Page 21 of Schooling Little Sage

Wow, talk about an epiphany.

“Daddy”—Sage tugged on my shirt—“are you okay?”

As soon as I saw those big blue eyes, it all came full circle. Before I could stop myself, I kissed him. “Yes, sweetheart, I am.” Now wasn’t the time to tell him how I felt, as much as I wanted to. That was a private moment between the two of us. “Do you want a juice box?”

That rosy blush and smile of his was a true gift, just as Sage was. “Yes, please.” He ran back over to the couch, whispering to Devon. Devon’s eyes met mine, his grin wide as he whispered something back.

Lord, this was like playing telephone in grade school. Next the notes with boxes to check about who you had a crush on would be passed around.

“What do you boys want for dinner?”

“Chef Connor’s famous mac ’n’ cheese!” they hollered.

I shook my head. “Why did I even ask. Pick another movie and Daddy will call the order in.”

“I’m good with anything so get whatever. After I get settled back in at home, you guys should plan a trip out to Cali for a visit.”

“Daddy! That would be so awesome. Can we? Wait, how do we get there? Where would we stay?”

“Deep breath, Sage. We’d love that, Devon, and we’d fly out there.”

“I’ve never flown before. Is it scary?”

“Not at all,” Devon said. “I love flying. It’s my quiet time when I get to read or watch movies.”

“Daddy, you’ll be with me the whole time, right?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, sweet boy.”

Future crisis averted though I was sure tomorrow would be a sad day for my dear boy. But, just like all the hurdles I knew life had in store for us, we’d weather it together.

Chapter Seven

“Daddy, I don’t wanna wear diapers.” Maybe I did have a problem with that whole brain-mouth filter thing like my parents said.

“Um, okay?”

Poor Daddy, he had his confused face on again. “The Littles in the nursery wore diapers and didn’t talk. It was so boring.”

“Oh, alright, now I get it. You don’t have to wear diapers or pull ups unless you want to.”

“Do you want me to? I mean, I’d try it for you, Daddy, but I’m pretty sure I won’t like it. It’s fine for those who do, but it’s just not for me.”

“Not if you don’t want to. It’s not a make it or break it for me, Sage. Was there anything about the nursery you liked?”

I thought hard, then thought some more. “The teachers were nice.”

“To the Butterfly room tomorrow it is!” Silly Daddy cheered.

“I like butterflies.”

“I know you do, sweet boy. Now, let’s get dinner, Daddy’s hungry.”

“Daddy, why don’t you want me at work with you all day? Do I get in the way?” I was super sad about that, thinking I made Daddy mad or something.

“No, it’s nothing like that. I’d love to have you there, but I want you to make sure there isn’t somewhere else you’d rather be. Plus, you’ll make more friends in Little daycare than you will around a bunch of smelly horses.”

He was right, the horses were pretty, but stinky.