Hello ,

Since The Sugar Creek Blame Game releases next month, I wanted to share a small sneak peek—just a moment—from Sara’s point of view.

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My first semester of teaching. Done. Not only did I survive, but I think I thrived. Not only that, but I think I did more than a halfway decent job.

I turn to pack up for break: stacking lesson plans, tucking leftover crafts into drawers, wiping down the whiteboard. The room looks bare without the kids, and it’s too still and quiet.

I should feel peaceful. Instead, there’s this familiar ache settling right under my ribs now that I have space to notice it. It’s the place where JD is supposed to be.

I miss him. 

I miss our daily check-in texts. It was all funny stuff, stupid stuff like memes, weather complaints, and game highlights. But we’ve both been busy, more focused than ever. I still catch myself checking my phone between lessons, hoping for one of his snappy one-liners or a photo of his team in the snow.

He said he’d be home tonight, maybe tomorrow. Which means I have at least a few hours left to pull myself together before I see him. I can’t let my sadness at our distance show. He needs me to be strong and supportive. We’re so close to his goal.

The door opens behind me, and I set everything down before turning.

“Hey, Teach.”

That voice. That easy drawl that always sounds like he’s halfway smiling.

I turn slowly, and there he is. JD fills the doorway like he’s stepped straight out of one of my daydreams. His hair’s a little longer than I remember, his jaw a little more defined, and his grin… oh, that grin hasn’t changed a bit.

“JD?” I manage to take a breath, and then I’m flying across the room.

He catches me in the hug I didn’t know how much I needed. My hands squeeze the jacket at his sides, and his arms envelop me. He’s warm, but there’s still the hint of cold from outside with the crisp smell of snow and pine. No one has ever made me feel as protected as JD when he holds me.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I whisper into his chest. “I hoped to see you tonight, but this is so much better.” 

He’s bent over so that his face is buried in my hair. I feel his breath as he says, “I’ve already dropped my stuff at home and figured I’d rather spend my time here.”

I blink, trying to process the warmth that rushes through me. “Here? In a first-grade classroom?”

He laughs, that low rumble that always makes my heart trip. “Don’t make it sound weird. I just wanted to see you, Sara.”

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The Sugar Creek Blame Game releases next month. Preorders are available for half price now.

Pre-order for $2.99

Until next week, enjoy the quiet and sweet moments that come your way.

River

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