“I need to move the start date,” he said. “My daughter needs to finish the school year, and my wife has a business she can’t abandon on six weeks’ notice.”
I looked toward the doorway.
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He was waiting for my part in it.
That was new.
My business had finally made it into his sentence.
When he hung up, I asked, “Well?”
“They need to discuss it.”
“And if they say no?”
Ben looked at me.
“Then I decide whether the job is worth taking without the timeline we agreed on.”
“They need to discuss it.”
***
A week later, they approved the delay.
Ben came home.
“They’ll wait until summer.”
I nodded.
He watched me.
“I haven’t said yes yet, Ben. But it’s easier now that we’re on the same page.”
“They’ll wait until summer.”
***
Over the next three weeks, I finished two major events and mapped out how to rebuild my business.
Then one Saturday morning, I found Ben at the table with Olive.
“I’ve decided.”
He stood.
“We can do it after the school year. I’ll be as ready as I can, Ben.”
Olive looked between us.
“I’ll be as ready as I can, Ben.”
“We’re moving?”
I sat beside her.
“We’re considering a new place because Dad’s job can give us more time together. But your school year comes first, and we’re going to plan it as a family.”
She thought about that.
“Can I still play soccer at the new school?”
“We’re moving?”
“Yes.”
“Can my room be green?”
Ben glanced at me.
“That’s between you and the paint aisle, honey.”
She grinned and went back to watch cartoons.
Ben waited until she left the room.
“Can my room be green?”
“You’re sure, Chels?”
“Yes. Because this is my decision now too.”
He nodded.
“Then we do it together.”
***
Months later, I was answering an email in our new kitchen when Ben came home before sunset.
Olive was doing homework at the table.
“You’re sure, Chels?”
“What time’s dinner?” he asked.
“Seven.”
“I can help. What should I chop?”
His phone buzzed.
My stomach tightened before I could stop it.
