Delaney

“I love this, Zoe. The colors are bright like you!” Chatter by the windows attracts my attention. The kids love free time, but the noise level is going to earn us a visit from the principal if I don’t manage it. I hand the flower painting back to her and then point across the room. “You can hang your pretty picture on the wall with the others.” I give her a piece of tape just as I stand and come around my desk to see what the commotion is about.

“What’s going on, Radner?”

He giggles. I love the sound of my first graders joy bubbling over, but I’m confused by what set them off. Radner points outside. “Look at the man, Mrs. Landers.”

I look outside my classroom window only to find my own joy quickly bubbling up from the sight of my husband. I wave to Warner and get a sweet one in return. Why is here though? Sure, it’s my birthday, but it’s a school day for me and a workday for him. The alarm on my phone rings and the kids all run to line up at the door for afternoon recess. “You know what that means?”

“Time to get the sillies out,” Tomas replies, full of pure silliness.

“Exactly.” Looking back at Warner, I point left so he knows I’m heading to the playground at the back of the school. When he nods, I silence the alarm and tuck my phone into the pocket of my skirt.

Opening the door, I hold my finger to my mouth. “Remember, other classes are learning, so we don’t want to disturb them. Let’s walk quietly to the playground and then you can cut loose.  Deal?”

“Deal,” they reply in unison, their sweet voices sounding like a melody to my ears.

Tomas is the line leader, so I watch as they file out of the classroom and caterpillar their way toward the big double doors at the far end of the hall. I follow closely, holding Lucy’s hand when she lags, looking shier than usual by how she’s gnawing on the inside of her cheek.

I spy the principal ahead. I’m not sure why he looks like he’s waiting for me. The kids have been great, almost silent on the shorter walk, not disturbing anyone. Since it’s my second-year teaching, I feel more in the flow of things and love my job. Ugh. Don’t be nervous. Everything is going well, pretty great, if he were to ask me.

When Tomas stops at the double doors, I walk beside the group with Lucy, and say, “Hello, Principal Andrews. How are you today?”

“I’m great.” This is a good start. “I hear it’s your birthday?”

I don’t know why I find that slightly embarrassing. “It is. The kids sang to me this morning.”

He rocks back on his heels. “You know how the playground was closed this week for renovations? Well, they’re done.”

“So we heard. The class is excited to explore changes and be outside again on this beautiful spring day.” They’re looking bored and impatient but there seems to be something more this conversation than casual small talk. “We should get going before recess runs out.” He holds one of the doors open and the kids start to run like they’ve been cooped up all day. I know the feeling.

“I’d like to show you something.” We walk outside getting our first glimpse of the incredible makeover. The poles that used to have rocking dolphins on them, but broke years before I started here, have been removed. The swing set with two working swings and then chains hanging without their seats attached has been replaced by a huge structure of varying swings for up to ten kids to play. There’s so much more from a rainbow slide to a small ropes course

“It’s incredible. What a transformation.” I get kind of choked up seeing the children having this as their own. It’s a long time coming and well deserved, but the school didn’t have the money. The three bake sales we had last year didn’t cover the cost of a new awning to protect from the sun, so to see this massive renovation, I just feel so happy for them.

“Since the donation was made in someone’s honor, we thought you might want to personally thank him.” He points to the corner of the yard where Warner is standing. “I believe you’ve met our donor.”

“I have once or twice.” I’m smiling before my feet take off reflexively for my husband. I reach the chain link fence, gripping onto it and kissing him through an opening. Only a quick one since the kids are around. “You did this?”

“For your birthday. Happy birthday, Sass.” The man knows the way to my heart. If it’s not dessert, or spending time with my family, it’s the community and school, the kids in the area and doing what I can to give them the best opportunities and support their journeys. “The kids deserve to have a playground they can actually play on instead of avoiding dangerous obstacles.”

“It’s the perfect birthday present. Thank you.” I cover his fingers with mine. “Just what I wanted.”

His brown eyes hold a thousand wishes come true when he stares into mine. Looking more handsome than I’ve ever seen him, his hair is a bit messy, his shirt sleeves rolled up, a fitted vest because he knows how to get me purring, and that face is just so damn attractive. But it’s his heart that shines through.

What a one-eighty from the first day I met him and called him an asshole probably ten times that day. He left that guy behind a long time ago and gave me the best of him. There’s nothing I could want for more than what I already have—an incredible life. To be surrounded by so much love, to be shown daily what I mean to this man is more than I could wish for on a birthday candle.

I glance over my shoulder to see Mr. Andrews watching the kids. I turn back to Warner, and whisper, “Hey you, how’d you get out of work today?”

With a shrug, he grins. “I’m tight with the boss.”

“That’s good because I hear he can be quite the hard ass when he wants to be.”

“It’s all those workouts with his wife.”

Laughing, I turn to help watch the kids, fearing it’s been too long since our beloved principal had to watch twenty first graders. I lean against the fence, and ask, “Now I know why our recess was pushed to the end of the day.” I steal a glance at my husband. “You’re not so bad for a venture capitalist, Mr. Landers.”

“I’ve been working hard to reform my evil ways.” He pauses letting the laughter fade before glancing to his shoes. This might be the only time I’ve ever seen this man get a hit of nerves. I bump into his arm, and whisper, “What’s on your mind, Hotshot?”

“You see right through me.” He takes a breath and says, “Listen, Sass, I don’t know if I’ve told you, but you changed my life. Not just saved me when I needed it but made me see everything through new eyes. You gave me a new life, a better life. You make me want to be a better man.”

I smile, my heart feeling fuller each day I get to spend with him, as if it were possible to love him more than I already do. “You did the same for me.”

“I’ve been reevaluating my business model. I’d rather help build community than destroy it.”

With my eyes studying the students to make sure all are safe and accounted for, I reply, “You designated half the apartments in the last buyout for teachers and public servants. Warner," I say, turning back to him. “You’re changing lives—”

“Instead of destroying them.” He chuckles but there’s no humor heard. “That’s because of you. I haven’t thanked you—”

“You don’t have to. You did it because your heart knew it was the right thing to do.”

Glancing into his eyes, I can’t stop smiling around him. “And the company is still making huge profits. Goes to show when you put good into the world, it comes back five-fold. I love you, Delaney.”

“I love you, too but I also love the way you think and that big heart of yours.” Knowing time is ticking away from us, I push off the fence. “You hanging around until last bell?”

He shrugs with his arms out, acting like he’s innocent when I know good and well he’s guilty when it comes to making me fall head over heels him. “I’ll be waiting.”

I start to walk away but stop and turn back. “You don’t know how many lives you’ve changed with this playground. Best present ever.”

When I return to Principal Andrew’s side, I say, “Guess I need to be careful or you’re going to be vying for my job.”

“No chance.” He laughs. “It’s been a long time since I was in the classroom and just being out here for fifteen minutes is wearing on me. I don’t have the patience I once did.” He takes a step toward the door, and says, “You’re doing a good job, Mrs. Landers.” Opening it, he looks back. “I almost forgot to tell you. Part of the money donated goes toward maintenance that will last years. I’d like to thank your husband, but I have a feeling it’s you that made this possible. You’re inspiring more than young minds. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you.” I look back to where Warner was standing but he’s disappeared. “Ten minutes,” I call out hoping they hear me.

After getting the kids inside somewhat in a timely fashion, we grab our belongings together just as the bell rings. When I walk the kids out, they tag me when their guardians arrive, leaving little Lucy by my side and holding my hand again. Sometimes whoever is approved to pick them up are late. Fortunately, her mom comes hurrying down the sidewalk waving. “Lucy.”

Lucy looks up at me, so I say, “Go ahead.” I wave. “Have a good night.” She runs into her mom’s arms. It’s so sweet but there’s an ache that been growing inside me, wanting a child of my own.

I adjust my bag on my shoulder and turn to see Warner waiting at the corner for me. When I start walking, he comes toward me meeting me more than halfway. With a kiss to temple, he wraps his arms around me. “How’s my birthday girl?” he whispers.

“Better than ever.”

Tilting his head to the side, he smiles. It’s full of so many feelings, a lot like I’m experiencing right now. “You up for some birthday fun?”

“On a Thursday?”

Taking my hand, we start walking. “On a Thursday, my love. Your birthday only comes once a year.” When we reach the corner, he stops and looks over my shoulder. When his eyes return to mine, he says, “I did something.”

I laugh but there’s a nervous edge to it. “Do I need to be concerned?”

“No. Your principal was more than happy to assist in pulling this off.”

Now my nerves kick in. “What is it?”

He angles me left and then steps aside. “We have a flight to catch.”

“A flight?” I ask, my voice pitching as my eyes land on a black Town Car waiting at the curb. But then I do a double take to him. “What do you mean a flight to catch? Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.” While he pulls me toward the car, my feet resisting every step, so many thoughts run through my head that I’m not sure which one to land on.

“But—”

“No buts,” he says, placing his finger over my lips and then replacing it with a kiss. “Do you trust me?” He knows I do, all the stuff from the start of our story stayed in the past. Before I can respond, he says, “It’s approved through Andrews. He assured me your class is being covered by a sub the kids love, so they’re taken care of tomorrow and you’ll be back on Monday.” His words pick up speed as if he’s running out of time. “Your mom helped pack your suitcase, and your brothers and dad, well, they approved, if that matters.” He chuckles. “Although the plan is in motion, if you don’t want to go, we’ll stay. It’s up to you. It’s your birthday.”

I look at the gleam in his eyes and the smile that holds a lifetime of love for me. How could I possibly say no when he went to so much trouble? More so, why would I? I lift on my toes to kiss him. When I land back on my heels, I caress his cheek. “I’d love to go on an adventure with you.” He opens the door, but before I slip in, I stop, looking at him over the window. I feel myself getting choked up but try to keep the tears at bay. “Thank you again for the playground. It’s special for these kids to have something new and fun, and for me, to know it’s safe is a gift, in and of itself. So thank you.”

“You’re welcome but it’s your money as well.” He winks, which is adorable, but I can’t help thinking that a year’s worth of my pay couldn’t have come close to covering what that playground cost. So he’s being a bit generous calling it my money as well. I must admit though, it’s nice to have access to his millions, or is it billions? I started losing count after the one time I dared to look at our accounts and all those zeroes tacked onto the end. I was also in shock that my name was on the accounts as an equal owner. I’m still not used to it.

I dip into the car only to be greeted with one of my trinkets from home. I pick up the tiny Eiffel Tower and turn back to face him as he slides in next to me. “Why is this—Oh my God, Warner. Are we going to Paris?”

“Thought you deserved to see the City of Love on your birthday.” As soon as the door closes, he relaxes back on the seat. “We should make before the lights sparkle tonight.”

“You wouldn’t tease me, would you?”

“Never,” he replies, like he just might tease me though I’m confident he’s not teasing about Paris.

With my head resting against the leather, I stare into his eyes not knowing how one lie led to happiness, but here we are living a dream come true. I’m too happy to argue and why would I? I have the most amazing life. I never want this magic to end. Everything feels possible with him, so I have a feeling it won’t when it comes to him. Luckiest girl ever.

He checks his watch and then asks, “Ready?”

“From the day we met.”