Page 41 of Wrangled Love

I straighten in my chair, running a hand through my hair. “What the hell happened? Is Caleb okay?”

“I was told he pushed another student to the ground.” Her voice is hesitant, as if she’s trying to soften the blow.

“Excuse me? You thinkmyson, whose idea of confrontation is walking away, started a fight?”

“I’m sorry,” she apologizes, her tone genuinely remorseful. “I’m just relaying what I was told. You’ll have to speak to his camp counselor to get the details.”

“I’m on my way,” I say as I stand and grab my keys before heading to the front door.

“See you soon, Mr. Harding,” Lisa replies before hanging up.

I wonder where Julie is. Even if Caleb had done something wrong, which I doubt, she’d be by his side if she could. I try calling her, but it goes straight to voicemail, so I focus on getting to the school as quickly as I can.

I’ve just swung open the truck door when I spot Briar walking down the lane. She breaks into a jog when she sees me.

“I was going to change and make myself lunch before picking up Caleb from camp. Where are you racing off to?” she teases.

“The school called. Caleb’s been in analtercation.” My voice tightens with every word, barely masking my anger.

Briar gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. “Is he okay?”

“They wouldn’t give me many details. I’m heading there now.”

“Would you like me to come?” she offers tentatively.

Do I?

In the past few weeks, she’s become a fixture in Caleb’s life, and she understands him as well as I do. I’m certain he would want her there, and honestly, I do too.

“Yeah, hop in.”

The drive to the school is quiet. Briar and I are both too preoccupied with our thoughts to talk much.

As soon as we pull into the parking lot and I shut off the engine, we rush to the entrance. Once we’re buzzed in, we head straight for the office but stop short when we see Caleb sitting outside the office on a bench next to Julie. My stomach drops when I notice the tears in his eyes.

When he spots us, Caleb jumps off the bench and bolts to Briar. She crouches, arms open wide, and he throws himself into her arms, hugging her neck tightly.

“It’s alright, sweetie. Your dad and I are here. You’re not alone.” Her voice trembles, thick with concern.

As my son clings to Briar with his head buried in her hair, I know I made the right call bringing her along. It’s not aboutwhocomforts Caleb—but about making sure he feels safe. And I’ll never stop being thankful that we’re surrounded by people who offer him that, without hesitation or condition.

As Caleb lifts his tear-streaked face, his lower lip trembling, I kneel beside him and gently wipe away his tears. I give him a quick once-over for any physical injuries and am relieved when I don’t find anything visible.

“Briar’s right, buddy. We’re here now and will take care of everything.” He’s my whole world, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him.

A lump catches in my throat as he presses his cheek against my hand, his trust anchoring me. I rub his back, trying to ease the tension from his small frame. These are the moments no one warns you about in parenthood. The ones that leave you powerless, wishing you could shield your child from the harshness of the world and promise them a life without pain or fear.

Julie approaches, her face heavy with regret. “Iapologize for missing your call. I was interviewing a candidate for a fall teaching position and came as quickly as I could.”

“What happened?” I ask.

“I’m not certain yet, but we’ll get to the bottom of it. Michael, the other child involved, is with a camp counselor in one of the classrooms. His mom, Vickie, is waiting in my office now. I think it’s best if we all sit down together.”

This is one of those times I wish Caleb would speak. It’d be much easier if he could tell me exactly what happened. Instead, I’m left relying on another student and his mom, who are only looking out for their own interests.

“What about Caleb?” Briar chimes in.

“Lisa can keep him company in the front office,” Julie says with a reassuring smile. “It shouldn’t take long.”

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