Love Beyond Measures [Book 2]

Chapter X: Home Is Wherever I'm With You

Daniel's POV

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as Daniel and Johnny tiptoed into the kids’ bedroom. They paused for a moment, taking in the sight of their children, Robby, nestled on the top bunk, and little Sam, sprawled across the bottom bunk, her wild curls sticking out in all directions. It was the first day of school, and excitement buzzed in the air like the gentle hum of a summer day.

“Rise and shine, you two!” Daniel called softly, flicking on the light switch. He moved to Sam’s bunk first, gently shaking her awake. “Sam, time to get up!”

Sam stirred, her big blue eyes fluttering open as she yawned and stretched like a tiny cat. “Dada, Papa! It’s school day!” she squealed, the realization of the day ahead sending a jolt of energy through her.

“Yep! Time to get ready!” Daniel replied with a smile, brushing his fingers through her hair to tame the messy curls. He could already see the excitement bubbling in her as she bounced up and down, eager to start her day.

Robby, on the other hand, rolled over in his bed, pulling the blanket over his head. “I don’t want to go,” he mumbled, his voice muffled and tinged with reluctance.

“Come on, buddy. You’ll be fine!” Johnny encouraged, walking over to the side of Robby’s bed. “You’ll meet new friends and learn so many cool things.”

With a deep sigh, Robby peeked out from under the blanket, his brown eyes filled with uncertainty. “What if I don’t make any friends?” he whispered, a frown creasing his forehead.

“Everyone feels a little nervous on the first day, Robby,” Johnny reassured him, kneeling down so he was eye level with his son. “Just be yourself, and I promise you’ll find friends in no time. Plus, you’ve got your sister to help you, right?”

Sam, overhearing the conversation, chimed in excitedly from her perch above. “Yeah! I’ll help you! We can be friends together!”

Daniel didn't want to burst Sam’s bubble by telling her that they weren't going to the same school as she was going to preschool.

Robby managed a small smile at Sam's enthusiasm, feeling a flicker of hope in his chest. “Okay, I guess,” he replied, his voice a little more confident.

After a quick family huddle, Johnny and Daniel helped their kids get dressed. Sam chose her favorite outfit—a bright pink dress with sparkly shoes, twirling around in delight. “Look, Dada! I’m a princess!” she proclaimed, her excitement infectious.

Robby, feeling a bit more encouraged, picked a cool blue T-shirt with a dinosaur on it, which he thought made him look tough. “I’ll be a dinosaur friend!” he declared, striking a pose that made Sam giggle.

Once they were dressed, the family headed downstairs for breakfast. The smell of pancakes wafted through the air, making Sam bounce in her chair. “Pancakes! Yay!” she squealed, clapping her hands.

Daniel was busy at the stove, flipping pancakes with a smile. “Just what the princess ordered!” he teased, pouring syrup onto the stack.

Johnny set the table, placing colorful plates and cups down for each of them. “Remember, it’s important to have a good breakfast before school. You need energy for all the fun you’ll have!” he encouraged as he placed a heaping stack of pancakes in front of Sam.

As they sat down to eat, Sam eagerly dug into her pancakes, while Robby poked at his with a fork, lost in thought. “What if no one wants to play with me at recess?” he murmured, his brow furrowed in concern.

“Hey, I bet there will be lots of kids who want to play with the coolest dinosaur in school,” Johnny said, leaning closer to his son. “Just be friendly, and you’ll be surprised at how many friends you can make.”