I was almost done with my coffee, and things had been going great, when Renee' reached over and ran her finger over where my wedding ring used to be. "I, ah, noticed that you took it off," she began, and I knew there was a question in there. I closed my eyes for a moment, enjoying the light caress of her finger on mine, then opened them and gave her a weary smile. "I'd known Kayla all my life, our parents were friends, and we went to the same school together," I said, turning my hand under hers and holding it in place. "We started dating in high school, which made our families happy and we just sort of settled into things from there. It was never love at first sight, or a match made of passion." I paused, realizing my inner literature nerd was coming out, then I chuckled and continued, "Sure, we had the sweaty palms and stolen kisses of any teenaged relationship, but soon we just fell into an easy relationship. We went to college together, then Kayla got pregnant and we moved back

"Why do I have to go to Grandma's tonight? I want to stay home and play with Jess. I'll see hem on Sunday." Amora had been complaining since we got home from school, which had made trying to get her packer up, and myself ready for my date extremely difficult. I looked at my daughter, hoping was I was aout to say next was the right thing. We didn't keep secrets from each other, unless it was something I thought that she was too young to know, so I took in her scowling face and made a decision. "Dad's got a date tonight, so Mama and Papa said they'd watch you. THey said something about popcorn and movie night; I know you'll love that," I said, watching her closely as I spoke. Because she had my undivided attention, I saw her scowl deepen and eyes narrow. "A date?" she bit out, sounding more like Kayla than ever. "Yes, sweetheart, a date. I'm taking Renee' out for dinner at 'Prime Rib'." "Renee', from my birthday party?" Amora asked, her

I don't know why Tanner's demeanor changed when he realized who Renee' was, but I didn't like it one bit. "Hey, brother, I'm not sure what just happened, but your tone and your face, are kinda pissing me off," I warned, low enough so his employees and Renee' couldn't hear me, but so that he definitely could. Tanner's eyes shot to mine and he grimaced, then said sheepishly, "Sorry, man." Then, he turned his attention to Renee' and took her hand back in his. " I apologize, Renee', it's very nice to meet you. John is one of my great friends and I trust his judgement. I'm sorry for being rude." Renee' looked at him uncertainly, then asked softly, "You don't even know me, so why ...?" Jericho looked over our heads, toward 'Three Sisters Catering'. "I know your sister, and let's just say, when things ended, they didn't end well. But, that had nothig to do with you, and I'm sorry for acting like an ass all this time. I'm happy to have you and John an

It may not be manly to admit, although, I’ve never been afraid of my softer side, but after my evening with Renee’,I was floating on cloud nine.The date had gone better than I imagined. Aside from Tanner’s bizarre behavior, the evening has gone perfect. I loved getting to know Renee’ better. Her close relationship with her sisters, her random Elvis obsession, and the way her lips met mine eagerly after a delicious helping of lemon crème brûlée, and a glass of wine, all only further fueled my desire to spend time with her.I was in danger of acting like my students. Utterly lovestruck an impossible to be around. And I loved it. After a night of deep, soundless sleep, I awoke, feeling refreshed and excited, already counting the minutes until I get to see Renee again. Only one black cloud over shattered my happiness, the fact that today was the day I started the search for Kayla.Would it take days, weeks, or God forbid months? I had no idea, all I

Hey! I know you have school, but can you breeak away for lunch? If not, it's totally okay. Just thought I'd ask. I was wlking down the hall, the discussion my class had just had on the pros and cons of Mr. Darcy still playing in my mind, when Renee's text came through. An instant grin and, I'm a little embarrassed to say, some stomach flutters, were my immediate reaction to seeing her name pop up on my phone. Unfortunately, I didnn't have time to break away during the school day, but was so pleased that Renee' contacted me and wanted to see me, that I wondered just how strict Principal Wiggins' policy on non-staff members eating in the lounge was... Realizing I was willing to risk it, I texted back: Can't break free for lunch, but you could come here. I'll even share my peanut butter and banana sandwich. My break is until 12:30. I was standing in the middle of the hallway, looking down at my phone as I awaited Renee's reply, when a gentle hand on my shoulder, and softly spoken, "