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"Don't forget the snacks in the kitchen," Trinity called.
I rushed around and then made my way back out front where more kids had gathered with Trinity. She showed them to the back door and led them out into the yard while I grabbed one more book from the counter. I was just about to head out when the bells jingled above the door, and I turned to see Zach standing there holding a copy of the book I'd be reading today.
"Are you returning that book late as well?" I smiled.
He chuckled and placed the book under his arm. "No, I just thought I'd come by with Grace and offer my support. She wanted to listen to you read,” he said, nodding toward the truck where I saw Grace climbing out.
"Iris, they are all set up out back," Trinity said, coming around the corner and sitting down behind the desk.
"We have one more straggler." Zach chuckled and opened the door in time for Grace, who wore a sour face, to step inside. She carried a few books in her arms and came over beside him.
"Can we please get started?" she grumbled.
I looked at Zach and smiled. There was no doubt she was his child. She looked exactly like him.
"I'm Iris," I said, coming down to her eye level.
"Grace." She held out her tiny hand.
"What do you say we head out back? There are a bunch of other kids out there too, my son included."
She flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked beside me to the backyard, where she took a seat beside her father.
Every child listened with intent as I read three chapters from the first book inThe Baby-Sitters Clubbooks. Once I finished, we talked about what we’d read and then I handed out the snacks and let the kids talk. I made my way over to where Zach stood.
"How did you enjoy that?" I questioned.
"I'm not really aBaby-Sitters Clubfan, but I didn't find it too bad." Zach chuckled.
I smiled. "Think the kids enjoyed it?"
"I do. I think it’s a great program to be honest. It's gotten Grace to read as you can see," Zach said, nodding toward Grace, who sat there with a pile of books in front of her. "I'm also hoping that she will make some new friends through the program. She's been pretty upset since moving here. She's away from all her friends."
I nodded. "I get that. Noah and Dylan have been the same. It's been hard on them as well. I worry. They pulled into themselves once they lost their father. They pulled away from their friends, and I took them away from them when they finally came back out of their shell."
"Don't be so hard on yourself. It was a traumatic time for, not only them, but you as well. Sometimes, we have to do what is best for ourselves, not only what’s best for them," Zach said, nodding toward Grace.
I looked over and noticed Noah tapping her on the shoulder. I smiled when she turned around and began talking a mile a minute to him, showing him the books in her pile.
"I know. Don't you feel bad?"
Zach shrugged. "Sure. However, to save my daughter from becoming her mother, it had to be done."
"Oh dear. That sounds like a story for another time."
"Probably best."He winked.
I glanced at my watch and noticed it was almost time for the kids to be picked up. "Excuse me for a moment," I said, stepping away from where we'd been standing and making my way over to where I'd been sitting. "Alright, kids. Listen, your parents will be here shortly. Now is the time to hit the store and check out the reading library to see what you'd like to borrow until next time. Gather any books you need to return and any of your belongings and follow me."
I watched as the kids gathered up their things and formed a line behind me. Then we all headed back into the store. The kids went right over to the dedicated shelves, and the ones with books to return got in line. I quickly began processing them as some parents arrived to gather their kids.
It took about twenty minutes before I got everyone processed and sent the last group of kids home. Suddenly, a pile of books slammed down on the lower part of the counter. I glanced over and spotted Grace standing there, her arms crossed, tapping her foot on the ground. I glanced up at Zach, who shrugged and winked at me.
"Hi, Grace. Did you need to return these?"
"Yes. I've only been waiting for like ever."
"Well, I'm sorry. I didn't see you. Now, did you want to take any more books home with you?"
