“Are you sure you’re up for school?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

“Your mom meant it when she said to call her if it’s not good once you get there.”

“I will.”

Vernon pulled up to the school and parked in the lot. “Would you like us to walk Mr. Jack in for you, ma’am?”

“No, thank you. I’ve got it.”

“Um, ma’am…”

“I know there’ll be a stir, but Jack will protect me, won’t you?”

He grinned, as she’d hoped he would. “Still seven.”

“Vernon and Jimmy will come, too. Just in case.”

Vernon helped her out and then gave Jack a hand getting down before turning him over to Sam.

As predicted, a ripple of excitement went through the parents gathered on the sidewalk when they realized who was delivering Jack. Windows went down in SUVs and minivans, and people gawked like they’d never seen the first lady before. Cell phone cameras were directed at her while she kept her head down and focused on her nephew.

“You’re famous,” Jack whispered.

“Nah, Nick is. I’m just along for the ride.”

“You’re famous.”

“If I am, then you are, too.”

“Sick,” he said with another grin. “All the kids will want to sit with me at lunch.”

If that happened, Sam thought, it was worth exposing herself to the stares of stunned parents and teachers as they made their way to Jack’s classroom, where she intended to have a quick word with his teacher.

Jack led the way as Vernon and Jimmy stayed close in case anyone decided they needed a word with her.

“Does every school smell like paste, or is that just me? Like, do they have paste-scented air fresheners or something?”

Jack giggled madly. “You’re so weird.”

“You knew that about me before today. Don’t forget to introduce me to your teacher.”

“Duh, she knows who you are. Everyone does.”

“That doesn’t mean we forget our manners, young man.” She felt nine hundred years old saying that, and Jack’s eye roll told her what he thought of it.

In the second-grade classroom, Mrs. Ellington nearly had a stroke when she saw who’d accompanied young Jack Radcliffe to school. She stood so fast she spilled water all over her desk and clothes.

“Mrs. Cap-Cappuano.”

“Told ya,” Jack said, delighted and looking more like his old self.

The teacher rubbed her hands on her pants before sticking out her hand. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.” Sam shook the woman’s clammy hand. “Jack was very eager to get back to school. His mom told him to call her if it turns into a rough day. I’m sure you understand how difficult this is for him.”

“I do, and we’ll keep a close eye on him today and over the next few weeks.”

“We’d appreciate that.” Sam squatted and put her hands on Jack’s shoulders. “You good?”

“I’m good. Thanks for the ride.”

Sam kissed and hugged him. “Any time, rock star.”

“I’m not the rock star. You are.”