You're not just here to handle the kids. You're here because you're part of this family. Then act like it. I know. You're right.
I got so caught up in work that I forgot why I wanted you here in the first place. He stepped closer, not to make my life easier, to share my life with you. Elena felt her anger deflating. I'm not asking you to stop working. I'm asking you to remember we exist.
I know and I will. I promise. Mason took her hands. I'll talk to my team tomorrow. Set better boundaries.
Be home for dinner. Can you actually do that? I'll make it happen. He did. The next day, he came home at 6:30 with takeout from a place Sophie had been begging to try.
You're home. Sophie launched herself at him. I'm home. And I brought dumplings. Ethan appeared immediately.
What kind? Every kind. I didn't know what everyone liked. They ate together, all five of them, talking over each other and laughing and fighting over the last pork dumpling. After the kids went to bed, Mason found Elena cleaning the kitchen.
"Thank you," he said. "For what? " "For calling me out. For not letting me disappear into work. That's what partners do. Is that what we are?
Partners? " Elena turned to face him. What else would we be? I don't know. I just I want to make sure you know how much you matter. Not just to the kids, to me.
I know. Do you? Elena thought about the long nights when he was late. The moment she'd felt more like an employee than a girlfriend. The fears that she was just convenient.
Sometimes, she admitted, not always. "Then I need to do better. " "We both do. I need to tell you when I'm feeling like this instead of letting it build up. " "Deal," he kissed her. It felt like starting over in a good way. Week five brought a phone call that changed everything.
Elena was making breakfast when her phone rang. Unknown number, New York area code. Hello. Is this Elena Brooks? Yes.
This is Jennifer Hang from Columbia University's Graduate School of Social Work. Your application was flagged by our admissions committee. Elena's heart stopped. She hadn't applied to graduate school. I think there's been a mistake.
You submitted an application for our MERS in social work program with a focus on child and family services. Your essay about working with adoptive families was particularly compelling. I didn't submit an application. Silence. Oh, well, we have your transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
If you didn't submit them, then can you tell me who the recommener was? Let me check. Dr. Sarah Martinez, Mara's therapist. Elena's mind spun.
Can I call you back? Of course, but I should mention you've been accepted with a full scholarship. We'd love to have you start in the fall. Elena hung up in a days. She found Mason in his study.
Did you apply to grad school for me? Mason looked up guilty. Surprise, Mason. Before you get mad, I'm already mad. Just listen.