Page 39 of Crossroads of Love

“I’m a parent, too.” He chuckles. “Grade school is good, too. Callie already called my cell to let me know. We don’t have power, though, so we’re working on an early dismissal now.”

“Thank goodness the cell phones are working still. Do you care if I grab Jayla now?”

“Not at all. It’s probably about to get crazy with other parents coming in, too.”

My phone begins ringing as I follow him inside the school.

“Hey, Tatum,” I greet her.

“The whole town is without power. Pastor Will called to say he’s getting the generator going and that there’ll be a safe space until power is restored. Sheriff's department and first responders are out walking the streets helping anyone who needs it.”

“I’m at the school picking up Jayla, and then I’ll be right there.”

“There's no rush. Michael is headed past our house and will check yours for damage, too.”

“He really is a saint.”

He looked out for me more than my husband ever did.

I blow out a long breath and shove the thought down deep. There’s no time for me to be thinking about that now.

“That he is,” she agrees. “I’ll see you when you get here.”

“Thanks, Tatum.”

I hang up the phone just as Jayla comes into the principal’s office with her backpack. She immediately hugs me.

“That was scary.”

“It was. Are you okay?” I ask before we make our way out of the school.

“Yeah, we were all in the hallway together. Are we going to city hall?”

“Is that okay? We can pick up your truck later. The roads are a mess, and I’d rather you not attempt to drive.”

“It’s fine. Can I call Uncle Gavin to come pick me up later?”

My heart stops, and I mask my panic by gripping my door handle and climbing into the car quickly.

I can’t have these feelings for him. It’s wrong. It’s too soon after Aaron died, and…I just need him to stay as far away from me as possible.

“Baby, I don’t…”

“C’mon, Mom, please.”

I blow out a breath before I nod.

“Yes, you can.”

She grins widely as she climbs into the SUV.

“I hope the farm is okay.”

“Minimal damage, nothing that can’t be fixed easily,” I answer without thinking.

Please don’t ask any questions about how I know that.

“Cool.”

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