“I’ll cut to the chase. Rumor has it your contract up there wasn’t extended next year. That right?”

“Ahh…yeah. The teacher who took the extended leave of absence is coming back.”

“Well, you know what they say. ‘One man’s tragedy is another man’s treasure.’ Looks like we get to split the eighth graders into the two classes again next year. You’re our first choice at bringing in a teacher. And while I can’t guarantee anything beyond next school year, I can guarantee you wouldn’t be cut midyear again. We’ve got the budget to carry us through even if there’s a drop in class size after the start of the year again.”

Olivia’s pulse burst into hyperdrive. “I, uh, don’t know what to say.”

“We’re even giving salary increases next year. First time in a couple years. Three and a quarter percent.”

“Um, how many have applied so far?”

“Not a one. Everything was just finalized today. Given that you technically held a contract here this school year, added to the way you handled things and the effort you gave those kids, I won’t post it. If you want it, that is.”

Even though she’d just had a drink, Olivia’s mouth had gone dry and it was hard to swallow. “How soon would you need an answer?”

“Ah, today’s Wednesday. Any chance you could run down here this week sometime? I could have the contract drawn up and ready.”

It was happening too fast to think. “I, uh, could probably come down Friday after school lets out. It would be close to six before I could get there though.”

“Tell you what. Why don’t you come on down, and the wife and I will take you out to dinner? Bet you miss the Big E’s place.”

“Oh. Wow. That would be very nice. Thank you.” Her vision had gone blurry, and in her mind’s eye she kept seeing Gabe, that remarkable mouth of his twisted in disappointment and a heaviness in his gaze. No, no, no. Tell him no. You’re not leaving Gabe.

She thanked him again and hung up. She dropped the phone and covered her mouth in shaky hands. First Morgan, now this city. Gabe. The shelter. Everything.

She wanted to teach. More than anything. Hadn’t she just said that? But did she? Enough to go home again where everyone knew her—or at least thought they did—and made enough judgments to last her a lifetime?

But a teaching position that was guaranteed for an entire year could open doors up here in St. Louis next year. And it wasn’t as if she’d be moving to Alaska. She and Gabe could make it through. She’d come up on weekends. She wouldn’t even have to stop volunteering at the shelter.