Page 14 of Wed to You

Jagger blew out a breath and scanned the shelf for said nap book.

“It’s the blue one with the dog on the cover.” The little girl nearest the shelf pointed.

“Thanks.” Jagger picked up the book, sat in Chelsea’s chair, and scanned the eager faces sitting around him. Kaden sported a huge grin, which gave Jagger confidence to keep going. He opened the book and began to read about a puppy who did everything he could to avoid his nap.

After each page, Jagger held up the book to show the pictures to the kids, who sat enthralled. He looked at Kaden, whose eyes shone with delight and such happiness, it stole away Jagger’s breath. Why didn’t I come to school sooner?Is Chelsea right? Am I not involved enough? He chanced a glance at her. She was wiping down a table, but her gaze lifted to his. He swore she was saying, “See how important this is?”

Jagger finished the book and the kids asked him to read more.

“Maybe just one more. I have to set out all the party food.”

“Yay!” the children cheered, but Jagger wasn’t sure if it was for one more book or the party.

Jagger read a second book and, by the time he was finished, Chelsea had set up for the kids to get their snacks, grab some treats, and head to their seats.

Once the children were sitting and eating, she handed him a brownie. “Thank you for the flowers.” She nodded to the sad-looking blooms wilting in a paper cup on her desk.

“They were in better shape when I picked them this morning.” He bit into the brownie and nearly groaned as the gooey goodness melted in his mouth. He’d never been much of a brownie fan. Usually they were dry and lacking in taste. But these were moist and rich. “You made these?”

She nodded. “My mother’s recipe.”

“How many flowers do you need for me to order a whole batch?” He popped the rest of the brownie in his mouth.

She smiled and, like the brownie, it dazed him a little bit. “You can have more for being my aide today.”

“I should have come to help sooner.” He grinned, knowing his comment would annoy her.

Her eyes narrowed, her expression similar to ones his teachers had given him when he was in school. It was amazing how one glare could convey so much.

She gave the children twenty minutes for their party, which, along with snacks and goodies, included a few games they could play at their tables. It only took another ten minutes for her to have them clean up their food mess, line up, and go out to the playground for recess.

Although the area was fenced, Jagger’s guard was back up. He scanned the perimeter in case Tanya was skulking around. It reminded him that he needed to call his lawyer to make sure his legal situation involving Kaden was solid.

“I didn’t want to say anything with the kids around, but is everything all right? Mrs. Compton called the classroom this morning to make sure Kaden was there and then you showed up.”

Jagger did a quick check on Kaden, who was playing basketball with a group of other children. “It’s a long story.”

“And none of my business.”

Jagger tore his gaze away from Kaden to look at Chelsea. “No. That’s not what I meant. It’s a long story and this isn’t the place for me to tell it.”

She nodded, but he got the impression she’d thought she’d been reprimanded for being nosy.

“His mother showed up this morning.”

She jerked her gaze to his.

“After being gone for years, she just showed up. Thank God Kaden was already on the bus.”

“You think she might abduct him?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. I know you think I’m just the playboy nephew, but I’ve cared for Kaden since long before she left.”

“You love him.” She reached out, placing her hand on his arm. Her voice and touch soothed.

“Yes. And I’ll do anything to protect him.”

“Even work with glitter.” She grinned as she patted away red glitter clinging to his shirt.

He laughed. “Whatever it takes.”

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