And eventually she took a deep breath and said, “We have to make a family tree and present it to the class.”
I exhaled a slow breath.“We can talk to your teacher.I’m sure once she knows the circumstances, she won’t make you do it.”
“And then all the other kids will wonder why the new kid who showed up right before winter break doesn’t have to do the project,” she said.“I’ll be a piranha.”
I blinked.“Piranha?”
“Yeah, you know.An outcast?”
“I think you mean a pariah.”
I struggled not to smile, but I couldn’t help it.I began to giggle.
“You’re laughing at me,” she accused, her brown eyes throwing axes.
“No, I’m really not,” I explained.“I just—I’m used to nannying a five-year-old boy.Now I get to hang out with you, and you’re so much more fun.And cooler.”
She paused.“You mean that?”
“Yeah, I do.”I nodded.“And for what it’s worth, I think you’re brave to face the family tree project.”
“Don’t really have much of a choice, do I?”
“We all have choices,” I said.
“Will you help me with the project?”
“Sure,” I said.“But you know who can help you even more?”
“Archer,” she announced.
“Yeah.When is the project due?”
“The week after Thanksgiving break,” she explained.
I finally put the truck in gear.“You know what we need?”
“What?”
“Cheese curds and ice cream from Hawthorne’s to celebrate your first day of school.”
She nibbled on her lip.“We should get something for Archer, too.And bring it to him at the ranch.”
I held in my sigh.“That’s very thoughtful.”
She buckled herself in.“Okay, I’m ready.”
I walked into the main house with Mildred tucked under my arm like a football.I set her down and she ran into the kitchen.
“Well, hello there you little monster,” Muddy greeted the pup with a laugh.“Where’s your mama?”
“Here,” I announced with a grin as I came fully into the room.
“I had a feeling I’d be seeing you,” she said as I went to her and gave her a hug.“Where’s Lenni?I want to hear about her first day of school.”
“We stopped at Hawthorne’s,” I said.“She’s bringing Archer a snack.”
Muddy raised her brows.“Is she now?”
