No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 712

I understood what Mack meant; seeing Deborah tonight was indeed a possibility.

When Mack and I arrived at the daycare, Susie was outside leading the children in a game of tag. You have to admit, from the cradle to the grave, the times we spend in daycare are the best. No studying, just play—however it makes you happy.

Mack and I didn't want to interrupt Susie and the kids' game, so we simply stood by and watched quietly. But the children were quite intrigued by us, especially by Mack. One of the cheekier ones approached Susie and said, "Miss Collins, you’ve got a new boyfriend."

Kids say the darndest things, don’t they?

Susie corrected with a smile, "He's not my boyfriend, he's my brother." But the kids weren’t convinced and started chanting, "Boyfriend, boyfriend..."

With a helpless shake of her head, Susie watched as Mack and I stepped forward to hand out the little gifts we’d brought. The moment they got their gifts, they quieted down, but not without the ringleader saying, "Thanks for the gift, Mister Boyfriend."

"These kids are too grown-up for their age," Susie said, moving to stand in front of Mack and me.

She looked at Mack, and I could feel my heart racing, my breath tightening. The difference between the Mack of now and the Ernest of before was stark. I was really worried Susie might not recognize him or outright deny he was Ernest. Though I was convinced Mack was Ernest, it seemed my heart still had its doubts, probably because he hadn’t admitted it to me directly.

Susie's examination of Mack lasted a full minute before she suddenly stepped forward and hugged him, "Bro..."

That single word made my heart both ache and settle. Mack patted her head, "You're doing great as a teacher."

"Bro, you can't stay away that long ever again," Susie's voice was tinged with emotion.

Listening to them made my throat tighten, so I turned to the kids playing with their gifts and walked over, "Do you like the gifts?"