Page 29 of Perfect Professor

When they parted, Adrianna rested her forehead against his, her eyes shining with love and tenderness. “The future is ours, my love. And I’m not going anywhere.” Adrianna gave his hand another gentle squeeze. “You’re stuck with me.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Miss Rose.” Mickey grinned, the smile that had stolen her heart from the very first day.

Adrianna’s joy bubbled up inside her, overflowing in the form of laughter. Mickey chuckled along with her, the sound melodic and carefree.

The sun may have set on the day, but for them, a new day was dawning. Full of promise and hope for a future, they would build side by side, hand in hand and heart to heart.

Their love lit the way forward, a flame to guide them through any darkness. As long as they had each other, there was no obstacle they couldn’t overcome. No challenge too great. No distance too far.

Together, they could do anything.

19

Four years later…

Adrianna lay in Mickey’s arms, her head resting on his chest as his fingers traced lazy circles on her bare back. The steady thump of his heart usually lulled her to sleep, but tonight, an uneasy feeling churned in the pit of her stomach.

“What’s wrong, love?” Mickey’s deep voice rumbled against her cheek.

She bit her lip, hesitating. They had been drifting apart, the long hours he spent at the college and her deadlines as a writer pulling them in opposite directions. Their date nights were few, and conversations seemed stilted. She missed the intimacy they used to share.

“Do you ever wish we didn’t have the responsibilities we do?” she asked. “That we could just run away together, like we used to dream about?”

Mickey was silent for a moment. She could sense the tension in his body, feel his heart rate quicken. “I think about it sometimes,” he admitted. “Life was simpler then. Now, with the kids...” He trailed off with a sigh.

Adrianna’s eyes stung. She loved Jack and Lily with all her heart, but she feared that love had come at the cost of her relationship with Mickey. “Do you ever regret it?” The words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them. “Marrying me?”

“Never,” Mickey said, tightening his arms around her. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’d never regret the life we’ve built together.”

His words eased the ache in her chest. She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. The love and conviction she saw there stole her breath away.

“We’ll get through this,” he promised, brushing his lips against hers. “As long as we have each other, we can face any challenge.”

Adrianna smiled, reassured. No matter what obstacles they encountered, their love would see them through. She rested her head on his chest again, comforted by the steady beat of his heart, and drifted off to sleep in his arms.

The next morning, Adrianna woke up and found Mickey gazing at her with a tender smile.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said.

Adrianna smiled back at him, warmth flooding her chest. “Good morning.” She stretched out her arms with a happy sigh. “What time is it?”

“Just after eight. The kids are still asleep.” Mickey propped himself up on one elbow. “I was thinking we could have breakfast at the little cafe down the street, if you want. We haven’t had a date in weeks. My mother is here to watch them for a couple of hours.”

“That sounds perfect.” Adrianna sat up, brushing a hand through her hair. As much as she loved her children, she cherished the rare moments of alone time with Mickey. A casual breakfast date would be a nice reprieve from the usual chaos.

“Great.” Mickey kissed her cheek and climbed out of bed. “I’ll go make some coffee. Take your time getting ready.”

Adrianna watched him leave the room, a content smile on her face. Despite the ups and downs, they always found their way back to each other. That was the beauty of true love—an unbreakable bond that endured through all seasons.

After her shower, Adrianna stood in front of the mirror and studied her reflection. She hardly recognized the ambitious woman she used to be. Life had weathered her in ways both good and bad, etching laughter lines around her eyes and softening the sharp angles of her face. But she wouldn’t trade the woman she had become for anything.

Adrianna walked over to her desk and lovingly ran a finger along the spines of her books. Her writing had brought her more joy and fulfillment than she could have ever imagined. And to think, it had all started with a tattered journal and a broken heart so many years ago.

With a smile, Adrianna left the room. Today was a new day full of promise, and she intended to embrace every moment. Her heart was full, her family was happy, and that was all she could ever ask for.

* * *

After breakfast with Adrianna, Mickey whistled as he walked down the cobblestone path towards Brenwood College, clutching his worn leather briefcase. After four years of teaching, he still loved his job as much as the day he first started. There was something magical about opening young minds to the wonders of literature, seeing their eyes light up with curiosity and awe.

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