Nina glanced at Theo. Then she looked back down at her son. “Yeah, buddy. I think we’re going home.”
Jack beamed and threw himself forward to hug both Theo and Nina at the same time. The adults’ eyes met, and they both smiled as they wrapped their free arms around each other to complete the group hug. In that moment, with the three of them — soon to be four — all together, Nina was sure that life could never get better.
“Do you want to say goodbye to your friends?” she asked Jack when they all separated. He nodded, so they left the classroom and went back to the area where all the parents and kids were gathered. Nina took Theo’s hand, and he squeezed it with a smile.
For the next few minutes, Jack went from friend to friend, giving high fives and hugs. Nina was so filled with pride at her son’s kindness and friendliness that she worried her heart would explode. Instead of networking, as he usually would have, Theostayed right by her side, his arm around her waist, while they waited for Jack. A few people came over to say hello, and they chatted politely, but it was clear that Theo’s whole attention was on her and Jack.
After a while, Jack returned, grinning.
“Can we go home now?” he asked. “Homehome?”
Nina laughed. “Sounds great. We’ll have some dinner, then get you off to bed. It’s been a big day.”
“Oh, man,” Jack said, already looking sad at the prospect of bed. He rebounded quickly as they left the school, Theo and Nina still holding hands. Nina led the way towards her old car, which was parked near the back of the lot. She wasn’t sure how Theo had arrived, but it didn’t matter. They all seemed to understand that they’d travel together.
“Dinner,” Theo said to Nina softly as Jack walked ahead, humming to himself. “Then dessert.”
Nina shivered blissfully at the word, already imagining Theo’s kisses and his arms around her, his hands gently stroking across her skin. This time, their night together reallywouldbe the beginning of something new.
They were halfway to the car when someone called out behind them.
“Theo!”
They both turned to see none other than Charles Ackley striding towards them across the parking lot.
“I told him about the ruse,” Theo whispered to Nina. “He’s probably furious.”
She squeezed his hand. “You did the right thing. It’ll be okay.”
“I looked for you inside, but they said you’d already gone.” Charles stopped in front of them. He wore a tailored suit and a smile — and he didn’t look furious. “First, I want to congratulate Jack on his performance. I’ve heard it was splendid.”
“Thanks,” Jack said brightly.
“Second, I wanted to talk to you, Theo.”
“I know you’re upset, and we can set up a meeting soon,” Theo said, “but for now, I need to get home. I need to be with my family.”
“I wouldn’t dream of keeping you. I just wanted to give you this.” Charles handed over a folder. “It’s the contract, just as we agreed. I’ve already signed. All you need to do is sign and courier the contract back to me, and we can get started.”
Theo frowned, not taking the folder. “What do you mean? You still want to work with me?”
“I do,” Charles nodded. “You shouldn’t have lied, and I’m still disappointed about that, but it’s clear to me that you really are the kind of man you said you were. You really do care about your family more than anything — and that’s exactly the man I want to work with. So, if you’re still interested, we can get started.”
Theo still didn’t take the folder. He looked down at Nina, sighed, and shook his head.
“I can’t. It wouldn’t be right, not after the lies.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake!” Nina took the folder from Charles. “Thank you very much,” she smiled, and turned to Theo. “You deserve this. Yes, you messed up, but you’ve made things right,and that’s what matters most. Just like I always tell Jack.” Theo nodded, then looked back at Charles, who chuckled, his eyes shining merrily.
“I can’t argue with that,” Theo said, laughing finally. “Thank you, Charles. I’m looking forward to being in business with you.”
The two men shook hands. Then Charles said his goodbyes, and Nina, Jack, and Theo got into the car.
“It looks like you get to have your cake and eat it, too,” Nina said to Theo.
“I got lucky,” Theo said, “incrediblylucky, when I ran into you on the sidewalk that day. Or, rather, when Jack ran into me. I wanted a contract, but I got so much more.” He smiled at her. “Thank you, Nina. For everything.”
“There’s no need to thank me.” Nina fastened her seatbelt. “Just take us home. We have a future to start.”
