Page 12 of Turn My Crank

Lacy

I smooth down the front of my sundress, a pretty floral thing I splurged on last weekend when Colby insisted on taking me shopping. The classroom is decorated with colorful streamers and "Congratulations Graduates!" banners that my teaching assistant helped me put up this morning. Twenty tiny graduation caps sit on my desk, waiting to be placed on twenty tiny heads.

"Ms. Reeves!" Susie's voice rings out as she bursts through the door, her dark curls bouncing with each step. "Look what my daddy got me for graduation!"

She holds up a delicate silver bracelet with a small apple charm dangling from it. I kneel down to her level, taking her tiny wrist in my hand to admire it properly.

"It's beautiful, Susie. Your daddy has excellent taste." I wink at her, and she giggles.

"He said it's 'cause you're my teacher and teachers like apples." Her big blue eyes sparkle with pride. "And I told him you like the red ones best 'cause that's what you eat at lunch."

I laugh, warmth spreading through my chest. In the ten months I've had Susie in my kindergarten class, she's wormed her way into my heart more than any student I've ever taught. Maybe it's because she reminds me so much of myself at that age—curious, stubborn, and with a heart bigger than her tiny body can contain.

Or maybe it's because her father is the man who's completely changed my life.

The door swings open again, and there he is, as if my thoughts summoned him. Colby Reynolds fills the doorframe, all six-foot-two of him, with broad shoulders straining against his button-up shirt. He's swapped his usual work clothes—the ones perpetually stained with grease and motor oil—for a pair of dark jeans and a crisp blue shirt that makes his eyes look like the ocean after a storm.

"There's my favorite girl," he says, and Susie runs to him, leaping into his arms. He catches her with practiced ease, planting a kiss on her forehead before setting her down. "And there's my other favorite girl," he adds, his eyes finding mine across the room.

Even after six months, that look still makes my knees weak.

"Mr. Reynolds," I say, trying to sound professional despite the heat rushing to my cheeks. "You're early."

He grins, that crooked smile that first made my heart trip over itself when he showed up for parent-teacher conferences last fall. "Couldn't wait to see the graduation. Plus, I brought reinforcements." He gestures behind him where his mother, Eleanor, stands with a camera hanging around her neck.

"I hope you don't mind," Eleanor says, stepping into the classroom. "I wouldn't miss my grandbaby's big day."

"Of course not," I reply, giving her a quick hug. "The more the merrier."

Colby's hand finds the small of my back, his touch gentle but possessive. "You look beautiful," he whispers, his breath warm against my ear.

"Later," I murmur, though I can't help leaning into his touch just slightly. "I have twenty six-year-olds about to descend on this classroom."

As if on cue, the door bursts open again, and children begin pouring in with their parents in tow. The room quickly fills with excited chatter and the occasional squeal as kids spot the decorations and tiny graduation caps.

I step away from Colby, slipping into teacher mode as I welcome everyone and direct them to their seats. He gives me a wink before leading Susie and Eleanor to their spots in the front row.

The graduation ceremony is simple but sweet. I give a short speech about how proud I am of each student, highlighting their growth throughout the year. Then I call them up one by one to receive their kindergarten diplomas and place the graduation caps on their heads.

When I call Susie's name, her face lights up with pure joy. She practically bounces to the front of the room, her curls dancing around her face. As I place the little cap on her head, she throws her arms around my waist.

"I love you, Ms. Reeves," she says, her voice muffled against my dress.

My heart squeezes in my chest. "I love you too, Susie," I whisper, blinking back unexpected tears.

When I look up, Colby is watching us, an unreadable expression on his face. His eyes are intense, full of something that makes my breath catch. For a moment, the room around us seems to fade away.

Then Susie is skipping back to her seat, diploma clutched proudly in her hand, and I'm calling the next student's name.

After everyone has received their diplomas, we move to the back of the classroom where I've set up a modest refreshment table. Parents mingle while kids devour cupcakes, their faces quickly becoming smeared with frosting.

I'm helping one of my students untangle a graduation tassel from her hair when Colby appears at my side.

"Need some assistance, Ms. Reeves?" he asks, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I think I've got it under control, Mr. Reynolds," I reply, finally freeing the tassel. The little girl runs off to join her friends, and I turn to face him. "Having fun?"

"Watching you in your element? Always." He reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "You're amazing with them, you know that?"

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