All the hands went up, including mine.
I walked the students out to the parking lot, then returned to clean up the rest of my makeshift classroom.
I picked up the pencils, scissors, and crayons and put them in boxes. I cleared up the smeared sugar cookie frosting, gathered the loose garbage, grabbed Mason’s dinosaur jacket to give to his mom when I next saw her, and turned off my computer.
Running footsteps sounded from outside the door, followed by a familiar jovial knock.
I couldn’t help my answering giggle as Adam pushed the door wide open and rushed toward me.
“School’s out!” Adam fist-pumped as he rushed into the room, showing off my favorite biceps, which still caused me to swoon. He was more excited than any kid I’d ever seen that it was summer. I chuckled as he ran over to me, picked me up in his arms, spun me around, and kissed me thoroughly.
“I’ve always loved summer,” Adam said as he wiggled his brows. “But I think this is going to be the best one yet.”
I ran my fingers through his hair at the back of his neck. “I love you.”
I looked into his brown eyes and was amazed at how much this man had changed my entire world. He didn’t feel the need to fix my broken pieces or to save me from my problems. He saw me for me—and loved me and held me through all of my uncertainty, as I found myself, and that made all the difference.
“I love you, Faith.” He rested his forehead against mine as his lips took on a devilish grin. “Did I say I was glad it’s summer yet?” His head drifted closer to my mouth. “Because I’m really glad it’s summer.”
I bit my bottom lip. “Oh, yeah?”
He nodded. “Yep. And I think it’s officially starting right now.”
He pulled me in and his lips found mine, and in his arms I was home.
THE END
Epilogue
FAITH
Isat on the faded sofa with my hot cocoa, staring at the Christmas tree in the early morning light. The tree was an eclectic sight. I helped Danny make a snowflake garland this year with paper and glitter, and the new kitty, Mittens, was constantly climbing up in its branches and knocking the ornaments off. Danny sat on the floor, ripped wrapping paper pieces cascading around him. He picked up a package with red wrapping and gold ribbon.
“What’s it say, bud?” Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Danny squinted at the writing.
“To Adam.” His blue eyes pinched with focus. “From Faith.”
I bit my bottom lip as Adam’s brown eyes shot to mine.
“I thought we said no gifts?”
I shrugged.
Adam’s eyebrows dipped as he grabbed the package from Danny. He felt the edges as he looked at the ceiling with a furrowed brow. “I think it’s a book?” He tilted his jaw toward me. “If this is one of your romance books, I’m still not reading it.”
I chuckled and gestured to the package.
Adam began tearing off the paper.I bit back my laughter as his eyes took in the title and he rolled his eyes. He chuckled and flipped the book around to show Danny. “Baking for Beginners.”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter.
“That’s a good gift cause you need it.” Danny nodded.
“I’m joking!” I grabbed a small gift bag from behind the sofa and handed it to him.
“You…” Adam wrapped his arms around me, pulling me onto his lap, and I leaned against his chest. I loved being in his arms and feeling his breath on my neck. He kept his arms around me as he dug through the gift bag.
Adam’s scruffy jaw pressed into my cheek as he pulled out the Santa hat and black bow tie.
