Page 108 of Time for Change

He sighs as the next kid walks up to receive his certificate. Christian walks over to stand in line with the rest of his class, waving wildly in our direction. We all wave, as Jack whispers, “No, I suppose not. Nothing should surprise me with that kid.”

I rest my head against his shoulder, and we watch the last part of the ceremony. When it’s all done, the graduates walk back down the aisle, waving at their parents and excited for the next phase in their lives: kindergarten.

The attendees are all dismissed, and slowly, we make our way to the classroom to collect Christian. We’re all going to Burgers and Brew for lunch, as a celebration for his big morning. I hang back in the hallway with Cort, Caden, and the grandparents, while Jack and Mya go inside to get their son.

When they’re ready, I hear Christian ask his dad, “Is it time?”

“Not yet. Almost,” he assures his son, assuming they’re talking about the party at the restaurant.

“All right, if everyone wants to head over to Burgers and Brew, we’ll have lunch together,” Mya announces to our small group.

Jack and I walk hand in hand toward the exit, anxious to get to the party. When I asked Garreth if we could have it at the restaurant, he insisted he make the luncheon special for Christian. I have no idea what we’ll walk into, but I’m certain it’ll be above and beyond a simple lunch.

We reach Jack’s truck. Both kids are riding over to the restaurant with Mya and Cort, but then will be leaving with us for the rest of the weekend. We haven’t told them yet, but we’re leaving tonight for a mini vacation to Gatlinburg as an official kickoff to summer break. They’re going to be so excited.

“Ready?” he asks, reaching for the passenger door handle, but pausing to take me in his arms.

“Yes.”

“Good. We’re going to make lots of memories this weekend,” he says, leaning in and placing a kiss on my lips.

I give him a quick smile. I might be just as excited as the kids will be once they find out. This is my first official vacation. Four nights in a rustic cabin, complete with game room and small swimming pool, exploring the mountains and all the area has to offer. Oh, and the king-sized bed and private hot tub just off the balcony of the master suite.

All that naked time at night with Jack.

Sign me up.

***

Jack

We walk into the restaurant, and I can’t believe what I see. They have our party seated over on the bar side, and there are balloons everywhere. Not to mention, a table set up with custom cupcakes, all with race cars and a congratulations message to Christian.

“Is this for me?” he asks, walking behind us and taking in the room.

“I think so, buddy,” I reply, shaking my head.

Garreth walks around the corner with a wide smile on his face. “Welcome,” he greets. “We have you set up here.”

“Garreth,” Stevie says, walking over and giving him a hug. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“It’s not every day a little man graduates from preschool,” he replies, holding up his fist for Christian to tap knuckles.

“Dad, look! Cupcakes!” Christian takes off toward the table, with Mya hot on his heels.

“I’ll go make sure he doesn’t lick the frosting off half of them,” she mutters, chasing her son.

“This is too much,” I tell the restaurant manager as I reach out my hand and give his a shake.

“Never. We’re big on parties around here. You’ll get used to it,” he states. “Plus, Uncle Jameson insisted Christian have a big celebration. And Lyndee provided the sweet treats,” he adds, referring to Jasper’s wife, who owns the bakery across the street.

“Wow, I don’t know what to say,” Stevie says, blushing. No doubt from the uncle reference when Garreth was talking about her brother.

“Have a seat and enjoy. Your server will be with you shortly,” he says with a wink.

We head for the large table, where my parents and Mya’s are already seated.

“Daddy, can we now?” Christian hollers, running over to where Stevie and I stand.

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