Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“You didn’t have to,” she argues.
“When I was little, I used to pester you all the time about taking a summer vacation, remember? All of the other kids bragged about trips to Florida or Mexico, and I just spent the summer kicking around town or at that church camp you tried to send me to. God, I was so jealous of those kids.”
“You mean the one that sent you home for unruly behavior?” Marta laughs.
“Yeah, that one. Well, now that you’re retired, I think it’s only fitting that I take you on summer vacation.”
“What do you mean?”
“All of us. We’re going to Mexico.”
“You’re kidding!” Marta cheers.
“I am not. I no longer have to hear about how you can’t because you have to work or how we can’t afford that right now. This is it. We’re going to Mexico, and you’re coming with us.”
As I listen to their exchange, my pending decision becomes clear to me just like Marta told me it would. I see the president of the school board and say, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”
I catch the president just as she’s about to order a drink.
“Excuse me, Dr. Pendleton. Can I have a moment?”
“Oh, Tess. It’s nice to see you. We’ve missed you since you stopped teaching. What can I do for you?”
“I just wanted to let you know that I’ve thought about the principal position, and I’ve made my decision. I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to turn it down.”
“May I ask why? If it’s about the salary, I think we have room to negotiate.”
“No. I appreciate that, but it’s not about the salary. I want to be there full-time for my family. I know a lot of people can’t do that, and I think it’s a very special gift my husband is able to give me. It’s a freedom I shouldn’t take for granted.”
“I think that’s very sweet, Tess. I’m happy for you.”
I return to the table and take my seat. Marta and Torin both look puzzled as I sit back and grin.
“Why do you look like the cat that swallowed the family goldfish?” Torin asks.
“Because I love you and I love my life. I don’t need a job to prove who I am or what I can do. I can stay at home and teach my own children. I can be there for you when you come home from the city and not have to worry about board meetings or administrative responsibilities. And we can take our kids on summer vacations or winter vacations or any kind of vacation we like because you gave us that kind of freedom.”
“So, you turned down the job offer?”
“Yes, I did. Marta told me that the right decision would just come to me, and it did.”
“Good, baby girl. Now maybe we can start planning for baby number four.”
“What?”
“Well, I didn’t want to say anything until after you made a decision on the job, but I think we need to try for another boy or two. There are a lot of girls in the house right now.” Torin grins.
“Are you sure about that? It gets harder and harder for me to get back in shape each time.”
“Who are you kidding? You’re just as beautiful and sexy as you were the first time I saw you.”
The white sand beaches and crystal blue waters of Acapulco are breathtaking. Marta and I sit under an umbrella and sip our margaritas as Torin and the kids play on the shoreline. It’s another picture-perfect day of our two-week vacation.
“I’m not used to relaxing like this. I could get used to it,” Marta says.
“Torin told you he’d buy you a place down here. You should take him up on it. Then you can come and go as you please.”
“I might just do that. It’s tempting for sure.” She calls the waiter over and begins to order us each another drink, but I stop him before he goes back to the bar. I have special instructions for my drink.
“What’s wrong? Didn’t I get your order right?” Marta questions me and I suppose I can’t keep my secret from her any longer.
“You can’t tell Torin. I haven’t told him yet.”
“Tell him what?”
“I’ve been drinking alcohol-free margaritas this whole time because I’m pregnant.”
“Oh, Tess. When did you find out?”
“Just this morning. I had a feeling. I’m going to tell him tonight after the kids go down.”
“Mum’s the word. Congratulations.” She reaches over to hug me.
“Hey, what are we hugging for? What’s the occasion?” Torin asks as he towels off.
“I was just thanking Tess again for this lovely vacation. I’d hug you too but you’re covered in wet sand.” She gives me a wink.
With the kids sleeping soundly in our beachside cabana, I pour Torin a glass of wine and meet him out on the patio.
“Everyone all tucked in?” he asks, taking the glass from me. “Where’s your wine?”