Page 19 of Protective Boss
Finally, I'm living my dream.
Epilogue
Eight years later
Jason
I stand beside Bianca with our three-year-old daughter, Lila, on my arm, as we watch Oliver give his presentation at the school’s science fair.
It's a proud moment for me; watching my son confidently share his knowledge about earthquakes with his classmates and teachers. Watching him now, I can't help but realize how much he's grown from that little sunny four-year-old boy to an even sunnier, amazing twelve-year-old. It's been a journey for us all. I've learned and unlearned, but one thing that's remained constant is the peace and contentment that I've found since Bianca and Oliver walked into my life. I don't even remember what my life was like before them, nor can I imagine it without them in it.
Oliver gives a little comical bow that has the audience cackling and clapping as he concludes his presentation. He did a great job, and I can see the pride on Bianca's face as she claps along with the others. Lila squeals in my arms, feeding on the crowd’s excitement. I bet she has no idea what's going on but she's a happy child just like her brother.
I can feel my chest expanding and constricting with pride as I watch Oliver share a celebratory hug with his peers, laughing and fist-bumping. This moment makes the countless hours that Oliver and I spent working together on the project worth it. I couldn't have been any more proud of him.
“That's my son,” I say to a grumpy father standing beside me, grinning widely. He gives me a sour look but that does nothing to dim my happiness. After the program ends, Oliver comes running to us, beaming with excitement.
“Dad! Mom!” He exclaims, running straight into my arms.
I ruffle his hair, while Bianca bends down to kiss his forehead. “You did great, hun,” she says, holding him close for a moment.
"Olly!" Lila squeals, reaching out her tiny hands to her big brother.
Oliver smiles brightly, gently taking Lila from my arms and swinging her around. She giggles with joy, her little arms wrapping around his neck. I watch them fondly, grateful for the bond they share.
“Thanks for helping me with my project, Dad,” Oliver says, still holding Lila Rose in his arms.
“It was my pleasure, buddy. I'm so proud of you,” I reply, giving him an affectionate pat on the back.
Bianca joins in, offering Oliver a high-five. “You put a lot of hard work into that presentation, and it really showed,” she says with a smile.
“Can I go show my sister off to my friends now?” Oliver asks with a cheeky smile.
“Sure, sure,” Bianca says, rolling her eyes playfully at him. “Dad and I will talk to the teachers and other parents for a while. Have fun and be careful with your sister.”
Oliver nods and zooms off in typical Oliver fashion, Lila's squeal of excitement trailing after them.
“Typical Oliver,” Bianca murmurs, rolling her eyes despite the fond smile tugging at her lips. “Always so impatient.” She turns to me with a small smile. “Want to come talk to the teachers with me?”
"I think I'll sit this one out," I say, shaking my head. Despite my evolution over the years, I'm still not so great at making small talk with people. Bianca nods, rising on her toes to place a quick kiss on my cheek before walking away.
I stand at the back of the room, watching Bianca chat with one of the teachers. She laughs at something the other woman said and I find myself just as mesmerized with her laughter as I was eight years ago.
She's so beautiful and I fall in love with her more every day.
I take a moment to reflect on how far she's come. After recently finishing her master's degree in elementary education, she's bagged a job as the director of this very elementary school to resume the coming week. She did all that while raising our kids and loving me selflessly. To me, Bianca is simply the coolest, most determined, and amazing woman that exists.
When Bianca returns to my side, I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “How was your talk with the teachers?”
She smiles up at me, the warmth in her pretty gray eyes radiating through me. “It went well. They're really looking forward to me starting next week. The principal even said they're excited to have someone with my expertise on board.”
“That’s great, honey,” I say, beaming with pride. “You’re going to do amazing things here, just like always.”
She chuckles lightly, resting her head against my shoulder. “You’re always my biggest cheerleader, Jason. I don’t know what I’d do without your support.”
“You won’t have to find out,” I reply, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Because I’ll always be here, cheering you on.”
“Thanks, babe,” she says, raising her head to look at me.