I nod slowly, turning the idea over in my mind.A few months ago, the thought of leaving for even a night would’ve sent me spiraling with guilt.But things have shifted.“My mom’s really found her rhythm again,” I say, almost like I’m convincing myself as much as him.“She’s managing well, and Keith’s always around to help.”
Adrian watches me carefully.“You sound more comfortable with it than before.”
“I am,” I admit.“I think I needed to see her handle things without me hovering.She’s stronger than I gave her credit for.”I take a breath.“And maybe I needed to prove to myself that I could step away without everything falling apart.”
He reaches over, squeezing my knee.“If you ever want to go, I’m happy to come with you.”
I smile.“That means a lot.”
His fingers drum lightly against my thigh.“Are you staying the night tonight?”
I hesitate, then sigh.“I’d love to, but I think my mom will want to hear about my first day.”
His face brightens.“Then invite her and the kids here.We can have dinner.”
“Really?”
“Why not?”He grins.“You’re always welcome here, and I’d love to have them over.”
The sincerity in his voice makes my heart swell.“Okay.I’ll ask her.”
He nods, satisfied.“I’ll figure out dinner.When I get home, we’ll have a big family meal.”
I sip my coffee, unable to stop smiling.“I can’t wait.”
When I finish my cup, I stand, ready to get moving, but before I can step away, he pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me, holding me to him.
He presses his lips to my temple.“This.Us.Sitting here in the mornings with coffee.This is what I dreamed of.”
My body warms all over at his sweetness.
“I feel so good here with you.”
He tilts my chin down, our eyes locking.“You and me.This house.It was always meant to be.”
I don’t know if I believe in fate, but in this moment, wrapped in him, I know he’s right.
We kiss and, eventually, I pull away, my lips tingling, and he smiles before grabbing his keys.With one last glance, he heads out the door, leaving me in his house.
I gather my presents and coffee, making my way to my new office.The space feels both unfamiliar and instantly mine, like stepping into a future I never dared to picture until now.
Sinking into my chair, my fingers curl around the engraved pen.
His house.His pen.His flowers.They surround me, wrapping me in security.A reminder that I’m not alone in this new adventure.
I blow out a breath, shaking off my nerves, and pick up my phone.
Me:Mom, bring the kids over to Adrian’s for dinner tonight.Let’s celebrate my first day.
A second later, she responds.
Mom:Wouldn’t miss it!Proud of you, sweetheart.
I smile, set the phone down, and open my laptop.Taking a deep breath, I hit the power button.And then, my first official workday begins.
The first few hours are a whirlwind of onboarding.Digital paperwork to sign, training modules to complete, passwords setups, and introductory video calls with different department heads.I’m assigned a buddy who walks me through the company’s editorial calendar and submission process.By mid-morning, I finally feel orientated enough to tackle actual work.
Emails flood in, the subject lines filled with possibility.Deadlines.Features.Research links.My first task sits at the top:
