I Never Let You Go (I Never 3)

“As you can see here, I’ve taken my father’s plan of rebuilding the playground and expanding it to an entire outdoor learning center. Not only is this a place where kids can play during recess, but it brings the experience of learning outdoors.”

Ashley looks over each drawing I have mocked up after researching lots of outdoor education resources.

“You know, a child discovers the world through their senses.”

Her head pops up at that. “One of my teachers has that exact saying hanging in her classroom. I have always believed in that as well.”

If I had to guess, I would bet that teacher is Lauren. She’s the one who told me that years ago. It’s one of the reasons she became a teacher—to help children grow and learn in all ways possible. Without making it awkward, I settle for “That teacher is smart.” I try to keep my facial expression neutral. I don’t need to be spilling my history with Lauren to her boss—it’s no one’s business but ours.

Ashley nods before looking back at the documents.

“I have provided several examples of benefits for the kids for outdoor learning.”

She sets the paperwork down on her desk and folds her hands over the top of them. “I see here, Mr. Reynolds—Finn,” she corrects herself, “that you have done your research, and this takes the ideas that I had previously discussed with your father to a new level, one that I hope we can move forward with.”

My eyes widen, and I can’t hide my smile. “Seriously?” I quickly cover my mouth. “Sorry, I’m just rather excited about this project.”

She smiles gently. “Understandable, as am I. I would like to run it past some folks here and discuss budgeting. I can get back to you in the next day or two. Is that okay?” Ashley stands.

I follow her lead and stand too, flattening my tie against my shirt. “Yes, of course, and if you need me to provide any more information from my team, please let me know.” I extend my hand to hers, and she shakes it.

“I will be in touch in a few days, and we can discuss further.”

I grab my bag and follow her to her office door. “Look forward to it. Thank you for meeting with me.”

I leave her office and give a brief wave to the secretary, who is smiling brightly at me. Once out of the main office and in the hallway, I feel as though I can finally breathe.

Step 1 - Success.

“Okay, students, if you could please take out your spelling books, we will get started reviewing today’s words.” I hear the soft voice call out from the classroom directly across from where I stand. Her door is open, so when I walk over to observe Lauren in her actual element, I stand off the side so that I can see her, but she can’t see me. I watch her perched against her desk with a notebook in her hand, the inside of the book facing her students. I observe her classroom setup: bold colors and signs hang from the walls, and just behind her desk is a plaque with that exact quote I mentioned on it. I can’t hold back the smile that appears on my lips.

When she moves to walk around the desk, I press myself flat against the lockers outside, hoping not to make a sound to alert her that I am there. I quickly glance back in her classroom, and she is now at the board behind her desk, writing a word with a colorful marker.

“The first word is brother. Who would like to use it in a sentence?”

I hear a chorus of “Me! Me! Me!” before she calls on one student.

The classroom is the place where she belongs, where she’s in her element. I could watch her teach for hours, but I don’t want to get caught by her or the principal to jeopardize this future relationship. Not that we have a relationship or anything, but I’m sure it wouldn’t look good if Lauren found me standing outside her classroom watching her without her approval. I take one last glance at her before turning and making my way out of the building to my car.

“Mr. Reynolds.” My assistant’s voice comes over the intercom, breaking my attention from the computer screen in front of me.

“Yes, Natasha.”

“I know you asked not to be disturbed, but I have a Mr. Kyler Lawson on the phone for y

ou. Would you like me to send him to your voicemail or would you—”

Kyler? Why is he calling? I cut her off before she can finish her sentence. “You can send him through.”

Is Lauren okay? The phone rings, and I take a deep breath before I pick up.

“Hey, Kyler, I’m surprised to hear from you. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I relax back into my chair.

“Yeah, sorry to bother you during the workday.”

“Oh no, it’s fine, just up to my ass in paperwork.” I stare at the stack of papers on my desk.

He laughs on the other end. “Yeah, I know the feeling. I’m just headed from one meeting to another playing post-honeymoon catch-up.”