Forever by Karen Kingsbury

the kitchen toward the downstairs laundry room. “I’m on the yellow team, and I don’t have a single yellow T-shirt.”
    “Bailey, wait!” Connor came running down the stairs. “I found the box of costumes. There’s tons of yellow in there.”
    “Really?” She spun around and jogged back through the kitchen and up the stairs behind him.
    Katy rounded the corner at the same time. “I can’t believe it.” She grinned at Jenny. “I’m actually packed before Bailey.”
    “Yeah, but your color’s blue.” Jenny giggled. “Practically everything you own is blue.”
    “Good point.” Katy laughed. She pulled a loaf of bread from the fridge. “I’ll make the toast.”
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    -Thanks.”
    Like always, once they checked in at teen camp the kids would meet with their teams. Then throughout the week they would share games and Bible teaching and grueling rehearsals. At the end of the week they’d perform a shortened version of a Broadway musical. This year the show was The Wiz. Jenny had already talked to Bailey and Connor about the casting, same as she did before every CKT show.
    Just because Katy lived with them didn’t mean they’d have a better shot at a lead part. And placement in the ensemble was often more fun than a starring role. Neither of her oldest kids seemed too worried about the casting.
    Jenny flipped a section of eggs and diced it with the edge of the spatula, then turned off the heat. Her kitchen sink butted up against an enormous window that overlooked the backyard. She peered out and smiled. Jim and the four younger boys were out back working on the old gazebo, a worn-out structure that Jim had intended to restore ever since they moved in. Finally yesterday, Jim bought the supplies he’d need-paint, roofing shingles, a few spindles, and a box of nails.
    The boys started work early since the day threatened to be one of the hottest of the summer.
    Jenny angled her head, studying her husband as he supervised their sons. Each one had a piece of sandpaper and was stationed at a section of the railing that made up the lower part of the gazebo.
    You’re so good at keeping Jim busy, Lord. Thank You.
    Just last night Jim had been restless again, sorting through the messages from half a dozen pro football teams looking to hire him. This time of year the routine was always the same. NFL teams in need of a new coach would sift through the list of retired or out-of-work coaches and see who was interested.
    Every year the offers were more tempting.
    “It’d be good for the boys, seeing pro football up close like that,” Jim had told her. “Every one of them is interested in football.”

TO
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    “Not Connor.”
    Jim had been quiet for a moment. “No. Not Connor.”
    “Honey-” she entered these waters carefully-“Bailey and Connor would be lost without CKT, and we both know there are only a handful of states that offer the program.”
    “I know.”
    “Connor has five more years. Then we can talk about it, all right?”
    He narrowed his eyes. “It’s just, the other boys would love it.”
    “They love what you do now.” She’d kept her tone gentle. “Have you seen them on your sidelines, Jim? Clear Creek High’s the big time, and you’re their biggest hero.”
    He smiled. “It’s not that…”
    “I know.” She’d kissed him on the cheek. “You’ll be back in the NFL someday. And we’ll say good-bye to everything here in Bloomington and move ahead with full hearts.” She kissed him again. “Just not yet, okay?”
    The excitement in his eyes had dimmed a little. “Okay.”
    But when she woke up, Jenny had the sense that it was harder for Jim to say no to the pro teams this time. That’s why the gazebo project was a good one. She gave Jim a last look. At the same time, she heard someone enter the kitchen and turned around.
    Cody Coleman waved at her and Katy. “How are you ladies this fine morning?”
    “Running ragged.” Katy had buttered twelve pieces of toast. She didn’t