Page 102 of Rough and Rugged

Ranger Michaels is so tolerant of answering every question my students come up with. Imayhave snuck a few more personal questions into the letters, but I kept it to the kids, mostly. He claimed in his last letter that he became a forest ranger because of a love of being out in nature and that he was very shy. I find that somewhat hard to believe. He’s so well-spoken in his letters. I know I put him on the spot with our class invitation, but I just couldn’t help myself when he asked for a class photo.

“Cass, still got that hot Ranger coming in for a class visit today?” Tinea Anders, my best friend, asks as she pops her head into the doorway.

I smile brightly at her. Her cheerful personality always makes me smile, even when smiling hasn’t been on my to-do list lately. “Hey! That’s the plan. Didn’t the kids do a great job decorating the class?”

“They did. So let’s see what you’re wearing.” She takes my hand and spins me around as she takes in my favorite blue jeans, grey and white polka dot blouse, and grey ballet flats. “Girl, you look beautiful.”

“Yeah?”

“Definitely! Now I don’t want you to be mad…” she begins, and I know this can’t be good. With a deep sigh, I look expectantly at her as she continues, “I sort of asked Rich to check Ranger Michaels out.”

“Oh Tin, you didn’t. Isn’t that illegal?” Ever since she married a Sheriff’s Deputy, she’s used every opportunity to check people out. While it was handy, I hate knowing people’s privacy has been invaded in my name.

She waves her hand dismissively as she moves close to me and pulls out a poorly printed photo image. “Seems Ranger Michaels is hot and single. He’s thirty-two, the perfect age match for your twenty-five, I must say. No wants or warrants and not even a speeding ticket.

“Yada, yada, boring… oh stats. Here we go. Oh, nice! He’s six foot seven with lots of tattoos. Based on his weight, he’s either all muscle or a major marshmallow. With his job, I’m thinking, muscles.”

“Great, Tin. Now I’m going to be dwelling on how many teachers are going to be checking him out, and he’s stuck in a classroom with plain Jane, short and curvy, me.” So yeah, I had insecurities, but what woman didn’t?

“Oh, sweetie, no. Don’t do that. You just put all those silly thoughts out of your mind.” Before she could say anything more, the first school bell rang. “Look, I’m going to say my Aunt Bessie’s blessings for you. You know what that means.”

“It’s darn tootin gonna be a good day if Bessie has her say,” we said together with a giggle. Here’s hoping Aunt Bessie had my back.

Chapter Two

Draven

Thedrivefrommycabin took longer than expected, but I finally arrived at the elementary school. As I walk into the school’s office, I feel my hands get all clammy and run them over my jeans. I can do this. It’s just a bunch of cute kids and their teacher.

I smile nervously at the staff as I enter the school office to sign in. Before I can even introduce myself, I hear, “I’m going to assume you’re the famous Ranger Michaels all of Miss Danning’s students are so excited to meet.”

I look in the direction of the voice and see a beautiful brunette that reminds me of my older sister. “Yes, ma’am. I am.”

“Wonderful! I’m Martha Stevens, the school principal. I have to say, the children have enjoyed every one of your letters. Miss Danning has turned this into a wonderful year-long project. We can’t wait to show you some of their work.”

“I’m so glad. I like their letters as well.” I groan internally. Why did I sound so stupid already?

“I’m sure you’re feeling a bit nervous. Don’t be, Miss Danning’s class is full of wonderfully behaved children. A photographer and reporter from our local paper are here already, but they are staying in the background.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Stevens. I’m not the sort of person who, um, normally does this stuff.”

“Don’t you worry at all. Let me show you to the classroom.” As she leads me down a hall, she smiles and lowers her voice as she says, “Just remember, you’ve already done the hard part. You’ve captured the attention and excitement of the children before you even show up. Don’t try to impress them. Just talk to them like you would any child you meet.”

We arrive at a typical classroom door, and Mrs. Stevens knocks before opening it. I make sure to take the door from her and hold it open. With a smile, she gives me a friendly wink, and I just keep saying to myself, ‘I can do this.’

“Hello, class! Miss Danning tells me you’re expecting an important visitor today. Who wants to tell me who that is?” Mrs. Stevens asks the class.

As they answer, I take in the great classroom. It’s been decorated to look like a forest, with trees made from construction paper, animals, and birds. There are even birds made from aluminum foil hanging from the ceiling.

I can’t hide my smile as I look around. Then my eyes land on the most beautiful angel I’ve ever seen. Miss Danning is pretty in her class photo, but the angel before me steals my breath away. Her green eyes capture mine, and her smile alone tells my heart instantly that she is meant for me.

The students yell my name and break the hold she has on me. My nervousness is suddenly gone as I look into her eyes once more. I know what I need to do, and I would do it because I know I will do whatever it takes to have Miss Danning be mine.

Clearing my throat and glancing at her again, I walk to the front of the class. “Hi, everyone. Wow, I feel like I know each of you from your wonderful letters. So, who here remembers what a Forest Ranger does?”

I’m having fun with these great kids. They’ve been asking me thoughtful and, at times, funny questions. The lunch bell rang in the middle of our time, so we took a break, and all had lunch together. As I sit next to Miss Danning, she smiles as she asks softly, “How is your lunch?”

I look down at the cafeteria food with a chuckle, “It’s interesting.”

---