Chapter 3

3

ALAINA

R ealization dawned. I was face to face with the man that saved my life this morning. It was the same strong jawline and gorgeous blue eyes I had admired this morning. Overwhelmed by surprise, my heart skipped a beat, but I managed to keep a neutral expression.

Was he going to sue me for something? Did he spill coffee on himself when he rescued me? Did I step on what were obviously his very expensive shoes?

I blushed, which I hated. Why did I have to turn beet red at the most inconvenient times?

"I'm supposed to meet with you," he said in that rich, deep voice.

"You're Mr. Lockhart? You're Rafe's father?"

"Yes, I am." He nodded.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "It's nice to meet you."

He stared at me, his surprise evident. "I'm sorry, but are you my son's teacher?"

"Your son is Rafe, correct?"

"Yes, I'm Roan Lockhart."

"Then I am your son's teacher." I smiled. "Surprise."

The man looked like he might swallow his tongue. Was it really so shocking that I was teaching his son? I sighed. This was one of the country's best STEM charter schools, so I was used to having to explain myself sometimes. People took one look at me and assumed I was a ditzy, flighty woman that belonged in a kindergarten art class, not in the hard sciences.

"I know I don't look like your typical engineer," I began, my voice a bit sharper than I intended. "But I have a degree in engineering mathematics and worked in the industry for a few years. I decided to teach because I wanted to make a difference at the elementary level, where kids can be inspired early on. I love fostering young, curious minds. I felt stifled in the industry but that doesn't mean I forgot everything I learned." I tapped a finger to the side of my head. "It's all still up here."

Roan looked like he was really listening. Or trying to see into my soul. Maybe even drinking me in, which made me blush even harder. That was unlikely. A man like this would be married to a gorgeous model. He just kept staring at me. It was making me very anxious. I felt like I needed to fill the awkward silence between us.

"So, now that that's over?—"

"Do you always feel the need to explain your life choices?" he asked abruptly. His question took me off guard. Before I could respond, he shook his head. "I'm sorry if I offended you earlier. It wasn't my intention."

"You just couldn't believe someone like me, someone who dresses like me and looks like me, could be an engineer?" I shot back.

"That's not—No. I just wasn't expecting to see you again today."

"Yes." I cleared my throat. "Thank you again for that."

He nodded and stared at me once again. His eyes were so full of depth. My stomach did a little flip. What on earth was the matter with me? He was distracting me. Throwing me off my game. I shook it off. This was inappropriate. This was a parent to one of my students.

I cleared my throat. "Well, we only have fourteen minutes left of this meeting, so let's get to it. Please, have a seat."

I gestured to one of the tables with midsize chairs. They weren't adult chairs, but they were sturdy. Watching Mr. Lockhart fold himself into the chair was hilarious. He was a large man. He sat down and looked at me, waiting for me to start talking.

I launched into my explanation of how my classroom worked, noting how Rafe had been a great addition. "He's a little shy, and the more flexible curriculum and rules seem new to him. But I'm new too. It's my first year here, so Rafe and I have that in common."

As I talked, Mr. Lockhart listened intently, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his legs. His strong, defined hands folded together as he hung on to every word I said about his son. I recognized the look in his eyes. It was the look of a loving father who cared deeply for his child. My heart warmed to him. He struck me as a good parent.

After a discussion about Rafe's academic progress, I moved on to discuss the social aspect of school life. "Rafe has been a little quiet since he joined, but he's slowly opening up. He's made a few friends in class."

Mr. Lockhart looked relieved but surprised too. "That's good to hear. I didn't expect him to adjust so quickly. His last school was not conducive to him learning much of anything. I'm not just being a proud parent when I say he was one of the brightest students in his class. Maybe even the school, but he was failing miserably at the testing aspect. His former school was rigid and unforgiving. He was endlessly bullied, and nothing was really done about it. He chose to withdraw and do all he could to avoid attention. It was his way of protecting himself from the other kids."

My heart went out to the little boy. "Well, I can tell you, we have a more nurturing environment here. So far, I have found all the kids very welcoming. I think Rafe will as well."

"We didn't move here for nothing," he said quietly.

"You brought him here, to this school, for a fresh start, and I believe he is adapting well. Just give him time, Mr. Lockhart. Children often find their own way of adjusting. We don't have to rush things."

The crease between his brows softened slightly at my words as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He seemed relieved but didn't say anything for a moment. Then he raised an eyebrow and looked at me with curiosity.

"Does he seem smarter than the other kids?"

I smiled. "Mr. Lockhart, that is not something I would ever comment on. Nor do I think it's a real measuring tool. Every child is unique and brings their own talents to the table. Yes, Rafe is absolutely brilliant, but so are all my students in different ways. In this classroom, we encourage children to develop their individual strengths and respect each other's differences. It's not about being the smartest or the fastest. It's about fostering a love for learning, exploring new ideas, and being confident in their abilities."

He seemed to be analyzing my words carefully, letting them filter through his fatherly instincts to see if he approved. His large hand rubbed over his face as if he was washing away the tension that had subtly crept up on him during our conversation.

"I just… want him to be happy," he admitted quietly, an undercurrent of desperation in his voice. I could only imagine how difficult it would be for a big macho guy like him to see his son getting pushed around. It had to have been horrible for him.

I smiled back gently at him, touched by his vulnerability. "And that's what makes you a good parent, Mr. Lockhart. You care about his happiness and his well-being. As his teacher, I want the same. Education should be a fun and enriching experience for the kids. It's not just about textbooks and scores. That's why I love this school. It's not all about tests and grades. It's more about learning."

"Can you do that for my son?" he asked. "Make him excited to learn."

I nodded and smiled. "I'll do everything I can, Mr. Lockhart. Please trust me on this."

A hint of a smile appeared on his face, softening his otherwise stern features. That look in his eyes made me believe that I had earned his trust. He stood up from the chair, unfolding himself to his full height and extending his hand toward me.

"Thank you," he said simply, his handshake firm and warm.

"One last thing before you go," I said.

"Yes?"

I handed him the Fall Festival Volunteer sign-up sheet and a pen.

Roan looked confused. "What is that?"

"The school requires parents to volunteer at least twenty hours of their time a year to school functions and activities. It's a great way to get involved. Or so I've been told. I'm still new here too."

He scanned the paper with a look of irritation. "What exactly would I be doing at the fall festival?" he asked.

I couldn't resist teasing him. "You better wear something less designer in case you get stuck doing the dunk tank."

He was not amused. "Fine. Whatever it takes to keep my son happy."

I glanced at his hand, noticing the ring again. "Do you think your wife would want to volunteer as well?" I asked, my blush deepening at the thought of prying into his personal life.

"I'm not married," he said briskly.

"Oh, your ring," I stammered, feeling incredibly rude. What if he was a widower? I was never going to be the cool chick. I was socially awkward to the point that I felt like I should just keep my foot in my mouth on a regular basis. That was where it generally ended up.

"Thank you for your time," he said, ignoring my mention of his wedding ring, and left without another word.

I sat there for a moment, replaying the conversation in my head. Smooth, Alaina. Real smooth. Why did I have to make things so awkward?

I went back to my desk, feeling equally shaken up and curious. Roan Lockhart was a puzzle I couldn't help but want to solve. I loved that he was so involved with his son's education. He genuinely cared about his son, enough to move halfway across the country.

I had made some assumptions about him when I saw him walk in. I assumed he was rich and one of those parents that just sent a nanny in or expected a teacher to do all the hard work.

I was wrong.

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of teaching and classroom activities. As the final bell rang, I gathered my things and prepared to head home. I couldn't stop thinking about Roan. He was so different from anyone I had ever met. Gruff, yet attentive. Stern, yet there was a warmth to him when he talked about Rafe. He had a gooey center when it came to his son. It made me respect him even more.

Despite my blunder at the end, I hoped he wouldn't be discouraged from interacting with the school and me in particular. After all, I had a lot to offer toward Rafe's educational journey. At least, I sincerely hoped I did.

Now that I knew a little more about Rafe's personal life, I understood a bit more about him. He lost his mother at a young age—I was assuming. Or maybe they were divorced. But what divorced man wore his wedding ring? That had to mean his wife passed away.

How sad for Rafe. I was going to make sure I gave the young man a little extra attention. Not enough that the other kids would pick up on it, but enough that Rafe knew he could talk to me. He was in a new city, new school, and new home. Any one of those things would require a huge adjustment. Add them together and that poor boy could use all the help settling in he could get.