Page 37 of Schooling Little Sage

“Yup.”

“When you boys come and visit, I’ll make sure we’re stocked up with all your favorites, Sage.”

“He’s not a picky eater at all, Mom.”

“I like hugs,” Sage chimed in beside me.

He had both my parents smiling. I knew they’d love him.

“Good, because I like to give them.” Mom winked. “Sage, you are just a bright light, aren’t you?”

“That’s what Daddy says too.”

I kissed his head. “That’s because you are, sweetheart.”

We talked for a few more minutes until Sage started yawning then said our goodbyes. Reaching out to them was a smart move as well as letting Sage come to me with his fears. Guess this old dog could learn new tricks. It was funny how schooling Sage had turned into schooling this Daddy too.

Now, to give my boy tubby time. It had been a long, stressful day for him and this would help him relax.

Chapter Eleven

Weekly video chats with Mom and Dad were events I looked forward to. They both insisted I call them Mom and Dad, which took a bit to get used to. Just like calling Daddy-Daddy had but, after the first time, it just fit.

Due to everyone’s schedule, we couldn’t meet up until Thanksgiving which was so far away. Daddy’s brother and sister were both busy with work of their own. The plan now was to make the four-hour drive after our shift the day before Thanksgiving and come back the Sunday after. I was super excited and nervous. Talking on the phone or over video was one thing, in person was usually where everything crashed and burned.

At least in my life that had been the case.

“Daddy, am I a good helper?”

“Yes, you are. Where did that come from?”

I shrugged, even though he couldn’t see me. “Just thinking is all.”

“Well, if there were any problems with your work I’d let you know. I’ve literally had no complaints about you nor do I have any.”

Since I’d lived at the Ranch, everything I’d ever been told about me and life in general had been proven wrong. Not sure how I felt about that. Had my parents purposely lied or did their words stem from how they were raised?

“This Daddy is calling it quitting time. It’s been a long week and my boy is dragging. Let’s have a nice, relaxing evening at home because I’ve got plans for us tomorrow.”

“Ooohhh where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise, silly. Let’s get cleaned up and head home.”

Sneaky Daddy, but I loved everything he did for me and we always had fun.

We stopped by the store to pick up the grocery order Daddy had placed and a couple packages on our walk home. One of the other ranch hands was on vacation this week so Daddy needed me to work for him. First time I worked a forty-hour week, but it would be nice when I get paid. With Christmas around the corner, I wanted to find something special for Daddy only I had no idea what to get him. I’d ask Mom if she had any ideas.

“You did good this week, working all those extra hours, Sage. I know you missed your friends in the Butterfly room. Daddy really appreciates you being such a big helper. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Just didn’t want to tell him he was right when he said I’d get bored working full time. I really liked spending the afternoon with the other Butterflies.

“Why don’t you go get comfy while Daddy puts the groceries away.”

“Okay.” It was just cool enough to wear my cartoony sleep pants. “Can I have a juice box, please?”

“I’ll trade you one juice box for a kiss.”

I gave Daddy a big smooch.