Rough and Rugged: A Meet Me In Milwaukee Charity Anthology

Chapter Two

Draven

The drive from my cabin 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?”

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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.”

“Reminds you why you hated school food, huh? I’m not sure which is worse. School food or hospital food.”

I smirk as I glance at her, “That’s a hard one. Well, at least it fills my stomach.” Her soft giggle makes me smile. I find myself becoming more and more drawn in. She’s not just physically beautiful, but her soul radiates a beauty of which I’m in awe.

‘She’s mine,’ is going through my mind repeatedly, and I know that I will not leave this town without her. She shyly glances at me, and I know she feels this pull towards each other as well. How can she not?

I crave hearing her voice again, so I ask, “So, did you want me to keep it brief this afternoon?”

She smiles so brightly at me, and I know I want to see that smile every day for the rest of my life. “I’m sure that you have things to do, but you’re welcome to spend the rest of the day with us. It’s Friday, so besides PE, the biggest thing we do is the students write in their weekly journals about what they learned. That includes drawing a picture.” She pauses as she wipes her hands on her napkin, almost as if she’s nervous too. “Also, I know Mrs. Stevens wants some time for photos before you leave.”

My mind quickly goes over everything she tells me and forms a plan. “Well, how about this? After PE, they can start writing in their journals, and after that, I’ll sign each one and give them special Ranger stickers and a stamp. Then we can take photos, and depending on time, I can answer any last questions.”

I’m entranced as I watch her nibble her bottom lip in thought. I want to free her lip and kiss the mark of her teeth away. I’m so filled with visions of what I wish to do to that lip I barely realize she’s responding to my plan. “Are you sure? I hate that you’re losing a whole day to us.”

Reaching over, I tenderly run my thumb over the bruised lip with a soft smile. Her soft gasp brings me back to reality. The school cafeteria is not the right place. With a calming exhale of air, I say, “I’m sure. I usually hate this kind of thing, but your kids are really fun.”

“Th-thank you. I love my kids,” she says with a deep blush.

“I’ve had a great day so far. I loved how the room was decorated to look like the forest. Those foil birds hanging from the ceiling are cool.”

“Thank you. The students worked on it as their art project. They’ve been so excited to have you visit, so thank you for agreeing.”

“I’m glad. I was really nervous and truthfully didn’t want to come. I’m normally very shy. The last time I did a presentation, I turned purple.”

“No!” she gasps as she covers her mouth, trying desperately to hide her giggle.

“It’s true. There’s even photographic proof.”

“But you’ve been wonderful today. I would never guess you were nervous at all.” Her sweet words and smile make my heart skip a beat.

“That’s all you. One look at you, and suddenly I felt calm.” I want to ask this beautiful woman out. I just hope she doesn’t say no. I want to spend every moment I can with her. I can do this. I will do this. “So, um, since, um, I’m here and all, can I, um, take you to dinner tonight?”

At first, she just blinks at me, and I just know that she’s going to say no. Then the most breathtaking smile I’ve ever seen appears on her face, and she starts to nod. “I’d love to, but don’t you have to get back?”

“No, I’m off until Monday, so I planned to spend the weekend in town.” I pause, calming my nerves and smiling at her brightly as I take her hand under the table. “Good. Phew. Ok, good.” The smile on my face is so big I know I look ridiculous. I can’t help it, though. I have a date with the woman of my dreams.