Page 10

KELLY

One Year Later

I had a lot of plans when I moved to Covington last year, and while I accomplished almost all of them, there were some surprises along the way.

The first was meeting and then marrying the love of my life, Cam Shelton.

The second was having his baby just ten months later, only two months after I became Cam's wife.

My pregnancy obviously put a damper on my first year as a kindergarten teacher, but the district was understanding and let me teach alongside the long-term sub who would be taking over for me once I went on maternity leave.

Now the school year is ending, and next year, I'll be teaching full time again. For now, though, Cam and I have arrived at the elementary school to watch my first class's kindergarten graduation, and I introduce everyone to our daughter, Shelby .

It's hotter than hell out, so I'm dressed in a loose dress that's appropriate for school without making me a sweaty mess.

Cam and I have barely arrived before the other teachers swarm over to coo over Shelby, offering to hold her so I can help with the ceremony.

Cam is clearly not comfortable with them handling his daughter, but he lets them anyway.

"You're doing great," I murmur, squeezing his hand as the other teachers fuss over Shelby.

He frowns. "Sure. How long until I can take her back?"

I laugh, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. "Most of those women are mothers three times over. Relax. It takes a village, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah."

But he smiles at me, and when one teacher passes Shelby to another, he doesn't even scowl.

The graduates are all lined up, and the teachers who aren't helping wrangle the little ones get the others settled into their seats, and as the principal calls the parents over to get the pictures set up, I realize how much I'm going to miss these kids.

They've grown so much over the course of the year, and even though I've only had them for a few months, it feels like they're mine too.

There are a few moments of chaos as the kids get their caps and gowns on—and a few meltdowns from those who don't want to wear them—but soon everything is in place, and I take my spot next to the principal.

Cam and the rest of the parents settle down on the chairs, and after a quick introduction from the principal, we begin.

The kids are nervous at first, but as soon as they realize this is their chance to show off all they've learned, they get excited. The cap and gown thing doesn't last long, and the kids all grin when we finally get to the end of the alphabet and the final student gives their speech.

It's bittersweet as we wrap up the ceremony, and I hand out hugs and well wishes. Most of the kids will be at the same school next year, so it isn't too hard. I'm sure I'll see them with their parents around town, anyway.

When the last kid has been hugged and kissed on the head, I head over to Cam and Shelby.

"How was that?" I ask, letting him wrap his free arm around my waist.

"They did good. You did good."

I smile. "Thanks."

"Shelby seemed to enjoy herself. I think she's happy to be done with all the attention, though."

I look down at my daughter, who's asleep in her car seat. "I'm glad she was awake through most of it. Maybe we'll actually be able to get her to bed on time tonight."

Cam snorts. "Good luck with that."

I lean into his embrace, breathing in the scent of him. There was a time in my life when I was certain I would never find love, but now, here I am with my husband and daughter, and I couldn't be happier.

"Can you believe that will be her up there in five years?" I say wistfully, and Cam's frown returns in full force.

"Don't remind me."

Sighing happily, I bump my shoulder against his as we walk back to the car together.

This school and this town have become home, but most importantly, the man beside me has become MY home.

As grumpy and possessive as Cam can be, there's no one else I'd rather be living this new chapter of my life with.

And to think, it's only just beginning.