Page 80 of Echoes of Eternity
“How about you come back and teach next year, friend?”
“Really?” Emily beamed. “You’d have me back? Even though I left my husband for a minute? Isn’t the board kind of . . . tough on that kind of thing?”
“Of course we want you back! And the board has had a change of heart. That speech your husband gave really hit this town hard. Plus, you’ll be pleased to know those nasty teachers are gone.”
“Was it that big of a deal?”
“Did he not tell you? The whole town showed up at the grill and begged him to stay in Cedarwood Creek.”
Emily’s heart stirred. “He didn’t speak a word of it. But he had thought I wanted him to move to California, so that’s probably why he didn’t share. He didn’t want to pressure me.”
“You got one of the good ones, girl.” Sarah smiled as her eyes connected to Jack and Conner on the playground equipment, specifically the bridge leading over to the slide. “And your kids seem to be happy.”
“They’re thrilled to be back in town. Even Elizabeth. She’s down at the church helping the other youth go around and clean up older members’ yards around town.”
“That’s awesome. I’m so glad it’s working out for you and your family.” Sarah lifted her eyebrows. “And things are good with Ryan?”
“So far, so good. I just hope it lasts . . .” Emily covered her mouth and shook her head. “I shouldn’t say that.”
“It’s normal to worry, but you should be honest with him as you feel it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And don’t forget to trust God through this all. He brought you back to Cedarwood Creek.”
CHAPTER 23
Walking down the hallway the next morning, Ryan stopped at the boys’ bedroom door and peeked in. They were playing with toy trucks. He leaned his head against the door frame as he tried to recall his childhood memories with Jason in that exact room. They were a few years apart, but that didn’t stop them connecting, especially when they got into their teenage years. He remembered staying up half the night playing video games in the dark with the volume low on the TV, praying Dad wouldn’t catch them.
“Hi, Daddy.” Jack’s greeting stirred him out of the memories and to the present moment.
Crossing the threshold into the bedroom, Ryan met Jack’s open arms and embraced him in a hug as he smiled. Lifting his son, he tossed him over onto the bed playfully.
Conner tossed his ambulance toy on the floor and leapt at Ryan with a roar. Catching him as well, Ryan growled with joy in his heart as he tossed him on the other bed.
Suddenly, Jack jumped onto Ryan’s back and giggled hysterically as Ryan expanded his chest and then swung his body around to capture Jack once more.
As they wrestled for the next twenty minutes or so, Ryan got lost in a world of play with his boys, forgetting the world outside that bedroom and the stresses that it entailed. He, even for a moment, forgot about the fact that his father had passed away. He was simply there and enjoying the moment with his two sons.
Eventually, Ryan felt exhaustion rip at every fiber of his being as he attempted to catch his breath. Jack again jumped at him, still full of energy as if the wrestling match had just begun.
Laughing, Ryan shook his head and motioned time out with his hands. “Time out. I need to be done for now. Daddy needs to rest.”
Conner laughed and pointed at him as Ryan lay down on his bed. “Dad’s taking a nap in my bed! Silly Dad!”
Conner and Jack each took an arm and cozied in with their father as he relaxed. Giving them each a light squeeze, he kissed their foreheads. “I love you two so much.”
Coming out into the kitchen a few moments later, he caught a smile on his wife’s lips as she wiped off the counter.
“Good morning, love.” He made his way over to her, pulling her in close for a kiss. He brought his hand to the small of her back as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Noticing a discomfort in her as the smile dropped momentarily, he brought a gentle finger to her chin to pull her gaze toward him. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head lightly. “Nothing.”
“Please? I can’t help if you don’t let me in.”
“I’m just worried.”
“About what?”