“Tell Joey that she’s overthinking this field trip.”
“What are you worried about?” he asks.
“What if something goes wrong and the kids tease Max about a bad day at school? You don’t know what kids are like these days.”
Hell, I don’t really know what kids are like these days.
“And you don’t want Max to become the outcast of the school.”
“Exactly.” I drop my hands to my side in a huff. “See? I’m not being ridiculous.”
I aim that last comment at Georgia before twisting my hands in worry.
“Would it help if you know what I have planned?”
“Would it?”
Sam smiles at me. The kind that he shouldn’t be giving me when we’re in the presence of others. But I can’t help but feel soothed by it.
“A hayride. The picnic lunch. Georgia is helping with them brushing the horses and then we’ll cap it off with decorating plastic cowboy hats.”
“Oh. I need to go check on the brushes.” Georgia darts into the barn as the big yellow bus comes down the dirt road.
“You got plastic cowboy hats for them to decorate?”
He nods. “Why? Is that okay?”
I want to hug him and pepper his face with kisses. “Yes. They are going to love that.”
Sam squeezes my arm before moving to stand next to me. “You’re not the only one who wants this day to go well for Max.”
“Thank you, Sam. I mean it.”
He nudges me with his shoulder before the bus pulls to a stop.
Today is the perfect day to have everyone out. It’s not too hot—no whiny preschoolers here—and they’ll love getting out on the tractor.
The door squeaks open as the teachers and chaperones come out before the kids spill out behind them. Max spots me and runs over to give me a big hug.
“Hi, Mommy.”
“Hi, Baby. Were you good on the bus?”
“Yes. I sat with my friend.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
I’ve heard all about a few friends, so that helps set my nerves at ease.
“Hey, Max.” Sam waves down at him.
“Hi. I’m excited to see horses.”
“I'm excited to show them to you.”
“Hey, what about me?” Georgia says, jogging over to join our group.
“Hi, Aunt Gigi,” Max calls to her.
