“Congratulations, Kara,” he said, embracing me warmly. His face was open and genuine. I blinked, taking a moment after what I’d just seen to get used to his positive emotion.
Again, I was startled by it.
He was proud of me. Truly proud.
He pulled back from the hug, suddenly looking a little timid. His cheek grazed my hair, and I heard a soft intake of breath. Had he smelled it?
When I looked at his face, his cheeks were slightly pink.
“You’ve done great work here,” he said. “It came out perfect. I’d be honored to send children of my own here one day. Wouldn’t you?” His cheeks grew a shade redder.
I didn’t answer, but smiled sadly.
“Anyway, I know we’ve talked about little but the school for a while. I’m guessing you want to get home and relax. I have something else to ask you
