Page 13 of Turn My Crank

I feel my cheeks warm at the compliment. "They make it easy. This class was special."

"Because of their teacher," he says firmly.

Before I can respond, the principal's voice cuts through the chatter. "If I could have everyone's attention, please!"

The room quiets as Mr. Daniels moves to stand next to me. "I just wanted to take a moment to recognize Ms. Reeves for her outstanding work this year. This is her third year teaching with us, and I can honestly say she's one of the most dedicated educators I've ever had the pleasure of working with."

A smattering of applause fills the room, and I duck my head, embarrassed by the attention.

"Actually," Colby says, stepping forward, "if you don't mind, I'd like to say something too."

Mr. Daniels nods, stepping aside with a curious expression.

Colby turns to address the room, but his eyes are fixed on me. "For those who don't know me, I'm Colby Reynolds, Susie's dad." He gestures toward his daughter, who beams with pride. "About eight months ago, I came to my first parent-teacherconference as a single dad, completely terrified that I was messing up this whole parenting thing."

A few knowing chuckles ripple through the crowd of parents.

"And then I met Ms. Reeves—Lacy." His voice softens on my name. "She not only helped me understand how to better support my daughter's education, but she showed me what it means to care for someone unconditionally."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight with emotion.

"I watched how she treated every child in this room like they were the most important person in the world. How she stayed late to help Susie with her reading when she was struggling. How she never, not once, made me feel like less of a parent because I didn't know the difference between phonics and phonetics."

More laughter, but I barely hear it over the pounding of my heart.

Colby takes a step closer to me. "What I'm trying to say is, I came in looking for help with my daughter, and I found so much more."

And then, to my complete shock, he drops to one knee in front of me. The room falls completely silent.

"Lacy Reeves," he says, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. "You've changed my life and Susie's life in ways I never thought possible. You've taught me that family isn't just something you're born into—it's something you build with the people you love."

He opens the box to reveal a stunning ring, a single diamond surrounded by smaller sapphires that catch the light from the classroom windows.

"Will you marry me? Will you be Susie's mom and my wife? Will you let me spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you've made us?"

I'm vaguely aware of gasps and whispers around the room, of Susie jumping up and down in excitement, of Eleanor wipingtears from her eyes. But all I can focus on is Colby's face—open, vulnerable, full of love and hope.

"Yes," I whisper, and then louder, "Yes!"

The room erupts in cheers and applause as Colby slides the ring onto my finger with slightly trembling hands. When he stands, I throw my arms around his neck, and he lifts me off the ground, spinning me in a circle.

"I love you," he murmurs against my hair when he sets me down.

"I love you too," I say, my voice thick with emotion.

A small body collides with our legs as Susie joins our embrace. "Does this mean you're gonna be my mom for real?" she asks, looking up at me with those big blue eyes.

I kneel down to her level, taking her small hands in mine. "If that's okay with you?"

Her response is to fling her arms around my neck, nearly knocking me over. "It's the best thing ever!"

Over her shoulder, I meet Colby's gaze. His eyes are shining with unshed tears, and I know mine are the same.

When we finally break apart, we're surrounded by well-wishers—parents, students, colleagues. Mr. Daniels shakes Colby's hand and hugs me, whispering congratulations. Eleanor takes about a thousand pictures, capturing every moment.

Later, as the crowd begins to thin and children leave with their parents, Colby pulls me into a quiet corner of the classroom.

"Sorry for the public spectacle," he says, though his grin suggests he's not sorry at all. "I wanted Susie to be part of it."

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