“How did you guys find me here?”
“Your friend was more than helpful with the details when we showed up at the Valentine’s Day party. She can be very persuasive when wanting information. We first delivered the flowers to your apartment. When we didn’t find you, we went there.”
“In front of the entire student body?”
“The more people who know how much we love you the better.”
I can’t believe my ears. I bite at my lip and consider what I have to say next…and the outcome it will have on the evening.
I look around and see everyone has discreetly vanished. I’ll have to remember to thank Krista.
“I’ve been wanting to show you guys something for a few days now. I just didn’t know the words to use along with the image. Though, it pretty much speaks for itself.” I flick through the pictures on my phone and pull up a snapshot of the pregnancy test and flip around my phone.
They all fall to their knees and place kisses on my belly. The awe in their expressions leaves me so filled with emotions I think I’ll burst if one of them doesn’t say something.
“We thought for sure there was someone else in your life. Someone who would take you away from us.”
“We spent the last three weeks handing in our resignations and making sure we had everything in order to be able to be with you and not jeopardize you, your reputation or your time here at the college.”
“I bet my father loved that, but you don’t have to worry about me. I’m expelled, remember?”
Warren’s scowl darkens and I’ve come to learn it means he has something very arrogant to say. “Not after agreeing to build a new library and another lecture wing for science.”
My jaw drops. “What are you saying.”
“Everyone has their price. Even the ones with false standards. We turned the tables on your father. Held something he wanted just out of reach with the threat of taking it away completely if he didn’t comply with our terms—you back in school.”
“I don’t believe it.” I don’t have time to digest the news before all three take my left hand and clip something onto three areas. Hearts. These made of gold with a diamond in the center of each all surround the snowflake.
Fat tears stream down my cheek and they are all three there to dry them with kisses.
“Now every time you look at your snowflake you will see it surrounded by love.”
“And remember the warmth you’ve brought into our lives. And in just a few months we’ll be able to add a fifth heart.”
Each of them rests a hand on my belly and I get a flash of what I will be like as the next nine months progress.
Erik pulls me off the stool and into his arms, carrying me out the door. February snow lands on our lashes as we make our way to their car. For a long moment we just stand there, me and my filthy professors, as the snow falls, my heart warmer than it’s ever been.