Chapter 191: Bonus – The Future

4 years later

Isabella’s POV

The last four years have been a whirlwind. I now sat in our Miami condo putting the final touches on my dissertation for my doctorate in Economics. Mama came down for a month to look after the twins so I could concentrate on my work. We moved to Miami three years ago so I could attend UM and Zander could practice with the Miami Football Club. We lived in an apartment until a couple of months ago, when we decided to move to a condo on Miami Beach. It was EXPENSIVE, but Carrington had decided to buy it as a present for us.

Zander signed an entry contract with the Miami Football Club a couple of years ago and has been on their roster, but hasn’t played a game yet because they want to develop him further. Zander requested that the full contract amount be donated to charity in his name. We both agreed that Zander was playing because it was his passion, not for money. Right now, he’s at training camp.

“Momma, Nonna wants to know where the brown sugar is,” Sophia asked. “She’s making something yummy.”

“Oh, she is?” I said, smiling, and stood up from my desk. “Let’s go find the brown sugar then.” Sophia took my hand, and we walked towards the kitchen. Actually, I walked, and Sophia skipped. She literally skipped everywhere these days.

“So, what are you making that requires brown sugar, Mama?” I asked.

“Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies,” Mama answered. “My nipoti need a treat.” (Grandkids)

“You spoil them way too much,” I laughed.

“I don’t spoil them enough,” Mama smirked. “That’s what Nonnas do. It’s our right and responsibility.”

I opened the pantry searching for brown sugar. I climbed the stepping stool, locating it on the top shelf behind a big container of rice. “I really need to organize the pantry,” I stated. “All the food and supplies were just put in there randomly when we moved. I’ve been so busy.”

It wasn’t a lie. As soon as I graduated, I was accepted into the doctoral program in economics at UM. I fast-tracked my courses, and I’m doing the final step of writing my dissertation right now. Luckily, Dutton has been reviewing each section of my dissertation and suggesting updates and provisions. He’s been a godsend. It sure is a blessing to have one of the most renowned economic geniuses of our era as a friend.

“I can do it, Mia Bella,” Mama advised. “When Sophia and Alexander are at school, I’m pretty bored.”

“You’re here to visit, Mama,” I explained. “Not to clean and organize.”

“You know I live for this stuff, right?” Mama chuckled. “Please let me do it for you.”

“Ok, but if you need anything for it, here is my credit card,” I said, pulling it out and handing it to her.

“Deal,” Mama said, smiling, and she hugged me. “Now, go and submit your dissertation. Your dissertation defense with the committee is Friday.”

“I just think I should go over it once more,” I advised.

“Mia Bella, according to Dutton, it was perfect a week ago,” Mama declared. “Stop second-guessing yourself. You’re brilliant.”

Mama was right. Dutton said it was amazing and I should submit it. “Ok, I’ll do it right now,” I stated.

I walked back into my office and hit send on the computer. Ugh. It’s done. Now the prep for defense. That can wait, though. I’m going to make cookies.

Friday rolled around, and I presented and defended my economics theory. Then I heard the words I had waited to hear for so long. “Excellent job, Mrs. Cavanaugh,” Professor Chism said, smiling. “Best presentation and defense I think I have ever heard.”

I felt my cheeks ache from smiling so wide. “Thank you, Professor Chism and panelists.” I walked forward and shook all their hands.

I went to leave the room, and Professor Chism called out, “Isabella, can you wait a moment?”

I stopped in my tracks. “Of course,” I replied.

After the other panelists had left the room, Professor Chism approached me. “Isabella, have you thought about where you are heading from here?”

“I’m not sure,” I responded. “My hands are a little tied with location because of Zander playing for Miami Football Club.”

“Well, how would you feel about joining our faculty?” Professor Chism asked. “We have an opening for an assistant Professor.”

Oh my God! My knees were shaking. Calm, Isabella, stay calm. “That would be a great opportunity, Professor,” I said calmly.

“Come see me at 10:00 am on Monday,” Professor Chism disclosed. “Oh, go celebrate, Isabella. You earned it.” Then Professor Chism walked out of the room, leaving me standing there by myself.

“WOOOOOOOOO!” I screamed as soon as I thought he would be out of ear reach.

My phone pinged with a message. It was Zander.

Zander: Hi, Bunny. Are you finished? How did it go?

Isabella: I’ll tell you when I get home. I don’t want to do it on text.

I started walking down the hall towards the university's front doors.

Zander: Why don’t you tell me now?

Isabella: I’ll do it in person.

Zander: I know. Do it in person now.

I opened the front door of the building, and there was Zander, standing there, leaning up against his truck with a huge bouquet in his hand. I ran to him and hugged him. “What are you doing here?” I squealed.

“You don’t think I should be here for one of the most important days in my wife’s life?” Zander asked.

“I love you so much, Zander,” I whispered, kissing him.

Zander laced his hand through the back of my hair and deepened the kiss. Then he pulled back. “I love you, too, Bunny,” he grinned. “I have some news as well.”

“What?” I said anxiously.

“I made the team!” Zander beamed.

I leaped into his arms and cried. “Oh my gosh! Zander, I’m so proud of you.”

“It does mean a lot of travel, of course,” Zander stated.

“We’ve been apart before,” I said, stroking his cheek. “We’ll survive. It will make our time together worth so much more.”

“It already means everything,” Zander grinned.

“Oh, Professor Chism said my presentation and defense were the best he’s ever seen,” I said, smiling widely.

“I’m so proud of you, Izzy,” Zander said, swinging me around in a circle.

“Also, he offered me a job as an assistant professor,” I revealed. “I meet with him Monday.”

“Well, he’d be stupid if he let you go since my wife is so brilliant,” Zander bragged.

I blushed. “Stop it, you’re making me blush.”

“I love it when you blush, remember?” Zander said, waggling his eyebrows.