Page 52 of Moonlight Feels Right
He was sure that was true, but he was equally sure she was trying to avoid him. She'd been just as aware of him as he'd been of her, and she clearly didn't know what to do about it. He didn't know what to do about it, either, but he still wanted to see her. They'd spent so much time together the past week, he actually missed her, and that was an unusual feeling.
But now that Friday afternoon had arrived, she wouldn't be able to avoid him any longer, because he'd promised to take Olivia to the book fair when he picked her up from school.
When school ended, he met up with Olivia in the playground, where she was eager to hand him her backpack and lunchbox. They walked out to his car so he could put them away, then headed toward the library, where the book fair was being held.
Olivia grabbed his hand and pulled him through the hallways with determined strides, telling him they had to get to the auditorium before all the good books were gone. When they arrived at the auditorium, the room had been transformed into a bookstore, with colorful displays and tables throughout the space. A banner hung over the entrance: "Fall Into Reading Book Fair."
"There's Henry," Olivia announced, pulling him across the room.
"Hey, Hunter," Paige said. "Ready to spend all your money?"
"Apparently," he replied as Olivia and Henry started grabbing books off the table. "I've been informed that unicorn books are absolutely essential."
"Henry's the same way with dinosaurs," Paige said with a laugh. "This place is dangerous."
"Have you seen Emmalyn?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"She's doing a read-along in her classroom in fifteen minutes. I told Henry he could pick out three books before then."
"That sounds like a good plan," he said. "Olivia, do you want to go to Emmalyn's read-along?"
Olivia nodded vigorously. "Can we buy books first?"
"Sure," he said as he took the books from her arms and headed toward the nearest volunteer, who was swiping credit cards on a mobile device. After that, they joined Paige and Henry and made their way to Emmalyn's classroom, joining a stream of children and parents heading in the same direction.
Emmalyn's classroom was exactly as he would have expected—bright, colorful, and organized, but also with the controlled chaos that seemed to define her. Children's artwork covered the walls, alphabet letters strung across the ceiling, and a reading corner was set up with pillows and a small child-size sofa. In the center of the room, a rocking chair sat on a colorful rug surrounded by small chairs and cushions.
And there was Emmalyn, greeting children as they entered, her face lighting up with genuine warmth for each one. She wore a blue dress with tiny yellow sunflowers printed on it, her hair pulled back in a loose braid. She looked completely in her element, confident and radiant in a way he hadn't seen before.
Their eyes met across the room, and her smile faltered slightly before recovering. She gave him a small wave, then turned to help a child find a seat.
"Let's sit there," Olivia said, pointing to a spot near the front.
Hunter followed her, feeling awkwardly large among the tiny chairs and tables. As Olivia and Henry sat on the carpet together, he ended up sitting cross-legged on the floor behind the circle of children, with Paige sitting next to another mother a few feet away.
"Hello, everyone!" Emmalyn called, clapping her hands to get the children's attention. "I'm so happy to see so many of your smiling faces." She moved to the rocking chair in the center, gathering the children closer. "Today, we're going on an adventure with one of my favorite books. It's called The Gruffalo, and it's about a grumpy buffalo. Has anyone heard this story before?"
Several hands shot up, including Olivia's.
"Wonderful! Then you can help me tell it," Emmalyn said. She opened the book, revealing colorful illustrations of a forest scene. "Deep in the woods, a little mouse took a stroll..."
As she read, Hunter found himself captivated, not just by the story but by Emmalyn herself. She changed her voice for each character, her expressions animated and engaging. The children were enthralled, leaning forward to see the pictures, gasping at the right moments, laughing at others. She had them participating, repeating key phrases, predicting what might happen next.
This was a side of Emmalyn he hadn't seen—the consummate professional, completely assured in her role, expertly managing a room full of excitable children with joy and ease. Watching her with these kids, he could see why she'd chosen teaching. She was a natural.
After finishing The Gruffalo, she read a second book about magic, followed by a story that had the children repeating animal noises. By the end, even the most fidgety children were engaged, hanging on her every word.
"And that's our story time for today!" Emmalyn announced after the third book. "I hope you all find some wonderful books to take home. Remember, reading takes you on adventures every day!"
As the children dispersed, many stopping to give her hugs before leaving, Emmalyn's gaze found his again. This time, her smile seemed more genuine but still a little guarded.
"That was amazing," he said, standing up as she approached. "You're incredible with them."
"It's my job," she replied modestly, but there was a gleam of pride in her eyes.
"Emmalyn!" Olivia exclaimed, throwing her arms around her. "I've missed you!"
"I've missed you too, sweetie," Emmalyn said, returning the hug.
