said a private farewell, agreeing to meet again on Wednesday night. As Jason drove away, he felt a sudden feeling of loss.