I turn to wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him longer than I should but I can’t help myself. My heart is so full right now. It’s solely because of him, and I want him to know exactly how happy I am.
“You’d better watch it, or I might have you wear this costume some other time when it’s just the two of us. A Disney fantasy is starting to come to mind,” he teases.
A hard laugh escapes my lips as I slap his chest and turn back toward my entryway.
* * *
Cailin and I make our way into the school. A few people comment on how cute it is that we match, and we even take a photo for the yearbook.
After our morning routine of the pledge and going over the calendar, I have everyone line up to get ready for our Halloween parade where every kid walks around the playground while we invite parents to come out and watch.
When we get to the door, I open it up and am surprised to see my mom.
“Oh, look at how cute you all are!” she says with her hands on her face.
She’s volunteered a few times in my class, so all the kids know who she is, and a few of them even run up to give her a hug, including Cailin.
“Did Sa—” She stops and smiles my way. “I mean, Miss Russo tell you that she and my daddy are boyfriend/girlfriend?”
My breath hitches, and my eyes open wide.
“Are they now?” Mom tilts her head toward me as a grin covers her face. “No, I didn’t know that.”
My mom knows nothing. Not that I’ve been hanging out with a student’s father and definitely not who Adam is.
“She’s going to have to fill me in.” Mom rubs her hand down Cailin’s back. “I see you’re happy about that though.”
Cailin nods her head over dramatically. “Totally!”
“Okay, everyone, line up. We have to walk in a straight line around the playground. Does everyone understand?” I say toward the class, purposely not looking my mom’s way.
The students all nod their response, and we head out the door.
It’s no surprise that Mom’s on my heel. “You have a boyfriend?” she whispers toward me. “When were you going to tell me? Isn’t she the daughter of the rock—”
Of course, Adam approaches me just as my mom stops in her tracks. I’m relieved when he respects the facts that I’m with my class and that other parents are around, and he just lightly touches my hand in hello instead of kissing me like he normally would.
Mom’s eyes open wide as she takes him in.
I stand tall and take the plunge. “Adam, I’d like you to meet my mom, Sandra.”
Adam’s lips turn to a gorgeous smile as he reaches out his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
To my surprise, my mom covers his hand with her other hand as they shake. “Same here. I noticed something was different with my daughter these last few weeks. Now, I know I have you to thank.” I turn to her in surprise, and she nudges my shoulder. “Don’t think I didn’t notice. I felt like I finally had my daughter back.”
Adam turns his expression to me, making my heart flutter.
“Daddy.” Cailin comes running up and into his arms.
“Hey there, Sugarplum,” he says as they rub noses before putting her down. “Go get back in line with your class.”
She waves her goodbye and joins her other classmates.
My happiness halts when my eyes meet with Mrs. Everson’s, Ashley’s mom. She glares at me and then Adam before flipping her hair and storming off.
I try not to let her ruin my joy, and instead, I turn my smile back to Adam before saying good-bye. Heading back to my class, I guide them the rest of the way for the parade.
* * *
