Epilogue
I wasn’t going to celebrate my degree. I was too old at twenty-nine for a graduation ceremony. Most of the college grads are twenty-two. I’m definitely behind the rest of the students.
But Mason, Audrey, and my father insisted on attending the ceremony, saying it’s a huge accomplishment and needs to be celebrated. So here I am, standing in my cap and gown, my nerves raw. Portland State is a huge school, and there are thousands of graduates. This helps. It isn’t as if all eyes are focused on me.
Some bigwig business guy is giving the ceremonial speech. I laugh. That bigwig is my husband, who keeps looking out at the students, his eyes meeting mine with love and approval. He’s so supportive of me, no matter what I do. I can barely concentrate with him up there. I’m also very aware of the comments the female students are making about how hot he is. I don’t mind one little bit, I know who he’s coming home with.
Other women can look all they want. I’m the one who gets to touch him. I’m the only one he touches. He finishes his speech, and the ceremony moves forward. Awards are handed out, and the students talk about interviews they’ve been called for, and the next steps in their lives.
None of this matters to me. What does matter is that I’ve done something I didn’t think I could do. I’m proud of myself. I don’t feel the need to be on display in order to celebrate. But I’m here anyway. I’m here because of the people I love.
I can’t find my family in the huge crowd. Of course not. The hall is loaded to the brink. The noise is deafening. The music begins, and I join the line of graduates and make the long walk to the stage, following in a line, hoping I won’t trip and make a fool of myself.
I move forward, loving how my stomach tightens as I come closer to the man I love, to my husband, who’s about to hand me my diploma. My heart thunders, my body tingles. I’m two students away when he looks up. His crystal eyes meet mine, and I catch my breath, unable to exhale, unable to inhale. Even after three years, he does this to me. It will never stop.
He turns away as he hands a diploma to the next student, shakes her hand, then turns to the one in front of me. He does the same with her. Then it’s my turn. I step up to him as someone hands me my diploma. Mason holds out his hand, and I lift my own. Our fingers connect, and a zap rushes through me. I can’t form words. He says my name.
“Chloe Alexander,” he breathes into the microphone, the sound a seduction. I open my mouth to thank him, his fingers caressing mine. We’ve been standing here for too long, I don’t care. He’s mine, and I’m his.
My name is shouted from the crowd. Audrey and my dad are yelling and clapping. This breaks the spell my husband can still weave over me, even in a huge, crowded arena.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Alexander,” I say with a flirty smile. I laugh as his eyes darken. I still turn him on as much as he turns me on. I have one more little surprise for him. I want to leave him stunned. “Or should I say, Mr. Dad,” I add with a wink as I take my hand away and rub it over my belly. His eyes widen as I leave him standing there, shocked. I quickly move on as the next student walks up to him.
I’m caught up in the ceremony again. I refuse to look his way, knowing it’s just as hard for him right now as it is for me to stay away from each other until this ceremony ends. I’m going to pay for my little tease later. I can’t wait. The rest of the diplomas are handed out, and then we’re released. I can’t find Mason, but I manage to finally find my dad and Audrey.
“I’m so proud of you, baby girl,” Dad says as he pulls me from the ground in a hug that leaves me gasping for air. I laugh as he sets me back down.
“Careful, Grandpa, you don’t want to crush your first grandchild,” I tell him.
My six-foot-five father with a big old beard looks at me in shock as his bright blue eyes widen and his mouth hangs open. Tears sparkle in his eyes.
“You’re pregnant?” he gasps.
“I’m pregnant,” I tell him. “Three months along. I’m going to get fat here real soon.”
“This is the best day ever,” he says, his normally loud voice subdued and filled with awe.
“How could you not tell me?” Audrey demands as she hugs me. “I’m going to be an auntie!” She squeals as she jumps in my arms. I smile, happier than ever. I was right, each new day of my life keeps getting better and better.
“You are in trouble, my dear wife,” Mason says as he steps up behind us, pulls me from Audrey’s arms, then lifts me high in the air before kissing me. If this is punishment, I want a heck of a lot more of it.
“Do you like my little surprise?” I ask with a laugh.
“I love my surprise, though you tortured me making me finish that damn ceremony,” he says, trying to glare, but unable to with the wide smile on his lips.
“I love you, Mason Alexander.”
“I adore you, Chloe Alexander,” he quickly replies.
My three favorite people in the world walk at my side as we exit the crowded gym. This is one more accomplishment in my life. Meeting Mason was hard, and our journey wasn’t easy, but our destination together has made it all worth it.
Because of the trials I’ve been through and made it out the other side of, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m going to be okay, better than okay, I’m going to continue to soar for time and all eternity.