Page 44 of Teaching Cayden

Epilogue

4 years later…

Cayden

I can’t believe how time has flown by. I never thought in a million years that I’d be where I am today. My office overlooks the ocean, and that’s not even the best view. I’ve been working as a design engineer for a small startup company here in Wilmington. When I landed the lead design position at Cannonics, I couldn’t really say no. I mean, in addition to being right down the street from my house, it had one of the biggest perks I could have asked for.

“The schematics on this are finished if you want to sign off on them.” My intern handed me a manila folder and stood in the doorway waiting for me to dismiss him. “Your wife wanted me to tell you that she’s going to be late tonight. She’s got a late meeting.”

“Thanks, Andy. See ya Monday.” I waved as I opened the folder and started to scan it, then thought better of it and set it to the side. Late meeting, huh? She was going to make us late for the party tonight.

I glanced around my office before grabbing my jacket, and heading out. As I locked my door, I looked across the hall and there she was hunched over her desk. I shook my head as I changed directions and pushed her door open. “Late meeting, huh?” I laughed as I leaned against the jamb.

“You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, Freshman?” Addison murmured as she continued to stare at the paper in front of her.

“Must you call me that at work?” I moved closer, trying to get her attention but she wouldn’t look up. “What kind of meeting is the senior algorithm specialist going to on a Friday night?”

Addison laughed lightly, “One that George called last minute.”

“Skip it.” I leaned down and kissed her neck.

“I don’t think I can.” She sighed as the pen she was holding fell from her grip.

“I think you can. I’ll come up with an excuse.” I ran my lips up her neck and stopped right by her ear. “Promise.”

“Are you ready to leave now?” she squeaked.

“Yep.” I stood up, and held my hand out for her knowing I’d won this battle.

“Fine.” She began to frantically text her boss as she shoved things in her purse. “Let’s go to this party.”

Ooooooooo

The drive to my Uncle Nick’s house didn’t take long. It was almost impossible to find a place to park though. You would have thought that it was a special holiday or something, not my brother’s birthday.

We climbed out of my car, and made our way around to the deck stairs just as my sister in law was rounding the corner. “Hey, Mel.” I waved and she sighed. “Thank god you’re here. I need an extra pair of hands with these two.” She was standing there with my twin nieces, one on each hip. “Here.” She handed me one, and then rushed off.

“Can you take her?” I looked over at Addy, “I’m not really a baby person.” I panicked a little. Ava and Anna weren’t your average two-year olds, they were holy terrors. My parents said they put my brother and I to shame.

“Sure.” Addy reached for Ava and then followed in Mel’s wake.

“She’s gonna change her mind real quick.” Brooklyn, my nephew rolled his eyes.

“Oh really?” I teased. I always had fun with this kid.

“Yep.” He nodded matter-of-factly. “No nap today.”

“Thanks for the warning.” I chuckled as I ruffled his hair.

“Bro!” my brother, Aaron shouted where he was currently being ganged up on by my cousin Emma’s daughter. “Come help me!”

“I need a minute, Old Man!” I shouted as I pointed at my dress shirt.

“I ain’t old.” He scowled back.

“Yes you are, Uncle Aaron.” My five-year niece laughed as she tossed the basketball into the floating hoop and cheered. “Mom says you’re an old man and that I have to be nice to you.”

“Thanks, Em.” Aaron glared at our cousin who was currently surveying the food table while rubbing her swollen belly.

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