Hey guys!

Hope you're all doing great... I'm finally working on these stories so here's a little something.

Hope you like it.

Happy reading!

Xoxo,

Nina

The rest of the ceremony was very emotional. After Kim's words and the certificates awarded to the children that marked the beginning of a new adventure, there wasn't a parent or grandparent who didn't shed a few tears. Even Adam had to fight them back when he saw Gracie on stage singing and dancing with her classmates, not to mention the moment after receiving her Excellent Reader Award, when she almost ran to Kim and jumped into her arms celebrating her achievement with her teacher and aunt. He was able to capture that moment in a photo, but he was sure that even if he hadn't done that, that image would be forever treasured in his brain and heart.

Once the event ended and everyone was slowly exiting the premises, the Ruzeks were standing in the hall leading to the auditorium waiting for Kim to appear. Even though she was going to Anne and Kit's right after, Gracie didn't want to leave without a proper hug goodbye and no one told her otherwise. They had nothing more important to do and they knew how much that meant to Grace. Not only because of the family bond they had created, but also because the little girl knew that the reason why she got that award was because of the help her teacher had given her; and no matter how much she tried to accept and be nice to the substitute, her first grade teacher will always be Ms. B and Ms. B only.

"Aunt Kim!" Her cute voice was loud and clear, making all the adults present turn to see what was going on, as she darted to the brunette woman walking towards her family.

The excessive attention colored Kim's cheeks, but instead of concentrating on that, she just looked at her niece and dedicated her big, bright smile.

"Look at you, second grader! Congratulations, bear!" Kim held Grace in her arms and lifted her up, perching the girl in her hip.

"Thank you." Gracie said, smiling and hugging her aunt tight by the neck.

"Kim, we want to thank you as well." Anne and Kit got closer to her. "As parents, we are thrilled that you got to be her teacher, I honestly have been super excited since the day I found out. Seeing how much she grew and learned after everything we've been through. I mean, look at the award she's taking home today, that's all thanks to your hard work." Annes eyes were pooling tears and Kit was no better than his wife.

"Not only the academic part, Kim. You've been so important for her, we don't even have the words to express our gratitude. We really are so happy that you're involved in her life, and well, now in ours too." He said as he briefly looked behind his shoulder to look at his little brother.

"Hey, I did nothing. This," Kim pointed at the certificate clasped between Grace's little hands. "Is all a product of her hard work and dedication." She took a deep breath. "And everything else, what can I say? It's seriously a pleasure to be a part of it all, and I would do it again if I had to."

As if she knew exactly what was going on, and how that conversation had the potential to end in a waterfall of tears, Gracie interrupted them.

"You're coming to my party, right?"

"Of course. How could I miss it?" Kim held on tight to Grace using one arm and freed the other one to shake her sleeve down and reveal the invitation bracelet. "Didn't Uncle Adam tell you I already had this on?"

"Yeah." She said with a mischievous smile. "I was just checking."

"Hmm, you are something, little Ms. Ruzek. Listen sweetheart, before we go to your party and you become the center of attention and forget all about me." Kim joked. "I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You did an amazing job and you totally deserve that and the next time we have a sleepover I want you read the story to me instead, how does that sound?"

"I love it!" The girl answered excitedly.

"Yeah?"

"Yes!"

"I love it, too." Adam finally stepped in.

"Are you coming to our sleepover, too?" Grace asked innocently.

"Well, if you invite me."

"What do we do, Grace? Do we invite him?"

"Yes!" She clapped enthusiastically. "And I can read to both of you, but a big book this time."

"That sounds incredible, muffin. I'm super proud of you." He took her out of Kim's arms to hold her one more time and gave her a kiss on the cheek before putting her back on the floor so she could go with her parents that were calling her.

Once it was only the two of them, with the rest of the family just a few feet away, he gently bumped his shoulder with hers. "I'm super proud of you, too."

"Is that so?"

"Uh huh. The fact that you stood in front of all those people, managed to keep your anxiety under control and that speech you gave. Damn, girl, you had us all crying."

"That bad?" She said ironically.

"Yeah, terrible." He teased and they both laughed. "It was amazing, Belle. I truly am proud of you."

"Thank you." She knew that she had to be careful around school with her displays of affection, but she couldn't help it and leant closer to him to wrap her arms around his waist and hide her face in his chest.

"You are very welcome, Belle."

"So, are you riding with them or are you riding with me?" She asked in what seemed to be a rush.

"Wanna get out of here fast, huh?"

"Yeah, well, I want to kiss you and I can't do that with all my kiddies around. Grace has seen it, but not everyone else."

"You can't wait?" He asked, joking because he wanted the exact same thing.

"I can. I just don't want to." She answered freshly.

Adam chuckled and looked over to his brother. "We'll see you guys there, ok?" Kit just nodded and Adam took that as cue to entwine his fingers with Kim's and walk out of the school.

Once in the parking lot, Kim totally picked up on his attitude. "You can quit that. He's not here."

"Quit what?"

Kim rolled her eyes at him. "Quit looking for him. Ian left already." Adam opened his mouth to speak but she was quick to stop him. "Don't lie to me." She said with a playful attitude.

"Ok. Fine."

"See how well I know you?" Kim asked proudly.

"Very well indeed. I just wanted to make sure he wouldn't do anything stupid."

"He didn't. We barely spoke today." She pulled the keys of her car out of her bag and handed them to him. "Can you drive? I'm tired."

"Sure." He opened the door for her and after a few short seconds he climbed on the car as well. He put the keys in the ignition and turned to look at her. "Is it safe to kiss you know?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

They both chuckled and Adam finally leant forward to press his lips on hers. We his hand cupped her cheek, the kiss turned a bit more intense, making their tongues dance with each other.

"I loved your speech." He said softly. "It was very moving and inspiring."

"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it." She kissed him again. "And thank you for being such a big part of my life." Kim hugged his neck. "I love you, Adam."

"I love you too, baby." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ears "So, wanna tell me what those big news are about?"

"Oh my god, yes." Her excitement was impossible to hide.

Just when she was about to start his phone started to ring.

"Give me a second. It's Kit."

"Sure."

"Hey bro. Everything ok?"

"Yeah, all is good for now." Kit answered.

"What do you mean?"

"I forgot the ice cream and Anne is about to kill me. Could you please pick it up? I'll send you the pin of the place where I usually buy the ice pops for the kids."

"Sure, we can go."

"I owe you!"

"No problem. See you."

"What happened?" Kim was curious.

"Kit forgot to get the ice pop for the party."

"Is Anne roasting him for it?"

"Probably."

"Let's go then." She encouraged him.

"Yeah or Grace will be roasting all of us." He got the car moving and started to go where his brother had indicated. "Ok, tell me everything."

"I have a better idea. Why don't we talk about it tonight, over a beer?"

"Oh, so you want to keep me wondering all this time?"

"It's not that, silly." She punched his shoulder lightly. "I want to give you all the details."

"Can I get a preview?"

"I got an offer, not to teach."

Adam opened his eyes wide and slowly turned his head to look at her.

"Really? Why? You're the best teacher there is."

"You don't know if I am."

"I do. I've seen the effect you have on kids. I don't get why they want to pull you out of the classroom."

"Kathleen wants me to take the role of teacher coordinator."

"Oh wow! Belle, that's amazing. We need to celebrate this!"

"Wait, there's nothing to celebrate yet."

"Why?"

"I haven't accepted yet."

"You don't like the offer?"

"I do. It's just a really big challenge and I wanted to think it through before jumping to a conclusion, and I was kind of hoping you would help me with that."

"Of course, Belle. Tonight we can talk about that and also about the folder my aunt said she would take to Kit and Anne's today."

"Can't wait." She looked at him and was enamored but the joyful look on his face. "Why are you smiling so much?"

"We've got some big decisions to make and I find that thrilling." He said, looking like a child.

"Yeah. It's some serious shit." She nodded with a big smile. "Exciting but serious."

"Hmm, getting cold feet?"

"No. Are you?"

"Not at all." Ruzek replied confidently. "Let's get those ice pops and we can have this conversation tonight."

Her hand found its place on his knee and they went with the rest of their plans.

Adam was the hero of the afternoon when he arrived at his brother's house bearing the ices. The kids there went wild, not only for the sweets, but because they were in the presence of their teacher. Kim played with them for a while, until the novelty started to wear off and the kids went to the pool, allowing Burgess to go back to the adults.

She looked over and saw Adam standing by his father and another woman that she hadn't seen before.

"Kim!" Bob waved, inviting her to go with them. "I never got the chance to tell you because my kids beat me to it and then Adam took you away." Kim chuckled and blushed at the comment. "I really enjoyed your speech today. And that moment after Gracie got her certificate, when she went to hug you. You two got this old man to tears."

"What can I say? You have the sweetest granddaughter."

"She is, but I can't stress enough on the fact of how happy I am that you're part of our family."

"Thank you so much, Bob. And thank you far making me feel so at home."

"Speaking of family, this is my cousin Esther. She told me that Adam has been talking to her recently." He said introductor woman that was coming close to them.

"Yeah, pops. Kim and I want to move in together and I asked Aunt Esther for help." Adam added.

"Sounds great. I'm gonna leave you three to it and help Kit with the grill."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Esther."

"The pleasure is all mine. Can't believe this one is finally ready to settle down." Esther pointed to his nephew. "I must say, when he called me asking for help I was surprised."

"Really?" Kim asked, interested.

"Yes. He's always been the party boy of the family."

"Well, things change Aunt." He answered as his arm looked for Kim to wrap her shoulders with it.

"They do, and it makes me happy to see you like this. His smile has never been brighter, Kim." Esther pronounced the last part looking at the young brunette. "Anyway, here's all the information you need to know about the house. It's an excellent opportunity, and to be honest I'm holding it off a little to give you two the priority, but I'm going to need an answer soon." She handed a manila envelope to Adam. "Look it over and let me know what you think."

"Yes. We're actually planning on doing that tonight so we can get back to you as soon as possible." Adam was quick to answer.

"That sounds amazing. If you want to book another visit to the house we can definitely do that."

"I'd like that very much." Kim said politely.

"Great. Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to go get a glass of juice because I'm parched." She hugged them both and left them standing there.

Esther's words were burned in Kim's head, but she knew that wasn't the right place or moment to bring it up. They had the whole night ahead of them, right now she had to enjoy and go back to her kids who were once again screaming her name.

"I think that is your bat-signal calling, isn't it?" Adam asked, referring to the enthusiastic voices coming from the pool.

"Oh yeah it is. I'll be right back."

"You know? I'm a bit jealous." He teased as he got closer to her and pecked her lips.

"Don't be. Tonight you'll have all my attention." A playful wink closed their interaction before she went over to Grace and her friends.