Page 4 of More Than Falling in Love

Currently, he’s kicking his boots against the back of the seat, excited to show off his painting skills.“After I show you my painting, we’re going back to the ranch because Miss Ava is making breakfast.”

“She is.Did you eat the breakfast bar I gave you?”

“Yup.It was the blueberry kind.I like those.”

Ava is like a mom to all the ranch hands and makes sure there is a hot breakfast for us every morning.Today, she shifted the schedule.I caught the important part about breakfast being delayed but missed the other details.But it had something to do with Ava’s upcoming wedding.I think.

I pull into a parking spot, then scan the lot before opening the door to make sure I can make a beeline for the entrance without being ambushed.Normally when I’m at the school, I can stay in the truck and inch my way through the pickup line.All I have to do is wave and chat with his teacher.She’s married to a friend of mine and is one of the nicest people on the planet.Talking to Ivy is easy.

But today is different.Hopefully by showing up early, we’ll miss the crowds.

Mason is out of his seat in no time flat, and I shove my keys in my pocket, then don my cowboy hat before we make our way to the door.Maybe I should’ve left the hat at home.It only seems to draw attention, but wearing it is second nature.

As I grab the door handle, someone calls out in a high-pitched voice, “Hey there, cowboy.Hold the door, will ya?”

I’m much too polite to let a door slam in someone’s face.“Sure.”

Mason steps around me.“I got it, Dad.”

A little girl with a brown ponytail swinging back and forth waves at Mason.“Hi.”

The woman flashes a wide smile in my direction.“Isn’t he a cutie?Just like his dad.”She walks through the door, then turns.“I think we’re headed to the same place.Isn’t that convenient?”

Not at all.Thankfully, I notice the school receptionist heading toward the door.Her arms are loaded with bags.The receptionist is the chatty type, and we’ve had a conversation or two.Mostly, she does the talking.Today, I welcome the excuse not to stroll down the hall with the mom who calls me cowboy and seems way too excited that our kids share a class.

“You go on ahead.We’re going to see if she needs help.”I step outside and reach out.“What can I help carry?”

My kid is right beside me with his arms out also.

“Aren’t y’all the perfect gentlemen?I’ve got these, but there are more in my trunk.It’s open.”

Mason runs along beside me as I stride to her car, and we load the remaining bags into our arms.It looks to me like someone is going to have a party.Or maybe all the goodies are just a token prize for all the teachers who have to be here all day for professional development.

I walk into the office, and the woman points at a table in the corner.

“Pile them there.”

As soon as I oblige, she pats my arm.“Thanks, hun.I need a big strong guy like you around all the time.”Then she squats in front of Mason.“You too, big guy.Thank you.”

He grins at her, then at me.“Can we go see my art now?”

“Glad I could help.We should…” I nod toward the hall.Smooth will never be used to describe me.“My kid painted something.”

She puts her hand back on my arm.“Oh, you should run along then.But if you ever need anything around here, just ask for Maureen.I owe you.”

I nod, and Mason and I fall in behind a group of women and kids making their way down the hall.

When we arrive at the door, Mason dashes into the room.Then when he realizes I’m not behind him, he runs back.The women step aside to let him through, and I scoop him up.One day, he won’t want me to hold him, and I don’t want to miss a single opportunity.As it is, I’m making up for lost time.

“Dad!She has them hanging on the wall.”

“Wow!I can’t wait to see what you made.”I try to ignore the ladies staring.

Don’t they have kids’ art to see?

Mason wriggles until I set him down, then grabs my hand.“Come on.”He pulls me toward the cluster of onlookers who have set up camp just inside the door.They aren’t even pretending not to stare.Mason pauses.“Excuse me.”

The kid makes me proud, and I tip my hat as we walk into the classroom.When I hear one of them sigh, I regret it.

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