Edmund loosened his tie a bit as he rushed into the entrance hall, the voices from inside the auditorium already starting to dim. He quickly flashed his ticket before slipping into the back row just as the lights went out. He huffed out a breath a relief has he finally relaxed, setting his briefcase down. He had finished off another case and successfully made it in time to support Raelyn as he had promised. Though his work often kept him busy most weeks he still wanted to make time to be with his very understanding wife. She had been so supportive of him all these years. Edmund always jumped at the chance to return the favor. The large crowd of parents quieted down and stared up at the stage as the lights came up and Raelyn glided across the stage with a bright smile.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for coming to this year's spring concert. We have added a few more numbers this year to be sure and get everyone involved. I think you will enjoy it just as much as we have." She introduced with a wide grin. Edmund watched her step off the stage to stand by the small orchestra while applause started the school event. The pianist played an upbeat intro while teachers escorted the group of 4 year olds onto the stage, herding them to stand in their places. Parents cooed as their little ones entered, waving to their respective parents or shyly looking at the crowd. One little girl in particular with soft bouncy ringlets stared at the audience and quickly dashed towards the stairs. Raelyn quickly intercepted her and crouched down to talk to the little girl as her lip wobbled. Edmund was not close enough to hear the conversation but he knew his wife well enough to have an idea.

'What's the matter lovey?...That's alright….no need to be frightened…..'

Seeing that the little girl was not about to go back on stage Raelyn gently took her hand and sat the child on her lap. Without skipping a beat Raelyn cued the orchestra to begin the first song before turning to her young choir. Edmund watched with a soft grin as his wife exuberantly conducted the little ones while participating in the hand gestures that went along with the lyrics. From her lap the shy toddler joined in, much more comfortable singing with her music teacher. He tuned out the music for a bit, focusing in on the redheaded woman with the child on her lap. In that moment he could easily imagine her with another little child on her lap while flawlessly multitasking. She was wonderful with the children; her positive energy easily drew them in. Even more so that woman had such a capacity to love and be compassionate. To him she would be the perfect mother. Clapping brought him out of his daydreaming. Edmund had ended up drifting off for the whole song. Preparing for the next number Raelyn managed to coax her little helper back onto the stage. The next song began with the new member up front, eyes locked on her teacher for comfort. Throughout the rest of the evening Edmund was lost in his thoughts as he watched Raelyn in her element. They hadn't really discussed the timeline of having children, it was just something they were putting on the backburner. He knew she wasn't against having her own, but was it the right time? It was something they would have to discuss, and he was determined not to put it off any longer.

...

After allowing time for children to reunite with their parents, Edmund gathered his stuff and headed towards the front of the auditorium. Politely weaving through the crowd he smiled spotting the same little girl and her parents chatting with Raelyn. His wife kneeled down to her level and held her hands out for a hug which was eagerly returned.

"You did so wonderfully Arabella! Wasn't that fun?" she cooed, smiling at the small girl. Arabella nodded with a small grin.

"It was scary first." She mumbled, her hands up by her mouth. Raelyn pursed her lips thoughtfully.

"Yes it was but you were a fantastic helper. Then you were brave and went up to lead from the stage." She praised. Arabella giggled at the compliment and pushed back into her mother.

"Thank you so much, she really does love your classes." Her mother smiled, shaking Raelyn's hand when she stood back up.

"It's my pleasure, they are so very talented." Edmund stepped forward as the conversation wrapped up. He quietly set down his briefcase and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Raelyn yelped in surprise before beaming as he recognized the arms.

"Well hello stranger, I'm glad you could make it." She hummed, turning around and wrapping her arms around her husband's neck. Edmund's arms remained at her waist.

"I just had to stop by and see this beautiful music teacher everyone had been raving about." Her eyes sparkled with mirth.

"Oh? And what did you think?"

"I think that it was worth the trip. I enjoyed it, you did so well putting it all together." He told her, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips.

"Why thank you. How did work go? Do you have to go back tonight?" she inquired, spotting Edmund's case by the stage. He shook his head, reaching over to retrieve it.

"Actually I finished for the day so now I can spend the rest of the evening singing your praises." He informed her, turning to guide her out the door. Raelyn blushed.

"Please don't, you know I don't handle it well." She playfully whined. Edmund chuckled and pressed a kiss to her hair.

"I can't do that, I'm very proud of you." His wife smiled shyly and wrapped her arm around his waist.

"Well thank you. It was fun but I'm also glad it's over." Ed barked out a laugh.

"At least until next term." He pointed out. Raelyn looked up at him curiously.

"Will you be able to come to that as well?"

"I can't exactly promise but I will do everything in my power to come watch. You know I love watching you work." Raelyn hummed in approval. She knew that as he started out he would be asked to work longer hours that he had little control over. But she was proud of him and his dedication and wouldn't change their life one bit…well….maybe a little bit….