was nothing compared to what he was going to gain. And if he had to tell her that every single day for the rest of their forever, he would do it.
“Well, I mean you can come live in Cambridge, but I won’t be here. I told the dean this morning that I didn’t want my old job back. Because I’ve found something I like better—actual teaching. Turns out, I have quite a passion for it. And this isn’t my home anymore.”
“Are you sure?” He didn’t want her giving up anything that she might have regrets about later.
“Yes.” She kissed his shoulder again. “It’s what’s best for me. I want to be in the classroom. It’s where I belong. Oak Creek is where I belong.”
He yanked her into his lap. “And with me. You and I belong together.”
She kissed him. “And with you.”
“Then show me around this city for a couple of days since I’m here, and then let’s go home.”
Epilogue
Five months later...
“Christina Billows.”
“Felix Bitterman.”
“Blake Bolling—”
The announcer didn’t get Baby’s name all the way out before the cheering started all over the auditorium as his friends and family made an obnoxious show of their love and support at his graduation.
There were so many of them that it had been impossible for everyone to sit together.
He could hear them scattered all over the large hall as he walked across the stage and shook hands with the college president, who handed him the paper that signified his diploma.
He’d done it. He had gotten his college degree.
The announcer kept calling names as he continued his way across the stage, stopping as he reached the edge to look over at one of the faculty members—the newest, full-time faculty member—sitting there beaming at him.
I love you.
They both mouthed it at the same time then smiled.
He’d take his ring being on her finger over the diploma being in his hand any day, but he hadn’t had to choose.
He stepped down off the stage and into his future.
Turn the page for the extended bonus epilogue
Extended Bonus Epilogue
Two years later
The Linear Tactical party was breaking up by the time Quinn arrived. But she’d driven over directly from the airport because she’d wanted to be here for her husband’s big day. He’d been finalizing the plans for this playground for months. She knew that seeing it actually come to life would be a big thrill for him.
Two years of marriage and she still loved seeing him get excited about stuff like this.
She caught Finn and Charlie as they buckled their two younger kids into their car seats. Charlie grinned so hard, Quinn thought her face might split.
“You look pretty happy. What’s going on?”
“Oh nothing.” Charlie’s smile didn’t get any smaller. “Just a little announcement you missed.”
“About the playground? Is everything okay with it?”
Quinn glanced in the direction of the elaborate play palace Baby had designed for all the kids who were now part of the Linear Tactical family. He’d worked so hard on it. She couldn’t stand the thought that something had gone wrong, although looking over at it now, it seemed to resemble the elaborate plans exactly as he’d drawn them up.
“Oh no,” Finn said. “My brother designed a masterpiece, and the kids have already deemed him the most wonderful person to ever have graced the planet.”
Quinn had to agree with the kids’ good taste. “Then what is the big news?”
Charlie closed the car door. “We probably shouldn’t tell you, but it’s not like you’re not going to hear it in a couple minutes anyway. You’re going to be an aunt again.”
Quinn’s eyes got big, and she pulled Charlie in for a hug. “You’re pregnant again? You guys are like rabbits! You do know how babies are made, right?”
Charlie laughed. “No, not me, dummy. Boy Riley and Girl Riley are having a baby. You’re going to be an aunt on that side of the family.”
“Oh my God.” Now it was Quinn’s smile that threatened to split her face.
“Yup. Evidently it was a big surprise to them, too. Anne knew and didn’t plan to say anything here at the picnic, but then Girl Riley shook her down.”
Quinn couldn’t stop smiling. Her brother was going to be a dad. If he thought he’d done scary stuff up until now, Phoenix had another thing coming.
“Those two left a while ago to process everything, but I’m sure you’ll be getting a call from them soon.” Finn smiled. “And as for us, I think three boys might be enough.”