[Second Chances 02]California Dreams by Morris Fenris Page A

class.”
    “Ah, you’ve already met Brad then.”
    “Not yet. We’re scheduled for a tour this afternoon.”
    “Well, be warned. I hear his wife Teresa is planning to bring the newest litter of kittens by the school later today.”
    “Kittens?” Grace asked, already envisioning how much trouble she was going to be in when she would have to refuse her daughter’s tearful pleas for one.
    “Yes, but don’t worry, your little one will forgive you. Mine always did.”
    Grace smiled, “Let’s hope you’re right. We haven’t had to fight the ‘I want a pet’ issue yet.”
    Deirdre grinned, “Oh, you are so in for it tonight. I remember whenever my boys would take it into their heads that they needed a new pet. I always said ‘No’ right away because I knew who would ultimately end up taking care of the poor animal. My husband however, always left the door open just a teensy bit so they thought there was still a chance.”
    “I didn’t want to completely crush their dreams,” David said with a laugh.
    “No, you left that to me.” Deirdre gave him an indulgent smile. A loving smile.
    “Well, since I’m the only parent Daniella has, I guess I won’t have to worry about that. How many other children do you have?” Grace asked, making polite conversation while Derek dealt with a problem a few steps away.
    “Three boys in all. You know Brad runs the preschool program at the school. Michael is physician that believes homeopathic and natural remedies can work side-by-side with modern medicine, and then there’s Mark who is currently on location somewhere in the Middle East on an archaeological dig site.”
    “Wow! You must be very proud of your boys.”
    Deirdre smiled, “Yes, we are. I only wish the younger two would settle down and follow in Brad’s footsteps.”
    “Dear, they’ll settle down when they’re ready. Sorry, she’s been wanting grandchildren for some time now. I hear you’re the miracle worker with the children’s choir.”
    Grace blushed and nodded, “Well, the kids do all of the work, I just help them keep together.”
    David chuckled, “I don’t believe that for a moment. Derek here was just telling us that you have a wonderful season planned out.”
    Grace looked at Derek who was still talking to some staff but gave her a thumbs up. She nodded in recognition of the sign, and turned her attention back to the Simpsons, “It looks like Derek might be tied up for a bit. Have you already had a tour of the facility?”
    “Yes, dear. We were actually just waiting around to meet you before we took off. Now that we’ve done that, please tell Derek that he can expect to receive a sizable check in the mail. What you’re doing here is wonderful and we would be honored to help underwrite your spring semester.”
    Grace was floored, “Really?! I mean, Thank You!” Stumped for anything else to say, she shook their hands again.
    “We would love to come by and watch you work with the children,” Deirdre said with a smile.
    “Of course. Anytime. Really. We start meeting the second Monday in January and you are more than welcome to come and watch.”
    Deirdre smiled at her and patted her on the arm, “We’ll plan on it.”
    “Come along dear, we’ve taken up enough of Grace’s time.” David pulled his wife away with a small wave and Grace then watched as David escorted his wife out of the theatre.
    Derek came up behind her, “Well that makes our jobs a lot easier.”
    “Derek, he said he’s going to underwrite the entire semester. Does he know how much money that comes to?”
    Derek smiled and nodded, “Yes, because I told him.”
    “How did they find out about us? Did you ask?” Grace was still in shock. I don’t have to fundraise this semester! Yeah!
    “They helped their son chaperone his preschool class when they attended your fall concert. They were very impressed.” Derek pulled her into a half-hug and then made an announcement to the other staff members who were waiting