Page 7 of The Clover Chapel (Jamison Valley 2)
“It’s been great! I only have three more families left to meet. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind. I’m really looking forward to starting with the kids next week.”
“Oh, good.” His frame relaxed. “Sometimes these parent-teacher introductions can be difficult. I didn’t want anyone to scare you off. We’re so glad you’ve moved to Prescott and joined our staff.”
I smiled wide. “There’s no scaring me away. This is my dream job. It’s been a long journey for me to finally get here and I’m not giving it up.”
“Good. Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all,” he said before walking out of the room, sidestepping the couple coming in.
“Sheriff Cleary. Gigi. Good to see you both,” Rich said. “Rowen starting school this year?”
The sheriff shook Rich’s hand. “Yeah. She’s excited. Georgia’s not. Cries every night thinking about it.”
“No judgment, Jess,” Gigi said. “I’m allowed to be sad that my baby girl is growing up and starting kindergarten. And I haven’t cried every night because of this. I’m hormonal. I cry about everything. Last night I was crying because you ate all the cookies.”
“I’m not judging, Freckles,” Jess said. “Just stating the facts. And I saw you with your face in the fridge last night, scarfing down that last chocolate chip when you thought I wasn’t looking. You cried because you ate them all.”
She narrowed her eyes at her husband, who stood a good seven inches taller than her.
I bit my lip to keep from laughing as they bantered. Most of the marriages I had witnessed growing up had been awkward and fake. The couples wouldn’t dare tease one another in public. But this is what I secretly wished I had for myself. Something natural and light. Something real.
When she finished scowling, Gigi turned to me and extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Gigi Cleary. The sheriff there is my husband, Jess. We’re Rowen Cleary’s parents.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Emmeline Austin. I’ll be your daughter’s teacher. I’ve got a few things to go over with you if you’d like to have a seat?” I said, swinging my hand to the chairs in front of my desk.
Gigi was probably five or six months pregnant. Her bulging belly was slightly hidden behind a draping tunic but it was starting to take up a good portion of her midsection. And she was stunning. Her long, wavy brown hair was shiny and rich. Freckles dusted her nose and her eyes were a beautiful shade of deep blue.
Her husband, Jess, was not only a large man but also a very good-looking one. He had a strong jaw and broad shoulders. He wore a tan shirt with a shining badge on one hip. His gun was tucked in a holster under his arm.
As he pulled out his wife’s chair, his bright, light blue eyes sparkled down at her. Here was a man completely in love with his wife.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Rowen next week,” I told them. “Before school starts, I wanted to take the opportunity to meet with you both and find out if you have anything special you’d like me to work on with her this school year.”
I’d practiced my introduction speech so many times in the mirror that I’d almost rushed the words. Even though I’d given it to ten other couples so far today, I was still nervous. I desperately wanted to make a good impression on my soon-to-be students’ parents.
I took a breath before finishing. “Also, if you have any concerns, we can discuss those too.”
Jess and Gigi shared a look. That couldn’t be good.
“We had some drama earlier in the year,” Jess said. “Georgia got kidnapped and it shook up Roe. I think she’s over it but every now and again she gets a nightmare. I doubt anything will come up at school, but we thought you should know.”
“Oh my god,” I gasped. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“I’m fine,” Gigi said while rubbing her baby bump. “Rowen’s fine too. Jess here is just a little overprotective and Roe knows how to manipulate her dad. He stays home with her the mornings after these quote, unquote nightmares.”
“She’s not faking them, Georgia.”
“She totally is, Jess.”
“I can watch for signs of distress or anxiety with Rowen. Just in case,” I said.
“Thanks,” Gigi said. “She’s so excited for school, I’m sure she’ll be fine. So what about you? You just moved here, right? How are you liking Prescott?” Her smile and easy nature settled my nerves.
“Yes, I did and I like it here very much. I had never been to Montana before and only heard stories about how beautiful it is. I haven’t been disappointed. I’ve only been here for a couple of weeks but am completely lovestruck.”
“Rowen and I moved here just a year and a half ago and we fell in love with it too. Where did you move from?” Gigi asked.
I smiled. “New York City.”
Her eyes got big. It was the same reaction I’d gotten from all of the parents today.
