A convoy of antique tractors sputtered down Main Street in
Adams Grove, a tradition for the last day of the kids'
summer vacation. Kasey Phillips focused her camera on the
bright green equipment and took a picture, then lifted her
hair from her neck. The air was sticky, not uncommon for
late August in southern Virginia, but she didn't mind
standing out here in the heat in exchange for the joy she
saw on Jake's face. Her son bounced at her side like a
jack–in–the–box. She captured another shot
of the parents and children who lined the parade route
catching up on the local goings–on between squeals of
excitement.
Riley leaned in toward Kasey. "Who knew a parade could be
this much fun as an adult? I'm so glad you talked me into
coming up for it. I totally get why you love this town."
Riley's glance swept the crowd, then settled back on Kasey.
"But I miss you like crazy."
"I miss y'all too. If I could just talk you and Von into
moving up here it would be perfect."
"Von's already been looking. If they switch up the Oceana
flight patterns like they've been threatening to, those Navy
jets will go right over our house. If that happens, we'll be
outta there so fast." Riley snapped her fingers. "We may not
even pack."
"I hate to hope for that, but I'd be lying if I said I
wasn't—just a little. I guess that's the great thing
about Von being a private investigator–he can work
just about anywhere."
"Look, Mom!" Jake shouted. "That tractor is just like
Daddy's."
Kasey stooped next to him and followed his line of sight.
She doubted anyone else would notice the light that seemed
to shine behind those eyes when he spoke of Nick, but she
saw it and it tore at her heart every time.
The old putt–putt tractor chugging down the street
was just like the John Deere Model B that Nick had restored.
"You're right," she said and gave him a squeeze. Jake had
been only two years old that winter—that kid didn't
forget a thing. Nick was still so alive in Jake's mind. She
wished her memories were as vivid, but she felt Nick's
absence every single day. A big void that nothing seemed to
fill.
"I can't believe Jake is starting school," Riley said.
"It seems like it wasn't that long ago when you were
pregnant with him."
Kasey glanced down at Jake. His face beamed as the
homemade floats celebrating the end of summer break passed
by. In Jake's case, that meant his first day of kindergarten
would be Monday and he hadn't stopped talking about it since
she took him to register.
"I'm not as excited as he is." Putting Jake's abduction
behind her hadn't been easy. Even leaving him in Sunday
school class had been so hard that she nearly always slipped
back down the hall to peek in the window and check on him.
Even now, over a year later, the fear that something
might happen to Jake again ran strong.
Kasey reached for Jake's tiny hand.
Riley gave her a nod of encouragement. "It'll be okay."
"It'll have to be." Kasey wrestled with the worry and
tried to garner strength from the smiling locals who filled
the sidewalk two and three deep as far as she could see. She
was thankful she'd landed here in this little town—a
place she'd never even heard of a year and a half ago.
Nick's death had left her hurt and empty, but this town had
tugged her into a hug that helped her get through the
tragedy. She was finally finding a new routine, a new
home—finally in focus.
Jake tipped his face to hers and grinned. No matter how
bad things had seemed, Jake was the light that led her
through every day.
You're the best thing I ever did in my life, sweet boy.
Nick would have loved this parade. For a moment she
drifted away in the memory of his warm touch. How it would
feel with him standing here next to her. One arm around her
and hugging her close.
Who am I kidding? He wouldn't have been by my side. He'd
have been in the parade.
That made her smile, and her heart lift. You'll always
fill my heart, Nick.
Jake let go of her and threw his hands in the air, then
darted into a group of bobbing school–aged kids,
nearly disappearing from her view.
Kasey's heart lurched. She pushed away the desperate
feeling that invaded her sensibilities more often than she
liked to admit. Fighting the urge, she folded her arms to
keep herself from grabbing Jake and holding him close.
Although Riley didn't say anything, Kasey felt her friend
watching her reaction. I know you're worried about me. I
wish I could tell you I'm okay.
High school football players in full gear walked the edge
of the crowd handing out candy.
Jake swerved to the outside of the clump of kids at the
sidewalk's edge, then ran back toward her with his treat. He
opened his hand to show her the surprise.
"Our favorite," she said as she eyed the red licorice candy.
"It's like he knew!" He dropped the bounty into the
plastic Piggly Wiggly bag she held for him. "This is the
best parade ever!" He turned toward Riley. "I can get you
one too!" He darted into the crowd, then came back to
deposit something else in the bag.
"Thanks, Jake." Riley raised her hand and Jake
high–fived her then dropped his hands to his hips.
"This is fun work."
Riley nudged Kasey. "Wouldn't it be awesome to be that
young and naive again?"
The Adams Grove Fire Department truck rumbled by with the
volunteers hanging precariously from it. Right behind that,
Scott Calvin cruised by in his sheriff's car with his blue
lights flashing and a whoop of the siren.