Page 87 of As the Years Pass

He tilts his head. “Sounds like karaoke night. I think I will.”

He hops off the desk and before he can move away from me, my arm is around his waist, pulling him against me as I remember another thing he said.

“Do you really still love me?” I ask.

He looks me dead in the eye. I’ve never seen him so serious in all my life, so I know what is going to come out of his mouth will be the truth.

“More than even I can fathom.”

The breath catches in my lungs, and all I can do is stare at him in awe. My perfect Adam.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Adam

The number of things I have to do to work for myself as a realtor is overwhelming. It shouldn’t be, because all in all, it isn’tthatmuch. I guess I just need to start at the beginning and take one thing at a time.

Broker classes. I go through everything to sign up for the classes, and thankfully it’s a do-it-at-your-own-pace type of class, as long as you complete it within ninety days, which is entirely possible because it’s only forty-ish hours of work. I could do it in a week if I wanted to, but I’d rather not put that much pressure on myself. I have enough money from selling my house to last me a while, as long as I don’t make any big purchases, which I have no intention of doing.

I glance at the clock to check the time. I need to leave in thirty minutes to get Judy from school, or else I’ll be late.

It’s Valentine’s Day today, and I was going to see if Leslie would keep the kids tonight so I could do something with Emmet, but he told me not to. I’ll admit, I was a little relieved. I’d felt guilty choosing not to take my children to be with him, when I see him more than them, but it’s a lover’s holiday. Regardless, it worked out, so it doesn’t matter. I’m going to make dinner with the kids, then we’re going to bake cupcakes for when Emmet comes over tomorrow. The bar is going to be really busy tonight, apparently it always is on Valentine’s day because all the single people hang out together and commiserate with shots.

I finish up what I need to do on the computer with ten minutes to spare, so I leave early. I’ll be able to get a better parking spot if I leave now.

When I get to the school, there is a spot closer than where I normally park, so I take it and get out to walk. The school is set back from the street, down a winding road, and cars aren’t allowed to go in to pick up kids unless they have a special pass or they’re transportation vehicles, like buses. There is a cop at the entrance to enforce it. It sucks, because there’s always rain, but we make it work. Rain coats and umbrellas aplenty. Besides, I appreciate that it’s for safety.

I walk to the back of the building where Judy’s grade is let out, since each grade comes out a different door, and when she sees me, her face lights up. Once her teacher spots me, she lets her go and Judy runs to me, leaping into my arms. I wrap her in a tight hug and kiss her head.

“Hey, sweetheart. How was school?”

“So good but T-G-I-F!”

I can’t help but laugh as I put her on her feet and take her hand as we walk back to the car.

“Are we going to get Ian?” she asks as she buckles.

“Of course we are.”

“Yay!”

“Why wouldn’t we?” I ask with a chuckle.

“I don’t know.” She shrugs as she looks out the window. We pull up to Leslie’s house to pick up Ian. He’s supposed to start daycare next week, on Wednesday. Random to start in the middle of the week, but I guess that’s when the opening starts.

He’s ready and waiting with his backpack.

“Have a good weekend,” Leslie says, kissing him on the head. “Bye, Judy!” She waves, and from here I see Judy waving frantically from the back seat.

“I asked her if she wanted to get out, but she said no. Didn’t want to get wet.”

The rain started up a short time ago, as it usually does. I’m sure it’ll stop in a few minutes.

“The rain never does seem to stop,” Leslie says, looking up at the sky.

“That’s Seattle for you.” I pick up Ian. “You ready, bud?”

“Uh-huh!”