The Soldier's Legacy. GINA WILKINS

have to look up very far to meet their six-foot-tall host eye to eye when they shook hands. When had her boy grown so tall? And would he really be a teenager in only a few months? How had the time passed so quickly?

      With a slight shake of her head to clear the momentary sadness, she moved forward, rattling the keys in her hand for attention. “It’s time to go, guys. Thank you again for breakfast, Mary Pat.”

      “You’re very welcome. Have a wonderful day at school, kids. I’ll have a special treat waiting for you when you get home.”

      Jade had to swallow a sigh. She and her children would all be spoiled by the time they moved out of this house.

      Trevor turned to Bella. “You’ll have a great day, too, Little Bit. I have no doubt.”

      Trying very hard to look as brave as her brother and sister, Bella nodded, though her lower lip quivered. “My teacher is nice,” she whispered as if giving herself an encouraging reminder.

      “That’s what your mom said. And I’m sure you’ll make some new friends in your class.”

      “I already met a girl named Jovie at the open house.”