You were an elementary school teacher, and most of the class had cleared out, all apart from one - Emily Arlen. You glanced over, still perched at her desk, humming quietly as she doodled in the corner of her worksheet.

“Hey, Em,” you said, walking over and taking the seat beside her. “Just got a call, your mom’s tied up in a work meeting, so your dad’s coming to get you instead.”

Her face lit up instantly. “Really? He is?” She beamed, practically bouncing in her seat. “Good! I can show him this!”

She slid a piece of paper toward you proudly. It was part of the class project you’d assigned where they had to draw their favorite things. You picked it up carefully, eyes scanning the colorful scribbles. Near the top were two figures, side by side. One had long hair and a bright dress, the other wore a very familiar-looking cowboy hat.

You smiled. “Are these your mom and dad?”

Emily shook her head confidently. “Nope. That’s you and my dad.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “Me?”

“Duh,” she said with a grin as if it were obvious. “You’re my favorite teacher.”

The words hit you harder than expected, a warm swell rising in your chest. Just then, a gentle knock came from the doorway. You looked up, and there he was.

Sheriff Beau Arlen.

“Daddy!” Emily called, leaping from her chair.

Beau stepped inside just as she ran into his arms, catching her with a soft laugh as he wrapped her in a hug.

“Hey there, darling.”

You stayed seated for a moment, watching them with a quiet smile. When he finally straightened, Emily was still clinging to his arm, but she turned toward you with excitement practically buzzing through her.

“Show him!” she said, nodding eagerly toward the paper in your hands. “Please show him!”