Aricka was taking Patton Jr. to the park today. Dan was going to meet her there-not at the gazebo, but at the swingset. "C'mon boy," she says, and the puppy jumps into her arms and the duo head to the park. "I'll be back for lunch!" she hollers, as an afterthought. 

Logan and Patton watch from the steps, and Virgil/Roman watch from Roman's window. "She's growing up," they say together, feeling sad and happy all at once. 

"Remember when-" Roman starts, but Virgil cuts him off.

"Save the reminiscing for her graduation day, Princey!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aricka runs into Dan's arms, and they hug. "PJ's missed you," she says, using Patton Jr.'s nickname.

"I've missed the both of you," he says. It was fall break now, so they could spend more time together. She smiles, and they start walking around the park. "I heard that you all are going on tour," he says. She nods.

"Dad's bringing the Ultimate Storytime tour back. I'm nervous because he wants me to sing a Peter Pan song for it." Dan grabs her hand, and she lets him.

"You'll do fine," he reassures her. "Trust me." Aricka smiles up at Dan-at 5'll he was taller than her by 8 inches. 

"Thanks, Dan." he opens his arms again, and they hug, the smell of his cologne washing over Aricka in a blanket of calm.

"Anytime, Aricka."