Page 34 of Bragg's Christmas

He scowls.

I had to ask how hard it can be to change. Never mind. I can’t expect the people of Winter Falls to believe I’ve turned a new leaf from day one. I need to show them.

I hurry to Damon’s house. When I arrive at the door, I stare at it. Do I knock? I don’t live here anymore. Okay. I’ll knock.

Knock. Knock.

When no one answers, I try the bell. I’m about ready to push it again when the door flies open.

“Nanny Love, why are you knocking?” Damon asks and shoos me inside. “Skye’s having a meltdown about what to wear for her first day of school.”

Good thing I came prepared. “I know the perfect outfit,” I say as I make my way up the stairs to Skye’s room.

“Nanny Love!” Skye throws herself at me. “I don’t have nothing to wear.”

I set her on her feet. “You don’t have anything to wear,” I correct.

“That’s what I said.”

I grin. “I have an idea.”

I open her closet and begin pulling out clothes. “How about this cute plaid skirt with your black sweater and a pair of tights?”

“Yeah!” Skye squeals.

I help her get dressed before braiding her hair.

“You ready for breakfast?” I ask as I put down the brush.

“Ready!”

I hold her hand as we walk down the stairs to the kitchen where Damon is sitting at the table reading from his tablet.

“Daddy! Daddy! Look at me.”

Skye twirls around and Damon claps. “You’re beautiful, squirt.”

Once we’re finished with breakfast, I help Skye into her boots and jacket before we make our way to my old school.

It’s one building with all grades from kindergarten through high school. Winter Falls isn’t big enough for a school but all of the surrounding towns send their children here since the town refuses to send their children to other schools where they might learn about the evildoers of the world. In other words, they want their children to be taught all about saving the environment and how violence is wrong.

I escort Skye into the building to the administration office.

The principal, Mrs. West, comes out of her office to greet us. “You must be Skye.”

“I’m starting kindergarten today.”

“You are? How exciting!”

“Hello, Mrs. West,” I greet.

Mrs. West smiles at me but there’s no warmth in her expression. In fact, the look in her eyes could freeze all the melting sea ice in the Arctic Sea.

My eyes narrow. Before I manage to snark at her, I remember my vow. I’m going to be a better person. I need to do better. Be better.

“Do I need to register Skye?”

“I believe all of her paperwork is finished. Debbie,” she calls for her assistant, “can you escort Miss Skye to her classroom?”

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