His Apprehensive Mate - Brea Alepou Page 0,78

that they were Ava’s legal guardians. She’d already started to call them by the new names. Kenny’s heart fluttered every time she called him Dad. He just hoped he lived up to the title.

“Ava, let’s go, we’re going to be late for the meeting.”

Ava came out of her room, her blue hair straightened and a backpack slung over her shoulders. They’d been school shopping, and to say Ava was overjoyed about school was an understatement. Kenny swore she’d probably slept with that backpack on.

“Are you ready?” Kenny asked.

Ava was all smiles as she nodded. They piled into the car and left for the high school downtown. They’d chosen a private school for Ava to attend. It was the easiest with her having no academics before. She was tested, and they’d be finding out where she’d be placed for the school year.

“You think they will like me?” Ava asked nervously.

“I’m sure they will. We do,” Morgan said.

“Ugh, you two don’t count. You’re my parents.”

Kenny caught Morgan’s eye for a brief second before he focused back on the road. They both were smiling at that fact. Ava was far from fully healed or over what had happened, but with therapy and Morgan and Kenny’s encouragement, she was doing a lot better. They pulled up to the school, a redbrick building.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Ava said.

“Me too,” Morgan echoed.

“You two get it together. We won’t be late for this meeting.”

Ava unbuckled and scooted closer to the front seats. “We’re ten minutes early.”

“No, on time,” Kenny corrected.

Ava sighed, knowing Kenny wasn’t budging on the time. “When you have to drop me off for school, am I going to be super early?”

“You will never be late.”

Ava sighed again and jumped out of the car. “That means yes.”

Morgan stifled his laugh and covered his mouth. They made their way up the stairs. Ava’s nerves were showing as she kept trying to push a door that clearly said pull. Her cheeks were bright red as Kenny held the door for them. They got their visitor passes and made their way to the principal’s office. They were shown around the school and met a few of Ava’s teachers, the ones who could step out for a bit at least. By the time the tour was over, Kenny was happy with their choice of school for her, and Ava seemed overjoyed as they gave her a passcode for her very own locker.

“We can’t wait to see you on Monday, Ava,” the principal said as they headed to leave.

“Thank you,” Kenny said, shaking the man’s hand.

The principal shook Morgan’s hand.

“I should be the one thanking you. Ava’s test scores were incredible. We are truly honored to have a student of her level go here. Although she is fourteen, she tested at the junior level for math and science.”

Kenny’s chest filled with pride for his daughter. Ava smiled big before shaking the principal’s hand, looking him in the eyes and thanking him for his time. They spent well over an hour in the school. It was supposed to be a short meeting, but it went a little longer than planned, but if Ava was happy, Kenny didn’t mind.

They pulled up to the pride house shortly after. Ava was already out of the car and headed toward the door. Kenny got out and went to Morgan’s side and let him out. They interlocked their fingers together and followed their overzealous teen into the house. They found Ava in the kitchen showing Kash and Dezi her new schedule.

“When do you start, kid?” Dezi asked.

Ava was all smiles. “They said I can start tomorrow, but Dad asked if it can wait till Monday since tomorrow is Friday.”

“Congratulations, Ava,” Kash said.

She couldn’t contain her smile, and Kenny was glad he was able to witness it. Dillan walked into the kitchen and was promptly attacked with the information that Ava had her school schedule.

Morgan went to sit at the table with the others as Ava talked about their walk-through of the school and meeting her math teacher, already dubbed her favorite. Kenny made his way farther into the kitchen and looked over what was in the fridge.

“I was thinking pizza,” Kash said.

Kenny closed the fridge door. “That actually sounds good.” He lifted a brow at Kash. “Are we orderi—”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.”

Kenny put his hands up. “Fine, dumb question. I’ll help.”

“Thank you. The twins just went down, so that should give me two hours.”

“They’re a rowdy bunch.”

Kash laughed. “They take after