Page 47 of Endless Southern Love

“Does she do this with all the students?”

“No,” Jean says. “She’s never done this.”

Lemon sits on the couch, with Goldie’s head resting in her lap. Lemon’s reading a book to my daughter and absentmindedly running her hand through Goldie’s hair. I take my phone out and snap a picture. It’s something I plan to look at every chance I can.

“I don’t want to interrupt them.”

“No, I can’t imagine you do.”

I clear my throat and nod. “I’ll knock so I don’t scare them.”

“You know, she called you on her own. I didn’t have to force her.”

“Thanks, Jean.” I smile kindly and head toward Lemon’s door. I knock once.

“Come in.” I step in and find them both in the same position as Jean had pointed out. Neither move until I’m halfway across the room. Every fiber of my being wants to pull Lemon into my arms and kiss her, but I can’t.

Instead, all my focus is on my daughter, who is slowly sitting up. “Hey, sweetie. How’s your head?” Goldie pulls the ice pack away from the side of her head. I see a bit of red, but nothing else and she doesn’t have a bruise. I look at Lemon and hope she can tell I’m not upset with her. “There was a fight?”

“Yes, two boys. Fists started flying and Goldie just happened to be walking by. I took her right to Ms. Cade. She thinks Goldie’s okay.”

“Are you?” I ask my daughter.

She nods. “Maybe I’ll go to class. Rosie probably misses me.”

I have to bite my tongue because I could’ve stayed at work, but then I would’ve missed this. “If that’s what you want, or I can take you to Grandma’s.”

Goldie shakes her head. “I think I’m okay now.”

“Do you want me to walk you back to class?”

Goldie looks horrified. “No, Daddy.”

“Okay,” I say, putting my hands up.

“Show this to your teacher,” Lemon hands her a slip of paper. “If your head starts hurting, ask to go see Ms. Cade. Okay?”

“Thank you, Ms. Walsh.”

Goldie gives me a hug and then skips her way out of Lemon’s office. I head to the door, close it, and turn to face her.

“Can I come over tonight?”

She starts to shake her head and then stops. “What about Goldie?”

“My mom will watch her especially if I tell her I’m going to go see you.”

Lemon tries not to smile and ducks her head so I can’t see her do so. “I should say no.”

I nod.

“But I’m saying yes.”

“I’ll be over around eight,” I tell her. “That’s when Goldie goes to bed.”

I put my hand on the doorknob and begin to turn.

“Wade?”

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