Page 24 of Uproot

She gazes into my eyes for a moment and I wish I could snatch the uncertainty in them, "Sometimes it's just easier to ignore snide whispers about what I wear, or whatever issue they have with me, than it is to make things awkward," she replies. "I have to deal with the same people for an entire school year, so it's best to let some things just roll off of my back you know?"

I shake my head, "No I sure fucking don't."

Her eyes widen and a burst of laughter comes out of her, "Wow, ok."

I clench my jaw, trying to stop myself from walking across the playground to the Cougar Mean Girls that are making her feel this way. "I don't believe in pocketing your feelings to make other people more comfortable. And you shouldn't either, angel," I say, looking at her intently.

She nods slowly, taking in what I'm saying, "You're right, it's something I need to work on," she admits. "Thankfully the school year is almost over though."

She moves her attention back to the playground, "It's beautiful here isn't it?" She asks, trying to change the subject.

I move my arm and splay it along the bench behind her, "I have to admit, it is a lot nicer here than I expected," I respond, leaning over to take in the sweet coconut smell in her hair. We sit in silence for a few minutes watching Edison play tag with his friends.

"Have you been thinking of what you will do next?" she asks.

I tense at her question, coming back to reality. I knew that I would have to talk about this with her sooner rather than later.

And it looks like now is the time for me to lay all of my cards on the table.

14

Beckett

Iturn so I'm facing Selah, looking her in the eyes before I explain my plans to her.

"I have to go through the process of becoming a permanent guardian for Edison starting next week. Charlie had no problem signing over his rights, because he obviously was never interested in parenting to begin with. And who knows when he will ever be out of jail anyway," I explain, and she nods solemnly.

"I'll let Edison finish out the school year while Upwood Children's Services does all of my background checks, and makes sure I'm a suitable guardian. By the time he wraps up Kindergarten, hopefully it won't be too much longer and then we will head to Manhattan. I'll take the summer to get him acclimated to the city, and see if I can somehow pull some strings at my old private school to get him enrolled," I explain, going over what I started thinking about yesterday.

"I can't move here, Selah. My entire life is in New York. My business, my friends..well,friend," I correct. "It just wouldn't work."

She looks away from me and I swear I see disappointment cross her face.

"What's wrong?" I ask carefully.

She sighs, meeting my eyes again, "You know, I thought my whole life was in Charlestown before I moved here. I came up here last year for the big Spring Fling festival they always have, and I discovered I was craving a different pace in life, and a tighter knit community. I realized that sometimes change is really good, and life will show you exactly where you're supposed to be," she answers.

"That makes a lot of sense," I respond, thinking over her words. I would be a fool to not recognize how serendipitous this all feels.

First I find out I have a nephew I never knew about that turns out to be an amazing kid, despite his circumstances. Then his teacher turns out to be a beautiful, loving woman with all of the qualities I've always wanted in a partner.

But it's hard to focus on all of that kismet when I need to make sure that Edison is set up with everything he needs, and I have employees who are depending on me to keep my empire growing.

I stare at her and she fidgets under my gaze. I reach over and gently touch her cheek and I see her breath hitch as my thumb strokes her face.

"Just because we are going back to New York doesn't mean that we would have to never see you again, Selah. I'd love for you to visit us whenever you'd like, and I would still make time to talk to you every day," I say quietly.

She purses her lips together, biting back a smile, "Well if you really do decide to move back, then I'd be happy to visit you guys. Sure," she agrees.

"Good," I say, thankful that we understand each other.

"Uncle Beckett!" Edison calls out, breaking us out of our daze.

"We found a little frog, look!" he squeals, coming over and thrusting it towards my face.

"Whoa, that's pretty awesome, little man," I laugh, taking the frog from him.

His two classmates come running over and I stand up with all of them.

---