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The rumble in Steed’s chest made my body warm.
“It could be lime green and banana yellow for all I care. As long as I get to wake up in the morning holding you and kiss you every night.”
The ringing from my back pocket pulled me from the memory. Wiping my tears, I took my phone out.
Corina.
Hitting the button on the side of my phone, I sent it to voicemail. I needed to be alone so I could figure out my game plan.
I walked over to the large silver dresser and pulled open the top drawer. Pushing my clothes out of the way, I pulled out the black velvet bag that held the memories of my past with Steed. I clutched it to my chest while a new round of sobs shook my body.
Taking in a deep breath, I blew it out and waited for the kids to arrive. The first day of school was always stressful for both the kids and parents. But today I was the one stressing out.
It had been four days since I saw Steed. He never called, which didn’t surprise me. I hated that I even let myself get worked up over it.
I smiled when the first kids started walking in.
“Good morning! Moms and dads, give your goodbyes at the door and then boys and girls please go to your seats. There is a fun coloring activity waiting for you.” I repeated the greeting about every three minutes or so.
This was one of the hardest parts. Each year, I fought to hold my tears back as I watched parents hold onto their children. Their tears were hard to ignore as I fought to hold my own back.
Smile. Just keep smiling.
Walking around the classroom, I helped each student get started with their coloring project, waiting for the whole class to show up. My body tingled as I glanced up and saw Steed standing in the doorway with Chloe, but my heart broke when I saw she was crying. Throwing herself at Steed, he wrapped her in his arms and whispered something to her. She shook her head and squeezed him harder.
I normally never interrupted a parent and child on the first day, but I could see both of them were not dealing well at all. With a deep breath, I headed over. Chloe looked up at me. She dropped her hold on Steed and gave me a weak grin. Bending down, I came face to face with her. It wasn’t lost on me how close I was to Steed as well. My body could instantly feel his heat.
“Good morning, Chloe cat.”
Her eyes lit up at the nickname. I wasn’t sure why I called her that. I never gave my students nicknames.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as I wiped her tears.
“I’m afraid.” Chloe said between sobs.
Glancing at Steed, I could see this was killing him.
“It’s okay to be scared, Chloe. You’re not the only one who is nervous, but I promise you’re going to have so much fun today.”
Chloe tilted her head. “I’m just nervous? Not scared?”
I tittered. “Maybe a little of both.”
She turned to Steed. “Will you be okay today without me, Daddy?”
My heart stopped. How precious was she? And the look on Steed’s face left me breathless.
Steed took her hands in his. “I’m going to miss you, pumpkin, but I promise I’ll be okay.”
I stilled. That was the same pet name he had called me all those years ago.
He kissed the back of each of her hands. “Do the song, Daddy.”
Steed’s face turned white. “Um … we did it in the car, Chloe.”
Her little lip came out in a full-on pout, and I was positive she was about to lose it again.
Turning to Steed, I said, “I think today is such a special day that doing your song twice will make it extra special.”
Chloe nodded. We waited as Steed’s eyes bounced from me to Chloe. It was obvious he was nervous about this song of theirs.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he mumbled.
“Daddy, please!” Chloe begged.
He swallowed hard then softly started singing. “You and me.”
I prayed he hadn’t noticed the sharp intake of air I had sucked in.
Next, Chloe sang. “Me and You.”
“No one has to tell me who,” Steed sang.
“For you will always be my truuuuue.”
Steed’s eyes caught mine as he sang the last line. “Yes … you will always be my true … true … love.” He was singing so softly, I barely heard the words.
My eyes filled with tears as Steed stared at me.
“I love you, Daddy.”
Not removing his gaze from mine, Steed whispered, “I love you.” Turning to face Chloe, he cleared his throat and said, “I love you too. Have a good day, pumpkin.”
When I stood, I nearly lost my balance, causing Steed to take my arm to steady me. I felt the sting of electricity zip through my body and I knew he had felt it too by the way he reacted.
