Page 123 of Guarded Deputy

“It’s okay.” The woman laughs. “I’m Mrs. Cramer, and I’m here to watch your class. can I join you today?” The woman asks, and my students nod.

“Why?” Stephanie calls out.

“I want to see how Deputy Moore helps you.”

“Do you need help with Stranger Danger?” she asks Mrs. Cramer, who laughs.

“You can never be too careful.”

My uncle nods at me, and I smile softly. I’m guessing the woman is from the county to observe the mentorship program. I was under the impression that all the observations were complete, but maybe she wants to watch another lesson.

Hopefully it goes well. Nate’s been counting on the approval from the county.

I stay at my desk, wanting to see Nate in action. He talks to the children about fire safety, asks them questions about what to do in an emergency, and even has them act out certain situations.

Mrs. Cramer smiles throughout and my uncle looks proud. I fall a little more in love with my hot deputy. He glances over at me and smiles.

When the class finishes, he leaves with our guests, and the children wave at them excitedly. It was a great lesson, so hopefully they get an answer soon. I know a lot is riding on this program. Uncle Roy has worked his behind off to get this pilot program approved.

“Ms. Andrews, do you like Tic-Tac-Toe?” Walker asks me.

“I do.” I smile at him from across the table at the restaurant.

“Awesome. Let’s play.” He turns his kid’s menu over and makes a grip with a crayon.

Brooke ruffles his hair and smiles at me.

“Did you replace me?” Nate asks.

“Sorry, Uncle Nate, but I never get to have dinner with my teacher.” He shrugs and looks at me. “What color crayon you want?”

“I’ll have green.”

He hands it over, and we start playing. Nate’s phone rings as we’re in our second game, and I see my uncle’s name on the screen.

“I need to take this.” He stands and goes outside.

“I won!” Walker calls out. “You suck at Tic-Tac-Toe, Ms. A.”

“Walker!” Brooke chastises him. “Be polite. We don’t use those words.”

“Uncle Nate uses them.” He shrugs.

“He’s an adult and has a potty mouth sometimes.”

I try to hold back my laughter.

“Apologize to your teacher.”

“I’m sorry,” he says glumly.

“It’s okay. I’m not very good, so you’re right about that.” I doodle smiley faces on the O’s.

“I’m so sorry.” Brooke widens her eyes and shakes her head. “Sometimes I don’t know what to do with him. He admires Nate so much, I’m afraid he’ll be throwing curse words around to be just like him. Although, he tries to be better about it in front of Walker.”

“It’s understandable. They have a strong bond.”

“Yeah.” She sighs. “I’m glad they do. After losing my husband, Nate has been Walker’s role model.”