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MCKENNA
The classroom is lined with all the brightest colors. My students’ names are written perfectly on desk mats. Even all my supplies are organized to a fault. To say I’m nervous about my first day would be an understatement. I’ve been imagining this for years and I need it to go flawlessly. Something in my life needs to be how I pictured it.
I watch the minutes tick by as I await the arrival of the tiny humans I get the pleasure of teaching this year. I’d met them all a week ago during orientation. Each one of them is so sweet and eager to learn. The amount of fun we’re going to have this year is immeasurable.
A knock on the door startles me. I place a hand on my heart and turn to see who it is. Principal Jackson enters the room with a shy smile, holding a vase of flowers.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I shake my head. “No, you’re fine. I was zoned out. What have you got there?”
“These were delivered for you.”
He places the vase on my desk and I catch a glimpse of the card.
Good luck on your first day. I love you. – Parker
The bouquet is beautiful, with white and pink roses, baby’s breath fillers, and vibrant green leaves. It’s everything I should love, but it only makes me think of the ones Colton sent me the morning of my interview. Calla lilies, my favorite.
“From your boyfriend?” Principal Jackson asks.
“Fiancé.” I smile. “We’re getting married at the end of this month.”
His eyebrows raise. “Wow, that’s fantastic. Congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
Tatum has been losing her mind with all the planning. I cannot count the number of times she’s yelled at me for not only making her do this on such short notice, but having her slow down for a couple of weeks. According to her, every minute is vital. A part of me considered using that as an excuse to postpone the wedding, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell Parker that I don’t want to marry him this fall - especially not when I know Tatum can get it done.
“Are you going to need time off for the honeymoon? I’d like to know in advance if I need a substitute.”
“Oh, no.” I chuckle. “That won’t be necessary. Parker is a med student. I’m lucky he found enough time to have a wedding, let alone go on a honeymoon.”
He nods in understanding. “Well, it looks like it’s time to go get the kids from the gym. How about we walk down there together?”
Getting up from my desk, the two of us leave the room and head toward the boisterous sound children playing. Here goes nothing.
THE DAY GOES ACCORDING to plan, and I cannot seem to keep the smile from my face. All my students are incredible little kids. They were shy at first, but once we started to play a few ‘break the ice’ games, they warmed right up. I can already tell this year is going to be amazing.
I pack up and make my way to the exit, waving goodbye to other members of the faculty as I pass. When I get into my new car - something Parker bought me when we both decided a Vespa isn’t cold weather friendly - I realize who the first person I want to tell about my day is.
Ever since I got the flowers from Parker this morning, I haven’t been able to get Colton off my mind. He’s the most supportive person I know, and I can picture him now – smiling brightly as he listens to me ramble about how much I love my students already.
It’s been too long since I’ve seen him. Since I’ve heard his voice, since I’ve touched his skin. Tatum mentioned that he moved back in after a couple weeks. I was glad to hear that him and Maverick worked it out. The last thing I want is for them to lose each other; they’re too close for that.
I haven’t been able to bring myself to go to my brother’s house since the day of Roman’s party. Even when Colton wasn’t there, I knew every inch of that place would remind me of him. And since he moved back in, I’ve stayed away to avoid seeing him. Judging by the way he’s been absent from family dinners, he’s doing the same.
PARKER GETS HOME A few hours after I do. I’m cooking sausage and peppers for dinner when he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. I smile as he places a light kiss to my cheek.
“Hello, love.” He greets me.
“Hi. You hungry?”
“Starved. How was your first day?”
“It was better than I could have imagined. The kids are so smart and kind. I couldn’t have asked for better students.” Putting the lid back on the pan, I turn to lean on the counter, only to find him staring down at his phone. “Are you even listening?” He doesn’t answer. “Parker?!”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, that’s great.”
