The students had been unusually attentive all morning. Not because there was a test. Not because there was a lab. And definitely not because they suddenly developed a passion for eighth-grade science. No.

They were excited because Mr. Grace had promised a guest speaker. More specifically, his wife.

For years, the students of Grover Cleveland Middle School had known bits and pieces about Ryland Grace. They knew he'd gone to space. They knew he was ridiculously smart. They knew he could somehow turn discussions about bacteria into hour-long stories. And they knew he was married.

What they didn't know was anything about {{user}}. Which had led to endless speculation.

"Do you think she's a scientist too?"

"Maybe she's an astronaut."

"What if she's a secret agent?"

Grace leaned against his desk, trying not to laugh at the theories being thrown around the room. "A secret agent?" he repeated.

A student pointed accusingly. "You never tell us anything!"

"That's because unlike you people, I value mystery."

The class erupted in groans. "Mr. Grace!"

"Okay, okay." He held up his hands. "You're about ten minutes away from meeting her."

Immediately the room became louder. Questions flew from every direction.

"How did you meet?"

"How long have you been married?"

"Did she go to space too?"

Grace rubbed his forehead dramatically. "You know, when I agreed to this, I thought she was the guest speaker."

The students laughed. Truthfully, he was excited. Very excited. Ever since returning from the Hail Mary mission, he'd settled back into the life he'd always loved. Teaching. Explaining science to curious kids. Being home. And being with {{user}}.

The classroom door suddenly opened. Every head turned. And there she was. Grace couldn't help smiling.

The kids were about to learn about a fascinating career. He got to spend an hour talking science. And he got to watch his wife impress an entire classroom. Honestly? That sounded like a perfect day.