Page 115 of Gifts

He puts his lips to the top of my head and his voice is low and rough. “Never doubted that, Keelie.”

“I’m so fucked up.” I sniffle into his chest. “I’m sorry you found that. I should’ve told you, or deleted it, but I forgot all about it with everything that’s happened.”

“I just read how you fell in love with me. I’m going to have an issue if you delete that.”

I lift my head to look at him through my watery eyes. “You want to keep my journal to my dead husband? You might be just as fucked up as me.”

“Because of your history, I get Knox and Saylor, along with you. Never regret that. Can’t do anything about the past—it’s time to look ahead. You love me?”

I lift up onto my toes. “So much it hurts.”

“That’s all I need.” He leans down to deepen my kiss. “You sure you’re done with the therapist?”

I nod and swallow over the lump in my throat, more relieved than I’ve ever been. “I am.”

“If you’re not, you need to tell me. I’ll do everything I can to take care of you, baby.”

“I know.” I close my eyes and press into him, finally feeling settled. I’m home—for the first time since I moved to the farm, I’m home because I’m in his arms. “I know you will.”

Chapter 29

Never

Keelie

Standing here in Brett White’s office, I watch him rub his face, looking more frustrated than I’ve ever seen him. I know this is only his second year, but it’s been a challenging one. I don’t blame him for wanting it all to be over with.

He leans back and looks out his window. When he glances back to me, he says, “I’m trying to decide how to proceed. I don’t want to be an alarmist—you know how parents can be. Then again, we can’t overlook something as serious as this. Tell me again how you came about this information.”

It’s not an actual rule that a school employee can’t date a parent, but I’m sure it wouldn’t look great. Even though it’s not exactly a secret I’m dating Asa Hollingsworth, the principal isn’t really in the grapevine circles. I have no idea if he knows and I’m not about to tell him. The fact that Asa and his children have moved into my home is something I really have no desire to explain. “Emmerson Hollingsworth is my student—you’re aware of all that’s happened with her this year. Well, her father works in law enforcement. He got a tip and felt it important we know.”

The law enforcement part is a stretch, but oh well.

“I see. I’ll contact Beth’s parents right away, they deserve to know their daughter might have been a target of trafficking. Those poor people—they’re devastated. I’ll draft an email and send it to the parent distribution list.” He stands and shrugs. “But we don’t have concrete evidence. I can’t just throw around speculations. I can remind parents of school policies—especially with graduation coming up next week—and encourage families to be more aware.”

I hide my disapproval. “Thanks for your time. I just wanted you to know.”

I stand and make my way to leave his office when he calls for me. “Keelie?”

I look back.

“We all know how rumors can become fake news. Until we get more evidence, let’s keep this under wraps. I don’t need a line of parents knocking my door down demanding answers I don’t have.”

I try to remain passive and not frown. “I came to you with this for a reason. I know it’s only our second year working together, but I don’t gossip. I hope I’ve proven I’m nothing but professional.”

My mind goes back to Asa kissing me in my office, but whatever. Besides that—and the fact two of my students are now living in my home and their father is in my bed—I’m nothing but professional.

“Sorry, Keelie. Of course, you’ve proven to be nothing but.” He shoots me a genuine expression. “Just had to cover my bases.”

I give him my winning fake-smile in return. “Good.”

I scurry back to my office, not at all interested in talking about my so-called professionalism. When it gets right down to it, I don’t give a shit.

I’ve never felt the way I do with Asa. If I have to find another job, it’ll suck, but I’ll do it.

*****

“I’m sorry, Maggie. We’re at the end of the year. If you don’t pass your biology final, you’ll either have to take it this summer or again next year. If you choose to wait until next year, you won’t be on track to graduate.”

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