Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“Yeah… about that.” I take her by the hand and lead her into the school so she can get her purse and we can start our time together. “I was kind of hoping you’d join us for dinner. Just trying to rally the forces around Sylvie with the entire family for a while, and well… you’re family.”
Marcie halts, pulling me to a stop. “How was she this morning?”
I shake my head slightly, the marvel of my kid humbling me. “Brave, introspective, determined. She wants to come back to school tomorrow but I’m not sure.”
“I think she should.”
“I don’t want her to get bullied. You know the story made national news.”
“I’ll protect her at school. She’ll be fine. I think it’s important for her to maintain a regular routine. It will help normalize her life.”
I nod in understanding. The therapist said it would be important to not let this become the center of our world. “Okay… she can return tomorrow. But you didn’t answer me about dinner.”
Marcie squeezes my hand. “Of course, I’ll come to dinner tonight and any night you want me there.”
“That would be every night,” I assure her, and she blushes. I bend to get closer, my eyes fixed on hers. “I love you and that means I want you as close to me as much as possible.”
Her hand jerks in mine and she ducks her head only briefly before returning her gaze to mine. “It’s just shocking to hear those words. Thrilling, awe-inspiring, overwhelming and just the best words ever.”
“I’ll make sure to say them often then,” I assure her.
“That makes me a very lucky woman. I love you, Ethan.”
“Guess I’m a lucky guy.” I bend down to kiss her again, but I keep it brief. “But time’s a-wasting and I want to maximize every minute with you. Any thoughts on what you want to do, and if you say something like we go to your house and spend the afternoon in bed, I would not be opposed.”
Marcie laughs and tugs me toward the door again. “That’s a possibility in a little bit, but I think first, I’d like you to give me a riding lesson.”
“Thank you, Lord Jesus,” I murmur, and when she glances back at me, I wink.
“I mean riding a horse, Ethan,” she drawls.
“You did call me a stud once—”
Her hand pops me in the stomach playfully. “Enough with the horse jokes.”
Laughing, we step inside her office, hand in hand. Despite the horror of the last few days, I’m not sure that my future has ever felt brighter or more packed with promise. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more confident or empowered to not only be a dad and a businessman, but to be a partner to Marcie. I know without a doubt I can handle any tough days ahead, and it’s thanks to the woman by my side.