I paste on a smile and call back. “In the kitchen.”
Tommy appears first, launching himself at my legs with the force of a small tornado.
“Mama! We went to the science museum, and I saw a real dinosaur skeleton, and Marcus’s mom bought us ice cream even though it wasn’t even lunchtime yet.”
“That sounds amazing, baby.” I ruffle his hair. “Did you say thank you?”
“I said thank you like a hundred times.” He releases my legs and spots the pasta. “Are we having spaghetti?”
“We are.”
“With meatballs?”
“With meatballs.”
“Yes!” He pumps his fist and runs off toward the living room, probably to tell Rex the dinosaur all about his day.
Jake appears in the doorway, keys still in hand. He looks tired. Good tired, but tired.
“How was it?” I ask, focusing on the pasta instead of looking at him directly because I’m pretty sure guilt is written all over my face.
“Good. Marcus’s parents send their regards. They asked about you. Wanted to know how the job hunt’s going.”
“That’s nice of them.”
“They also mentioned they heard about Derek threatening custody.” He leans against the doorframe. “Word travels fast in this town.”
“Too fast.” I drain the pasta, steam rising to fog my glasses. “But yeah, he’s being an ass. Nothing new.”
“I got some news today.”
Something in his tone makes me look up. “Good news or bad news?”
“Good news. I think.” He runs a hand through his hair. “You remember that research position in Alaska I mentioned a while back? The one studying endangered fish populations?”
My stomach drops. “Yeah?”
“They offered it to me. Six months on remote lakes, full funding, my name on the published research.” He’s trying to keep his voice neutral, but I can hear the excitement underneath. “It’s a career-defining opportunity.”
“Jake, that’s incredible.” And I mean it. I do, even though the thought of him being gone for six months makes my chest tight. “When do you leave?”
“That’s the thing. I’m thinking about turning it down.”
“What? Why?”
“Because of everything happening with you. The fires, Derek, the job situation.” He crosses his arms. “You need support right now. I’m not going to abandon you when things are hard.”
“You’re not abandoning me.” I set down the spoon and turn to face him fully. “Jake, this is your dream research. You’ve been working toward something like this for years.”
“I know, but—”
“But nothing. You’re going.” I use my best don’t argue with me " voice. “I’m a grown woman. I can handle Derek and job hunting. You’re not putting your life on hold for me.”
“Rachel—”
“I’m serious. You’re going to Alaska. You’re going to study those fish. You’re going to get your name on important research.” I point at him with the pasta spoon. “And when you come back, I’ll have my life together, and you can stop worrying about me.”
He studies me for a long moment. “You sure?”
