Page 55 of Sweet Surrender

It wasn’t until he was back out in the cold air, getting into his truck, that her earlier words haunted him again.

It’s about the way she makes you feel—different than you’ve ever felt before…

He couldn’t really argue with that part. But even if it was true, he was pretty sure Becca didn’t feel the same way about him, so there was no use dwelling on it.

17

ZANE

Zane drove to the school on Friday afternoon, his heart pounding in his chest, and the drive feeling longer than it ever had before.

He’d gotten a call that there was a problem with one of the boys. And sweet Miss Wiggins wouldn’t even say what when she called. She’d just assured him no one was hurt, and told him to come down to the school for a meeting with Principal Chittenden.

Zane almost felt sorry for her having to be the bearer of bad tidings. Except that of course he also wished he could yell at her to justtell himwhat was going on.

It was funny, all the years the boys had been in school, he’d steeled himself against the idea that they would eventually get into some kind of trouble.

He’d really only let his guard down this last week, when they were with Becca, who really cared about them. And he knew they liked her so much that they would never want to let her down by misbehaving.

The thought sent another jolt of ice through his veins, and he gave the truck as much gas as he dared.

A lifetime later, he pulled up in front of the school.

Mom and Dad had to do this a million times,he reminded himself.There’s no need to feel ashamed or angry or scared.

But it was hard not to mourn the benefit of the doubt one or both of his boys might be losing today. If Zane’s brother, Tripp, was any indication, once the school decided you were trouble, they pretty much treated you like that from then on out.

Not my boys,he prayed.Please just let this be head lice.

Pulling himself together, he headed inside.

“Mr. Lawrence,” Miss Wiggins quavered from behind the front desk. “They’re waiting for you in Principal Chittenden’s office.”

“Thanks,” he managed, willing himself not to break into a jog as he headed for the principal’s office.

“Thank you for coming,” Principal Chittenden said, rising to her feet as he stepped in.

“Zane,” Denise said, not bothering to get up.

He wasn’t exactly sure what she was doing here, since she didn’t teach either of his boys anymore.

“Have a seat,” the principal said, indicating the chair next to Denise’s. “We know you’re a busy man, so we’ll cut to the chase. The boys were caught cheating.”

“Why are you here?” he asked plainly, turning to Denise. “And where is Miss Hawthorne?”

“The students who receive the highest marks on the last math test before winter break receive a pizza party,” Principal Chittenden said calmly. “So, it’s tradition for the children to swap classrooms and take their test with another teacher. In this case, your boys were in Mrs. Staley’s classroom for the test.”

“But I’m guessing they’ve been cheating ever since you put them together,” Denise said. “If Cal’s recent grades are anything to go by.”

Becca said he was bright.

“Why do you think they were cheating?” he asked Denise, managing to remain calm.

“Nick was looking at Cal’s paper in the back of the room,” Denise said simply.

“How do you know?” he asked.

“Because Isawhim,” Denise replied. “And because after I moved Cal up front with me, Nick didn’t evenattemptto do another problem. If you don’t believe me, here’s his test.”

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