Page 105 of Stolen Kisses

She wraps both arms around my waist, looking up at me. “Sounds perfect.”

I can’t resist, I lean down to kiss the tip of her nose. I can’t wait to have them all living here with Kenny and me. The plans I drew up all those months ago were perfect for what we wanted, we made a few minor adjustments and then I got to work.

Looking at our parents, I ask, “Would you guys like to stay for dinner? I can get the grill goingrealquick.”

Sally looksat John, I don’t know why, because she’ll decide for both of them anyway. “That would be lovely. Is there anything we can do to help?”

“I’d love to, Son. I’ll head down to get it started.” He leaves to get the grill going and we all follow him downstairs.

–twenty-one–

–emma–

It’s strange to be backat school. It seems like forever since I last walked down this hallway as a teacher here and not as a parent dropping off the boys and Kenny. The butterflies in my stomach are in full flight as I step into my classroom. It doesn’t feel like my classroom; another teacher has put her mark here, making me feel like a foreigner. I feel fundamentally different as I stand inside the doorway of my classroom—so much has changed for me.

“Welcome back!” The entire staff calls out.Sothis is where everyone was. I thought it was strange when the ladies weren’t in the front office and it seemed awfully quiet as I walked down the hallway. Thank goodness Theo’s bringing the kids closer to the start of school, or Lachlan wouldn’t have done too well with the sudden loud welcome. My smile must be as wide as the Grand Canyon—it feels amazing to be greeted so warmly by my colleagues and friends.

Kate’s the first to break away from everyone. “I’m so happy you’re back and that everything worked out so well for you.” Wrapping our arms around each other, we sway from side to side in happiness. Blinking rapidly, I barely manage to keep my tears at bay. I feel so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing friend in Kate; to work with such great people. Not to mention finding the perfect guy for me and moving in together to be one family. Things are really looking up for me.

Everyone takes their turn welcoming me back before heading to their own classrooms to get ready for the day. Once I’m alone in my room, I notice the huge ‘Welcome Back’ banner secured across the board at the front of the class. My hand automatically comes up to my chest, as if I need to hold my heart in place. How sweet of my replacement teacher to work with the kids to make such a colorful banner. Brittany’s been wonderful throughout this whole process; keeping me up-to-date with everything at the end of each week. Her emails were always so incredibly detailed and often made me laugh as she updated me on the students’ progress and funny antics. I hope she manages to secure a full-time position here because she’s an absolute gem; she would be a real asset to our school.

“Hey,Peaches.” Theo’s deep voice reaches me before he does.

“Mommy!” Kenny and the boys move forward as one to hug me. I saw them less than an hour ago, but they act like they haven’t seen me for days which always makes me feel special.

“Hey, guys.” I laugh as we hug, Theo leaning over the top of the kids to plant a chaste kiss on my lips.

His eyes light up as they land on the banner. “That banner looks great.”

“Yeah. I had the whole staff in here this morning, welcoming me back. It feels a little weird to be here if I’m honest.” He wraps his arm around me, pulling me in close, kissing the top of my head—something I love so much. His easy affection makes me feel incredibly safe and cherished.

“Well, if we’re being honest. I’mgonnamiss having you around all day. I loved our coffees on the porch, sharing lunch, and knowing I could see you whenever I wanted.” His voice is soft as his words fill my heart—so sweet and heartfelt.

I wrap my arms tight around him, just as the bell rings. “I’mgonnamiss you, too. It’s been so special to spend all of that time with you. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me throughout my recovery.”

The sound of kids fills the hallway and I know my tranquility is about to come to an end, so I step back from the man I love with everything that I am. I feel as though I’ve known him forever, not for just over a year. All of those dayshespoke ofallowed us to get to know each other on such a deep level.

He lands a chaste kiss on my cheek. “See you at the end of the day, Peaches. Have a good one.” He takes Kenny’s hand. “Saybye to your mom, kids. Wegottago.”

Hugs, kisses, and goodbyes surround me as my students come streaming through the classroom door. Huge smiles and happy hellos from thekidsand their parents remind me why I love my job so much.

“Here are some flowers for you, Miss.” Jack thrusts a bunch of daisies in my direction.

I take them from him. “Thank you, Jack. These are lovely.” I head toward my desk to put the flowers down.

“Mrs. Miller, I made you a card.” I turn to find Sue-Anne holding up a beautifully decorated hand-made card.

Taking it from her, I study it closely, noticing the amount of detail she’s included. “This looks gorgeous, Sue-Anne. Thank you so much.”

She wraps her little arms around my hips. “I’m so glad you’re back and you’re okay.”

Oh, my! “I’m glad I’m back too. I missed you guys so much.”

The second morning bell sounds and we all settle in to get started for the day.

* * *

I feel freaking exhausted as the last child leaves for the day. Flopping down in my chair, I drop my head back, closing my eyes. Clearly, I need to build up my stamina. The surgeries left me feeling exhausted and teaching grade one is an exhausting job. Maybe I should have waited a little longer to come back to work as Theo suggested. The only problem with that is I’ve used up all of my paid leave along with a substantial amount of unpaid leave which ate into my limited savings.

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