When Rachel got downstairs, Paige was already awake. She was standing in front of the refrigerator, on her tip-toes as she tried to get the orange juice. Shed dressed herself, which Rachel always encouraged, and none of it matched. She was wearing a black Descendants shirt with a pair of striped leggings that were green and white in color. Her brown hair was still up in the pigtails Rachel had put in place the day before.

Hey there, Squirt, Rachel said, stepping in behind her daughter and getting the orange juice down for her.

Gmorning, Mommy, Paige said.

Glad to see youre already dressed for the day. You got big plans for the day?

No, just school, Paige said, though there was excitement in her voice. Paige seemed to love everything about kindergarten, which was good; she was just like her mother in that she did not particularly take instruction well. It was a trait that seemed to dissolve the moment Paige stepped into a classroom, though. Her teacher had nothing but remarkable things to say about Paige, something Rachel tried not to take too much pride in.

What about this weekend? Rachel asked, taking the glass of orange juice to the able where Paige was sitting with a bowl of Apple Jacks shed apparently already poured for herself. Rachel cringed internally at the thought of drinking orange juice with Apple Jacks. Anything big youd like to do?

Mrs. Denning said I could come ride one of her horses, remember?

Yes, but I

And Annie Jenkins is having an ice cream party. Oh, and I want to try that new jump park all the kids in my class are talking about!

Rachel smiled. Her daughter always had huge plans. The girl hated to sit stillanother trait she got directly from Rachel. That does sound like a busy weekend.

Rachel set about made a smoothie while preparing a bowl of oatmeal. Because she had training this morning, shed probably also eat a protein bar on the way to the obstacle course. She fully expected to be drained and maybe even flushed with adrenaline by the end of it, so protein was going to be key. She sat down at the table with Paige, enjoying the fact that she didnt need to rush this morning. Her training days started a little later than her typical day at the FBI field office, which gave her a moment to connect with Paige.

Well see about the horses, Rachel said. Ill call Mrs. Denning this evening and try to schedule something.

Thanks!