Page 78 of The Professor's Wife

As we walked to the entrance, I asked, “What is it?”

His eyes brightened. “Nothing big, don’t you worry.”

I was skeptical. It was a big bag. I had a feeling it was a big present.

“Thank you, Oliver.”

His brows shot up. “What did I say about the thank-yous?”

I opened the door and paused to look at him. “But this is one of those big things, Professor.”

His gaze heated as he stared down at me. “I like when you call me that.”

I laughed and entered. “Everyone calls you that.”

“But they’re not you.”

The apartment was on the ground floor, so we didn’t need to take an elevator. He followed me down the long hallway and to the last door on the left. Number 57. I unlocked the door and opened it. Two steps in, I could already hear a kids' show playing on the television. I kicked off my shoes and said quietly, “June?”

Oliver came in behind me, and I felt him at my back. My nerves shot up. I was terrified of this moment. I didn’t want it to go wrong. If Rowe didn’t accept Oliver, I couldn’t see a way forward with the professor, and that put an ache in me that ran deep in my soul.

June was in the kitchen, which was directly next to the entrance. She twisted around to look at me, smiling. “Hey, sis.” Her eyes immediately darted to Oliver. “Wow, this is actually happening, huh?”

I put a finger to my mouth and whispered, “It’ll be quick.”

June approached us, her attention still on Oliver. “I’m June.”

“Oliver.” Oliver extended his hand out to her and she took it. She looked flustered, like me. Her eyes now darted in the direction of the living room.

“It’s nice to meet you, but…Rowe’s only just calmed down. I don’t know…” Her words trailed off as she looked at me, that warning present in her voice. “He might flip out. This might be a big deal.”

“I won’t be here long,” Oliver assured her. He lifted the birthday bag. “I got him a little something.”

June didn’t look convinced. “What are we introducing you as?”

I hesitated. “He’s…”

“I’m just a friend to his mother,” Oliver stated calmly. “Nothing more as of yet.”

June frowned and continued to look at me, waiting for my response. I agreed with Oliver. “Just a friend for now.”

June sighed defeatedly. “Alright, fine, let’s do this then.”

As she strode to the living room, Oliver kicked off his shoes. He took me by the hand, tugged me gently to him and whispered, “Why does she act like she’s responsible for your son, Daisy? You’re making the rules for him, aren’t you?”

I nodded quickly. “Of course.”

His eyes held mine for a moment. “Then find your voice, sweetheart.”

With that, we moved to the living room, my heart in my throat, his words heavy on my mind. Oliver let go of my hand right as we entered. Rowe was on the floor, his fire truck in his lap, his eyes pinned to the television screen, watching his favorite show.

“Hey, buddy,” I said.

Upon hearing my voice, he whipped his head to me and broke into the biggest smile. “Mommy!” He jumped up and raced to me. My heart jumped as I bent down and scooped himinto my arms. “Happy Birthday, Rowe! Has your morning been good?”

“June made me pancakes and she added chocolate chips! Then she gave me a present!” He spoke in a frenzy, letting me know that June had given him a special morning. The fire truck he had been playing with was full of lights and music. June really went all out. My chest constricted at that thought. I glanced at June, at her gentle smile as she looked proudly at Rowe. I felt a little envious that she got to spend the morning of his fifth birthday with him while I was stuck writing a three-hour exam.

“That’s amazing!” I bottled up my feelings and plastered on a bright smile. “Now, I have someone I’d like you to meet. He’s a friend of mine from school.”