Page 91 of Revived

Chapter 28

Luke

Six Weeks Later

“Are there going to be lots of books there?”

“Of course, bud. There are lots of books in a school.”

“But do they have this book, Daddy?” Grayson holds up his favorite book—you guessed it, the one about the human body. The corners are tattered and a few pages are ripped, but the little guy still insists on bringing it everywhere.

“Uh, well, I don’t know, Grayson.”

“Then we have to bring it,” he declares, marching over to his backpack sitting by the door, unzipping the large pocket, and then shoving the book inside.

“The body book is going to Kindergarten, huh?” That voice that makes me smile instantly pulls my sight to the hallway as I watch Rachel stride towards me, a long yellow dress draped over her body, her hair down and curled delicately.

“Uh, yeah,” I say and then clear my throat. Suddenly my thoughts have nothing to do with the anxiety I feel about taking my son to his first day of school, but rather all the things I want to do to this woman later. “You look gorgeous.”

“Well, today is a big day, isn’t it, Grayson?”

“Yup! It’s our first day of school!” He jumps and then runs to hug her.

“That’s right. Are you ready?”

Grayson retreats and then sheepishly looks down at the ground. “Yeah, but I’m a little scared.”

Tipping his chin up with her fingers, she crouches down to his level and then smooths his hair from his face. “Me too, hun. But when we get home tonight, I’ll share all of my stories with you if you promise to tell me yours too.”

“Okay!” His face lights up again as he turns to grab his backpack.

“Don’t be nervous, babe. You’re going to do great.” My hands grip her hips while I gently pull her into my arms.

“I know. It’s just been a while since I’ve sat in a classroom. But this is it. I’m finally on the downhill slide to becoming a teacher.” Then she stands tall and takes a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

“I know you are.” Placing a soft kiss on her lips, she melts into me as I hold her like the treasure that she is. Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel having Rachel back in our lives.

After I groveled and convinced her to give me another chance, Rachel moved back in with us. It only took one afternoon to bring all of her belongings over to my house again, and the second Grayson came home and saw her there, he leapt into her arms. We resumed our schedule as normal, except for being completely honest with Grayson about Rachel being my girlfriend now.

Girlfriend. There’s something about that word that just seems juvenile. I guess if there was a label to classify who she is to me, it would be that one. But being as that I’m thirty-two-years-old, it makes the title of our relationship feel childish, when it’s anything but that. I know I want to marry Rachel one day, and she’s voiced the same confirmation. But she insisted she at least finish her teaching credential before we entertain that idea. However, she never said I couldn’t put a ring on her finger before then, a thought that’s been slowly taking shape in my mind.

“Okay, boys. Come on, we don’t want to be late for the first day of school!” Rachel grabs Grayson by the hand as I reach for my keys, locking the house behind us as we settle into the car and make our way to the elementary school a few blocks away.

With Grayson wedged between us, one of his hands in each of ours, we stride up to the school, taking in the scene of other families all around us. Older children kiss their parents at the gate, the sixth graders roll their eyes as their mom’s and dad’s attempt one last picture before they scurry off, and the younger ones all lead their parents to their new classrooms.

But the only sight I focus on is the one I’m a part of right now—my son and perfect woman in tow—our family taking our son to his first day of school.

As we wait in line to enter the room, I catch sight of the middle-aged woman holding a clipboard, checking each family in. Her glasses rest on her nose, her light brown hair is pulled away from her face, and her dress covered in crayons and markers all indicate that she must be the teacher.

“Hi! I’m Mrs. Heberland, your son’s teacher. Who is this little guy?”

“I’m Grayson,” he confidently announces, making me beam with pride.

“Nice to meet you, Grayson. Do you know how to shake hands?”

He nods and then puts his hand in hers. “Excellent. Who did you bring with you today?” She peers up at us from the floor as I wait for Grayson to answer her.

“This is my Daddy and my Mommy.”

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