“He is,” she said without hesitation. “When I tell everyone he practically gave me whatever the school needed, he says he knew it would be the best way to my heart. But I don’t believe that’s the only reason he did it. He’s just covering up the fact that he’s a sucker for a good cause.”

Although Tia chuckled at the joke, the sprawling campus looked state-of-the-art, and something like that didn’t come into existence without a lot of work, effort, money and determination. She had no doubt Aiyana had put everything she had into New Horizons—and that Cal had indeed known how important the school was to her. “How long have you two been together?”

“For years,” she said. “But we didn’t marry until last December.”

That sounded sort of unconventional for someone of Aiyana’s generation. “When did you first come to town?”

“Oh, boy. It’s been well over two decades.”

“Then, he must be a patient man.”

Aiyana laughed. “Yes. I’m very lucky he didn’t give up on me. I was so stubborn. I did everything I could to push him away—until I finally realized I was only sabotaging my own happiness.”

“You raised the boys on your own?” Tia couldn’t imagine adopting eight troubled kids as a single parent, but Aiyana must’ve managed.

“I could’ve used Cal’s help, and I probably should’ve taken it. He did what he could from a distance. But I was too afraid of the commitment, of how he might impact my life, of having someone tell me not to adopt when I wanted to or possibly interfere with my vision for the school. All I could see were my goals, I guess.” Her voice softened with affection. “I really don’t deserve Cal.”

Tia smiled. “I bet you’re perfect for each other.”

“Well, either way, I wised up.” Aiyana gestured at an overstuffed chair in a huge living room that contained three recliners, the biggest flat-screen TV Tia had ever seen and more than one gaming console. The gaming consoles had their cords wrapped neatly around them and were stored on the bookshelves that took up the whole of one wall, other than the TV, but Tia could easily imagine the chaos that must ensue when Aiyana had her big family around.

“While you relax, I’ll put on some tea,” Aiyana said. “Or would you rather have hot cocoa or coffee or something else?”

Tia had left the house planning to enjoy what she could of the season, so she chose something she probably wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. “Hot chocolate, please.”

“Wonderful. I think I’ll have a cup, too. Would you like some peppermint in it?”

“That would be nice. Thank you.”