Page 155 of Lessons in Corruption

Back inside the apartment, I wander to the nursery. Scarlett is settled in the rocking chair with J.P. on her lap. She’s blowing exaggerated kisses on his cheeks, each one earning a belly laugh that feels like it’s cracking my chest open from the inside.

I watch from the doorway. The same way I imagined she’d be watching me one day. That day is here.

Scarlett looks up and catches my expression. Standing, she swings J.P. onto her hip and comes to me. “You okay?” she asks gently.

I nod. I don’t trust my voice yet.

She smiles. “He’s ready when you are. Central Park. The tree. Hot chocolate. A toy store.”

Perfect.

Everything is perfect.

Scarlett passed her finals. She ranked number three inher class. She’s registered for next semester and for a hospital rotation at Monroe Hospital. With Harrow.

I signed my full-time teaching position contract. Freshmen classes only. No conflicts. No excuses.

The world didn’t end.

It rearranged itself.

Scarlett presses closer to me, and J.P. reaches for my neck with both hands. Smiling, I take my son into my arms. Feel his weight. His warmth.

“You ready for our day?” she asks.

I kiss my son on the forehead, then my wife’s.

“I’m ready for forever.”