Page 54 of Schooling Little Sage

“You give wonderful hugs, my love, but you’re the whole reason I’m in a better place. You’ve filled my life with love and laughter, and you brought me closer to my family.”

“And you’re my bestie, a friendship like I’ve never had before. I love you, bestie,” Devon smiled. “You make me want a life like yours.”

“What?” All these nice things no one ever said to me. It was overwhelming, but in the best of ways. “I-I did all of that for you guys?”

“And more, my love.” Daddy kissed my curly curls. “I love you, sweet boy.”

“I love you too, Daddy, and you too, bestie.”

The conversation was lighter after that, as was my heart. My life at the Ranch may not have started out the best way, but it sure was the right decision to stay.

“Shall we walk to the factory,” Daddy said, holding his phone up. “I see it’s a short walk along the waterfront.”

“Ooohhh can we?” I wanted to see more of the water. “Is that the ocean out there.”

“Not exactly,” Devon began. “It’s saltwater and it connects to the Pacific Ocean, but it’s called a bay. That’s the San Francisco Bay. The beach I’ll take you guys to is about a twenty-minute drive from my apartment.”

“Today?”

“Nope. I have all our days planned out. Beach day is in two days.”

Devon was far too happy about that. What were these two up to?

“Right now, we’re headed to the chocolate factory, then we’ll probably want to go home and relax after that.”

Even though it wasn’t the ocean, walking along the water was amazing. “Look Daddy, seals!” We stopped and took a bunch of pictures. “This is so cool!” The walk went too fast. I was so busy looking everywhere that I almost ran into Devon when he stopped in front of a big red brick building.

“Here we are.”

My legs had a mind of their own, dancing around. It was like I’d already eaten all the sugar they had inside. Daddy held the door open and all I could smell was choco. “I’ve died and gone to a sugar-filled heaven.”

“Come on”—Devon waved me over—“you can watch them make stuff over here.” We watched them for a while and even took a yummy sample when they offered it. “Let’s find Daddy and go through the store next.” Devon held my hand tight as he pushed our way through the crowd. It was like having a big brother watching out for me.

“Over here, boys,” we heard Daddy say then saw his arm waving. “Did you have fun?”

“Yes, it was so neat, and they gave us a sample.” Shoot, I should’ve asked for one for Daddy. “Sorry, Daddy, I was so excited I forgot to grab one for you.”

“Not to worry, little butterfly, this day is for you. But thank you for thinking about Daddy. Wait until you see the store, you’ll definitely be in heaven there without having to leave us first,” Daddy teased, throwing my words back at me.

My eyes nearly bugged out of my head the second we stepped inside. It was wall to wall chocolates of every size and flavor. “I don’t know where to start.”

“I’ll show you the best way to find what you want.” Devon walked us over to a display where you could mix and match separate pieces. “This is the Pick & Mix, you can buy one of each in a bite size to see which you like best. Then you don’t buy a bag only to find out later it was yucky.”

“That’s super smart. Can we try a couple, Daddy?”

“Absolutely. Why don’t you pick five each? We’ll pay for them so you can try, and then buy what we like. But there are more than this size, butterfly. There are candy bars and all kinds of goodies if you find a flavor you’re in love with.”

It was a bit overwhelming, but I kept that to myself. Devon and I took a bag, walked around the display, then went back to the ones that sounded good. After that we paid and had a seat outside to try them, then went back in to get the ones we liked. Daddy bought some for our family and friends too.

“Now, it’s totally up to Daddy, but most end their visit with a trip to the ice cream shop.” Devon and I gave Daddy our saddest puppy eyes, but it was hard to keep from laughing. We looked so ridiculous.

Daddy smiled. “I was taking you both there even without the pitiful puppy faces. Come on, you two.”

“Yay!” We cheered. A couple of people stared but most just walked on by. Not my fault they were fuddy-duddies.

Even if they forgot my birthday tomorrow, it felt like I’d already had the best party ever today.

The ice creams were ginormous, my tummy was full, and my feet were tired. I was ready to go back to Devon’s and hang out.