A wry smile touched Ashleigh's lips. "One more thing, huh? Seems like Adrian's got a lot to tell me tonight." Settling back into the chair, she braced herself for another unexpected announcement."I've made arrangements for you to start college," he declared.

Ashleigh's eyes widened in surprise, then lit up with excitement. She snatched the tablet back from its stand, her voice trembling as she spoke.

"Are you serious? This isn't some kind of elaborate joke, is it?"

Adrian chuckled, his ...