Page 12 of Wed to You

“As you can see, he’s fine.”

Jagger turned his head.

The woman who’d handed him the visitor’s pass was standing next to him.

“Thank you.”

“As the principal, I normally wouldn’t allow a parent to go running through the halls, but it sounded as if you felt he was in danger. As a divorced parent myself, I can understand the type of fear that a potential abduction could evoke.”

He nodded, not bothering to correct her assumption that he’d been married to Tanya. He looked back in the classroom just to be sure Kaden was still there.

“But, now you know he’s okay, and I assure you, we’ll keep him safe, you can go and let him have his last day of school.”

On an intellectual level, Jagger understood what she was saying. However, deep in his gut, he knew there was no way he would let Kaden out of his sight. Not until he knew where Tanya was and what her intentions were.

“I’m not leaving—”

“Mr. Talbot. You can’t stand outside the door all day.”

“I’ll volunteer.”

When the principal didn’t answer, he turned to look at her. She was studying him. Granted, he wasn’t Kaden’s parent. He was a spoiled, rich, former playboy, which he supposed detracted from his character. But he’d spent the last year raising Kaden on his own and, before that, he’d spent much of his time helping with Kaden’s care. He was as much a parent as anyone. He certainly loved Kaden as if he was his father.

Apparently, the principal saw what she needed. “I’m sure Miss Beemer would appreciate the help, since her aide called in sick today. But—”

He reached for the door handle.

“Pull yourself together. Children can sense fear and worry in the adults around them. I don’t want you worrying Kaden or the other children.”

He nodded, inhaled a breath to steady his nerves, plastered on a smile, and opened the door.

“Miss Beemer?” The principal stepped in behind him. “Mr. Talbot has graciously agreed to help out today since Mrs. Gordon can’t be here.”

Chelsea’s eyes widened in surprise but then she smiled. It was a warm, welcoming smile that made him feel he’d earned a point with her.

“Jagger!” Kaden ran to him, grabbing his hand and pulling him back to the group. “We’re singing.”

“I saw you.” Jagger let himself be drawn into the circle.

“Class, this is Mr. Talbot, Kaden’s—” Chelsea frowned and looked to Jagger..

“He’s my nephew,” Kaden told his class. “My dad was his grandpa.”

While Jagger was sure the children didn’t quite understand, they didn’t seem to care either.

“Good morning, Mr. Talbot.” They all chimed in a chorus.

“Good morning.”

“We’ve just finishing morning stretches and are getting ready to sit and share some of the things we liked about kindergarten. If you’d like to get a chair, Mr. Talbot, you can join us.”

He picked up a chair and set it behind Kaden, who, along with the other children, sat on the floor in a circle.

When she smiled at him again, he regretted not coming sooner.

“So, who wants to start sharing one thing you liked best about Kindergarten?”

He wasn’t sure how she did it, but somehow she kept the kids organized and engaged as they sat taking turns sharing what they’d liked and learned. Jagger had put on a few birthday parties for Kaden and none had had any control. Could he hire Chelsea for Kaden’s next birthday?

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