Page 34 of Montana SEAL Protector
Are we always fated to have something in the way? Some rule preventing us from ever going out on a date. When will it end?
Oh wait.
The day Scotty graduates kindergarten; I’ll no longer be his teacher.
After the school year, then we will be free. And in the meantime, we can get to know each other a little better.
Now lost in a daydream of what it might be like to date the handsome SEAL, she didn’t even notice how good the rest of her ice cream was. Her daydream was just that much better.
CHAPTER6
On the firstday of kindergarten, Scotty wore his new Spiderman backpack, jean jacket and tennis shoes.
“So, little man, are you ready to go?” Travis asked.
“Yes,” Scotty raised his fist in the air for a fist bump, one of the new things he and his dad did together.
Travis grinned at his son, whose enthusiasm was catching. He also didn’t mind seeing the enchanting Miss Young again. She had a smile that lit up the whole room.
Scotty chattered all the way to school and Travis enjoyed every minute. He’d missed a lot of early milestones in his son’s life, but now they were experiencing the first day of kindergarten together. That was a gift some men would never be able to experience. He thought of the men who had never come home. Travis was thankful for every minute.
When he pulled up, Scotty already had his seatbelt off and was opening his door.
“Want me to walk you in?” Travis asked.
“I got this,” Scotty said, and off he went without a backward look at his dad.
Wow. He sounds just like me. Not like a little five-year-old.
Scotty watched his son hurrying into the school. He hadn’t closed his door all the way in his hurry, so Travis got out and went around to close the door.
“I expected tears,” one of the mothers said, as she stood on the sidewalk looking dejected. “My daughter didn’t even tell me goodbye.”
“They’re excited about kindergarten,” another mother said. “That has happened with every one of my kids. It’s not a bad thing. You get used to it.”
Travis had to admit to himself that he’d felt a quick surprise of disappointment before pride in his son moved into that place. His boy was growing up fast.
The second mother said, “Just wait until they get home, excited to tell you all about their first day at school. That always makes me feel better.”
In the meantime, Travis needed to run over to the Brotherhood Protectors office and talk to Hank about any upcoming assignments. A sit at home parent he was not. He needed to be active, and he was suddenly feeling restless.
* * *
The children were fingerpaintingas Ellen walked around the room, encouraging and teaching. For many of the children, this was their first time to finger paint.
She paused by Scotty and watched him carefully painting a star. He was very deliberate with his painting and the tip of his tongue stuck out from between his lips as he concentrated.
“Scotty, what a pretty yellow star,” she said.
He beamed at her, his eyes shining.
She made sure her question was spoken gently. “Do you remember I asked you to paint your family?” She smiled. “Maybe you can paint them below your pretty star.”
His face grew very serious, and then he shook his head. “No,” he said. “That’s mommy’s special star. She’s up in heaven now.”
Her breath caught in her throat and sudden tears threatened to blind her. The emotions brought on by this beautiful child whose mother was in heaven left her unable to reply for a few moments.
Then she swallowed, came back to herself, and spoke. “It’s a beautiful star, Scotty.” She smiled at him. “If you’d like to paint your mommy below, it’s okay. You can.”
