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“You too, don’t stay too much later,” I say, with a wave

I get to Johnny’s school fairly quickly We live in a s distance In fact, you can practically walk everywhere He’s in the after-school prograh that he could coed to stay after and hang out with his friends One look at his puppy dog pleading face and I caved

I see hi on the stoop of the elementary school and my smile already broadens He runs towards uess what?”

I bend down and get on his level as I respond, “What is it? Did you have a good day?”

“I wrote my name Mrs Sanchez even said it was perfect!” he exclaims

“I’m so proud of you, Johnny I think this deserves a trip to the bakery?” I question, he doesn’t knoas planning on taking him anyways

“Yes!” He’s beyond excited and sos at my heart I know he may not be mine by birth, but he’s mine all the same

“Hi, Mrs Sanchez,” I say, as I walk closer to her, where she has a clipboard with all the children’s nan them in and out

“Hello Mr Sullivan, ready for the weekend?” she asks

“We sure are,” Johnny squeals He’s got a pile of energy and it’s only going to get worse, but to see that sy any day of the week After he has his treat from the bakery, I’ll take hi That will tire him out before dinner

“Have a good weekend,” I tell her

“You too,” she replies, and we head off for our walk to the bakery

2

Candy

I hear the doorbell ring and go towards the front of the store I stop inin here with his son since I opened the shop up a couple of ives hi He silences it and then turns right back to Johnny