Leap of Faith (La Flor #1) Read Online Free Page B

All of our sacrifices haven’t been in vain. It hasn’t been easy, we’ve had some tough times, but we’re blessed to have a wonderful support system in our family and friends. Our kids have turned out pretty normal; they know they’re loved, they’re happy, involved in extracurricular activities, and well provided for. Overall, I think I’ve done a good job. I only wish that Jake could be here to share these precious and unforgettable moments with me. I think about him every day and miss him so much. I’ve learned to live without him, but I’ve never stopped loving him.
    I finally hear Rylee run down the stairs, bringing me out of my thoughts.
    “Do we have any granola bars?” she asks hurriedly. “I’m gonna be late if I sit and eat breakfast.”
    “Yes, there’re some in the pantry. Hurry, unless you want Mommy to take you to school,” I tease.
    She gives me a horrified look, grabs a granola bar, throws me a goodbye kiss, and runs out the door. But not before yelling over her shoulder at us. “Good luck, Peanut! I love y’all always and forever.”
    I watch her climb into the used midnight-blue Jeep Wrangler I bought for her sixteenth birthday and drive away. I turn to Skylar. “Alright, Peanut, let’s get you to school.”
     

 
     
    Arriving to the elementary school is easy, but finding a parking spot, not so much. Everyone, and I mean everyone, decided to bring their kid to school on the first day, causing a massive traffic jam and a shortage of parking spots. I drive around for a few minutes until I see a spot come available and rush to beat all the other parents.
    I won’t give this parking spot up! Especially since it’s located in the parking lot of the school and I don’t have to walk a mile to take Skylar to class. With some amazing driving skills, I make it and slide right in.
    Yes—I got it! I do a small victory dance in my seat.
    “You’re so silly, Momma,” I hear from Skylar.
    “I know, Peanut. Don’t ever be afraid to dance and be silly,” I tell her. “But you still love me, right?”
    “I do, Momma,” she assures me. “Very much.”
    I park and walk around to Skylar’s side to open the child-proof locked door and get my little girl out. She takes a deep breath and looks up at me. She looks so adorable in her little white tank top with a pink sparkly flower in the center, her color-block pink and purple flared skort, and her pink-sequined Sperry’s. Her long brown hair is divided into two pigtails with matching pink bows. She’s my little princess—the fashionista.
    “I’m nervous, Momma,” she tells me. “I’m a little bit scared. Do you think my teacher is gonna be nice?”
    “It’s okay to be nervous and scared, Skylar, this is a whole new experience. Just don’t let those feeling overtake you. Take a couple more deep breaths and let’s go start your new adventure,” I reply.
    I really hope her teacher is nice.
    She grabs her brand-new Tangled backpack from the Jeep, steps aside so I can close the door, and waits for me. As I’m closing the door, I hear her squeal.
    “Rylee! You’re here!”
    I turn and see my eldest waiting next to our black Cherokee SRT. “What’s goin’ on, Rylee? Is everything okay? What are you doin’ here?” I ask. Last I remember, she was rushing out of the house and heading to school.
    “It’s the peanut’s first day of school. There’s no way I’m missin’ that. Daddy can’t be here but I can. I made this at the last minute, so don’t laugh.” She gives Skylar a sign. “Hold it up and get together with Momma. Smile for the camera.”
    She takes the picture and then switches places with me. After all the pictures are taken and we take a selfie of the three of us together, we each grab ahold of Skylar’s hands and march towards the school.
    We arrive to the classroom where Skylar is assigned and meet her teacher. Skylar and Rylee head toward the backpack hooks and cubbies while I speak with Skylar’s new teacher,