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He hurried away, and Ruby dropped her hands from her face, which was blazing red.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” she said. “I didn’t bother sending a message to say I was coming home earlier because I didn’t know he’d have company. He never does. Like, ever.”
“Thanks, Rubes,” Warren said, striding back into the room. “Way to make me sound like a loser.”
“You’re not.” She turned to me. “He’s really not, I swear. He’s an awesome dad, and I know the mums think he’s good looking.”
Warren released a hard-done-by sigh. “You’re not selling me, kid.” He turned off the cooktop and removed the skillet, presumably so he could give his full attention to his daughter. “Right. Okay.” He sounded like a man about to go to the executioner’s chair, but he still hadn’t asked me to leave or immediately denied anything, so I counted that as a win—although I knew this was far from the way—or time—he’d have liked Ruby to find out about us. “Rubes, you know Miss Olson. Hannah.”
She nodded, and waggled her fingers in an awkward wave.
“Hannah and I are dating. It’s very new, and we didn’t mean for you to discover us like this. I know it might be a bit strange for you since she’s your teacher, but we’d like to hear what you think.”
To my surprise, Ruby beamed. “I think it’s great. I mean, it’s kind of a surprise, but as long as I don’t get treated differently at school, I’m happy if you’re happy, Dad.”
“Really?” A furrow formed between his eyebrows. “That seemed too easy.”
Ruby laughed. “I’ve been trying to get you to date someone for, like, months now, but this is the first time it’s worked.”
“Huh?” His frown deepened.
“You’re lonely,” she said. “You hide it well, but I can tell, and I’ve been trying to mention nice ladies whenever I meet them, but you never pay attention.” She ducked her head, then added, “I was kind of hoping you might spark with Miss Olson, but figured you’d probably just not notice her like all the others.”
He looked baffled, and I couldn’t resist the urge to giggle. Poor Warren. Ruby had been trying to parent trap him and he’d been completely oblivious.
“You’re really okay with this?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yeah, Miss Olson is nice.” She smiled at me shyly. “I’m glad she’s the one you finally decided to date.”
“Aw, come here.” I pulled her into a hug that probably wasn’t student-teacher appropriate, but forget that. Ruby was Warren’s daughter, and I wanted her to be more than just another of my students.
When we parted, she glanced at Warren. “Can we do a movie day today? It’d be cool to spend time together, all three of us.”
For a moment, he looked like a deer in the headlights, but then the corners of his eyes crinkled. “Yeah, Rubes. We can do that.”
So instead of eating pancakes in the kitchen, we ate them front of an action comedy film. Ruby snorted with laughter and gave us a running commentary. My heart felt full to bursting. I couldn’t help thinking that being here, with them, was exactly how I wanted to spend my time. Perhaps I’d finally found what I’d been looking for in Warren and Ruby. It wasn’t the family I’d envisioned for myself, but picturing myself with them into the future, it felt so much better.
CHAPTER8
Warren
Dating Hannah turned out to be surprisingly easy. She and Ruby got along well, sometimes even ganging up on me. We didn’t bother trying to hide our budding relationship since the cat was out of the bag, so we spent a lot of time as a group. For the most part, Hannah joined Ruby and I for dinner and games or television after work. We went out on the weekends twice—once for a hike, and another to visit her friend London, who had horses Ruby had been dying to see.
It was nice—although that word couldn’t accurately capture the deep contentment I felt when I saw Hannah and Ruby laughing together. During those moments, I was filled with hope that our relationship might work out and the three of us could be family. I wanted that so badly, but I was afraid to reach out and take it.
I knew Hannah had some issues around abandonment and rejection because of her mother, and while I was careful not to say anything that might trigger her insecurities, I was also hesitant to make the final jump and go all in. Probably because I’d kept my heart locked away for so long. Hopefully she’d be patient with me.
Ruby and I were making pizza when there was a knock at the door and then Hannah entered. She was grinning from ear to ear. I ached to sweep her into an embrace but settled for kissing her cheek since my daughter was in the room.
“Guess what,” she said, bouncing on the spot. “I have news.”
“What is it?” Ruby asked, setting a flat piece of dough aside and reaching for another.
“The principal pulled me aside after class today and said they’ve had really good feedback about me from the students and teachers.”
“That’s great,” I said, pleased that her efforts were being recognized. She put her whole heart and soul into teaching those kids.
“But that’s not the best part.” Hannah leaned over to sniff the sauce I was cooking for the pizza. “Mm. Smells good. Anyway, she said that the school board has done some rejigging and rearranging of the budget and staffing, and they’re able to offer me a permanent position.”
