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When he was dressed and ready to go, he went downstairs to the kitchen. Wilda handed him a cup of coffee and a banana. “Eat this before you go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He leaned on the counter and sipped some coffee, then yawned as he watched Wilda pack Caleb’s lunchbox.

She nudged him. “Stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Looking at me like that.”

Caleb ran into the room with his backpack on. Wilda handed him a granola bar, then looked at Milo. “Please make sure he eats his snack this morning.”

“We both will.”

She gave Caleb his lunchbox, then handed Milo a sandwich.

“You made me lunch?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. Thank you.”

She filled a travel mug with coffee. “Do you need anything else?”

“Um…”

“Aside from that.”

“I guess I’m good.” He looked at Caleb. “Ready to go, bud?”

“Ready.”

“Will you round up Frenchie and take him outside?” Caleb ran off, and Milo turned to Wilda.

She shook her head. “Smooth.”

He took her hand, then pulled her close. “May I have a goodbye kiss?” She kissed him. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“This is going to be good, Wilda.”

She nodded. “Go to work, Milo.”

“I’m going.” He put the sandwich into his messenger bag, then slung it over his shoulder. Wilda handed him the coffee mug, and he leaned in and kissed her again. “I’ll see you later.”

Caleb and Frenchie were by the car when Milo went outside. “Looks like you two are ready to go.” He opened the door, and Caleb climbed in. Then Milo put Frenchie in next to him. “We'd better get to school before they mark us both tardy.”

When Milo and Caleb walked into the classroom, the kids were all quietly completing a worksheet. Milo went to the desk.

“Wow. I was expecting…”

“Chaos?”

“No, just not silence. What did you do to them?”

“Nothing. They respect me.”

“Oh, right. They’re scared.” He put Frenchie down and set his messenger bag on the desk.