Page 133 of Say You Will

The young man nods with a look of relief, floppy blond hair falling in his eyes, and scrolls through the laptop located on hisdesk until he finds what he needs. He clears his throat. “The majority of the universe is composed of dark matter and dark energy. We can’t directly observe them, but their presence can be inferred by their gravitational effects on visible matter and the expansion of the universe.”

“You are correct. You’ll be expected to provide several specific examples of those effects on Tuesday.”

A dark-haired twenty-year-old raises her hand behind him.

“Yes, Ms. Porter,” I say.

“Will we be allowed to use our notes for the exam?” she asks.

I nod. “You will. There are certain circumstances where memorization is critical for success. This is not one of those times. It’s far more important for me to see that you’re capable of compiling information, locating that data, and utilizing it. This means the more thorough your preparation, the better your chance of success.”

I perform my regular scan of the auditorium at Blackwater State University and smile at the gorgeous woman seated in the back row. She’s wearing a black T-shirt-style dress, an oatmeal-colored cardigan, and white tennis shoes. She smiles back and gives me a finger wave, one hand resting on her adorable round belly. She glances at her watch, then says something to the four-year-old boy who stands beside her.

He bounces and waves, calling, “Dad, it’s eight o’clock.”

I grin and check my watch. “That’s it for tonight, guys. I’ll see you Tuesday. Study hard.”

I gather my things and head for the doors as the classroom empties in a flurry of closing laptops and backpack zippers. Feet thud. Clothing shuffles.

Franki rises and moves toward me as I head her way.

Though Franki and Ian aren’t near the door any longer, students send a constant stream of “good nights” their way.

“Good night, Dr. McRae.”

“Lookin’ good, Dr. McRae.”

“Hey, Ian.”

“How soon till the new little professor gets here?”

That’s what happens when your wife teaches several Gen Ed history classes and a language. Even a lot of the math and science majors know her and love her.

She answers in her gentle voice, and then I’m there, leaning in to kiss her and take her bag from her shoulder. “How was your evening?”

She smiles. “It was good. This schedule works for now. How was yours?”

“I’m hopeful for this year’s crop of students. They’re showing promise.”

I crouch down beside Ian and ruffle his hair. “And how was your evening?”

He pushes his glasses up his nose. “Nanny Lisa taught me how to make chocolate chip cookies while you and Mom were working. They’re in a plastic container in the car because it’s not healthy to eat them all at once, and they’re meant for sharing. It’s tedious to be patient.”

“I agree, but some things are worth the wait.”

“I liked your lecture. Dark matter is fascinating. Also, Mom says we’re kidnapping you,” he says.

“Is that right? Is this a short-term kidnapping for the evening or a full-on abduction?”

Franki pats my forearm. “Abduction for the entire long weekend. Resistance is futile.”

The three of us troop our way out of the auditorium and head for the parking lot. Next semester, Franki and I will both be on parental leave. She’s due to give birth the first week of January. We’re both also taking the summer following spring semester to stay at home with our children.

After that, we’ll see. Franki hasn’t decided whether she’ll want to return to work full-time, part-time, or stay at home until Ian and Baby Cassie are both in school. Nanny Lisa is technically retired, with a comfortable nest egg we provided, but she visits often and sometimes babysits.

We’re lucky enough to have flexibility. I don’t need to work, financially speaking. Gabriel is far more efficient in the corporate world than I ever was. He even manages to have a life while he’s at it. I’ve changed direction in myotherwork now, as well. I act as a consultant and work behind the scenes, but it’s been years since I pulled out a pair of surgical gloves for anything but cutting the cord when Ian was born and carving pumpkins.

I nod my thanks and “good night” to Ryan when we reach the car. Then I open Franki’s door for her and assist her into the passenger seat. When I’ve closed her door, Ian and I walk around to the driver’s side. I open the door to the backseat and give him a boost. He climbs into his car seat in the back, and I watch to be sure he straps himself in correctly.

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