Page 176 of Peaks and Promises

But that didn’t just require some classes or a short certificate program. That meant a bachelor’s degree, and a masters. It was a lot of school—a lot of time and money.

And would I even have what it took? I didn’t know.

I clicked back to the other page. I’d found a number of online certificate programs in various fields. They all had their pros and cons. None of them were waitressing, and that was a big pro. As much as I enjoyed working at the Copper Kettle, I was ready for something new.

Reese came in and his subtle smile sent tingles down my spine. I closed the laptop and moved it aside.

“I brought dinner.” He held up a to-go bag from a bistro we both liked.

“That’s a nice surprise. Thank you.”

“You worked all day.” He brought the bag to the table and set it down. “Figured you might enjoy dinner without having to think about it.”

“So much.”

He got silverware from the kitchen and sat down next to me, then we dug into our food.

“How were things up at your parents’?” I asked.

“Good. The kids were already getting their sleeping bags set up for their campout.”

“Hopefully they actually sleep.”

Reese chuckled. “I wouldn’t count on it. But he’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, he has a few days before school starts. I’m trying not to be nervous about that, but it’s hard.”

“That’s going to be fine, too. He’s not the same kid who punched Joey Conroy at recess.”

I laughed. “Don’t remind me of that.”

He gently caressed my back. “He’s going to do great. He’s home now.”

“We’re all home.”

Leaning over, he pressed a soft kiss to my lips.

“Speaking of school…” I hadn’t told Reese that I’d been looking at programs. “I’ve been thinking about going back to school. I know that will cost money and take time, and I haven’t figured out if I can keep working full-time, but I think—”

“Do it.”

I gaped at him. “That’s it? Do it?”

“Yeah. If you want to go back to school, go back to school. It’s a great idea. What do you want to study?”

“I’ve been looking at some certificate programs. A lot of them are only twelve to fourteen weeks long. That would get me back to work right away.”

“Are any of them things you actually want to do?”

I hesitated. “I guess they’re things I wouldn’t mind doing.”

Shifting in his chair, he turned to face me. “What do you really want to do?”

“Well…” I fiddled with a strand of hair. “The thing is, there’s another path I was considering, but it’s a big deal. I’m talking a lot of school.”

“What is it?”

“I was thinking counseling.” Saying it aloud, I suddenly felt silly. “I don’t know why I’m even mentioning it. You need a master’s degree.”