“This is my daughter, Lucy.”
I shook my head with a soft smile. “You have a daughter. How is that possible? You were just in my seventh-grade class last week!”
She laughed. “I know, right? Now I’m a sophomore at Monroe Community College.”
“Time flies,” I replied wistfully as I moved my finger in Lucy’s hand, so she gripped it harder. The baby gave me a toothless grin, and my heart was in a puddle on the ground.
“What are you studying?”
“I’m hoping to become a nurse, but it’s going to be a lot of schooling.”
“Yes, but you were a great student. It’ll be worth it in the end.”
“That’s what I keep telling myself.” Michelle looked past me at Gabe, Jake, and Britt who were now cheering for Brayden as he took his turn.
“This must be your family.”
No. Sadly, it wasn’t and never would be.
I pointed to my little towheaded son who was now clapping and jumping up and down after Brayden threw a strike. Gabe was wearing a big grin, but when I caught his eye, it slipped.
“That’s my son, Jake. We’re here with our friends, Gabe, Brittany, and Brayden.”
“I can’t wait until she can play.”
I stared at her sweet baby and mused, “It’ll be here before you know it. Love every second of every stage.”
“That’s what my mom says, too.” She looked over her shoulder and said, “My boyfriend is waiting for me, so I probably should get going. I just wanted to say hi.”
“I’m so glad you did.” I side-hugged her free shoulder. “It was great seeing you. Congratulations! And good luck in school!”
I returned to the group, and Gabe asked, “Who was that?”
“One of my former students. She was in the first class I ever taught.” I looked where she was walking out the door with her boyfriend and baby girl and murmured, “Now she’s in college and a mom.”
“One of your success stories.”
I paused. I hadn’t thought of it like that.
“I guess so.”
“Ms. Kelly!” Brittany called. “Your turn!”
As I passed her on my way to get my ball, I told her, “When we’re not in school, you can call me Gretchen.”
She looked pensive as she tried it out. “Okay, Gretchen,” then wrinkled her nose. “I think it will take some getting used to.”
I laughed and patted her arm. “Maybe we can come up with a nickname.”
“How about Chilli?” she said with a smirk.
“Mmm, let’s keep thinking.”
Although, I probably wouldn’t be seeing her outside of school after a few days, so it wouldn’t matter anyway.
Chapter Seventy-Three
Gretchen
