26
I never considered myself a workaholic until I start rearranging my schedule to spend more time with you, working on us.
Leave it to Kate, who we've been keeping in the dark, to call me out. "So, you're finally going to stop all the late nights and working through the weekends?"
"Yes, that's why I asked you to help me rework my schedule. MT will always be my top priority, but it could still run flawlessly without me being here twenty-four-seven."
Kate's eyes narrow. "I can't help but notice that your new schedule frees up all of your weekends."
I nod. "Because I need to take some time for myself, and the office is closed, so I'm not needed."
"Uh-huh. Can't help but notice that schools are also closed on the weekends," she reminds me with a raised eyebrow. "You've been pretty quiet when it comes to a certain kindergarten teacher since the benefit."
"Bella and I are navigating just fine, and my old schedule wasn't giving us much time to do that."
Kate opens her mouth, but I hold up my hand to stop her.
"When I'm ready to share, you'll be the first person I tell. Just know that things are going great, and I have never been happier."
She grins and turns back to her tablet. "Well, I've cleared everything aside from your Thursday night."
I check my desk calendar. "I don't have anything Thursday night."
"You sure do. Jasper has Friday off for a teacher planning day, so that means Bella will be free."
"No, that means she'll be working on lesson plans," I explain slowly.
Kate rolls her eyes. "I already talked to her. She told me it was fine as long as you agreed. We're double dating down at Waylons, and no, you can't reschedule."
"I didn't say yes."
Her crimson lips purse. "You didn't have to. Bella already did for you."