Chapter 30
The week is flying by. Between working and studying, I feel as though I've barely spent any time with Graham.
I'm at the dining room table, working through my statistics book, when Graham comes through the door. He walks over and kisses my neck, then glances down at the book. "This feels eerily familiar." He gives me a wink.
I shake my head. "No, I can't afford any distractions. After Friday, I promise I'm all yours. I have to pass this final to graduate."
He moves closer and starts rubbing my shoulders. As he leans down, his warm breath brushes my ear. "Baby, you're so tense. You need to relax, and I know more than one way to help with that."
Damn it. He's turning me on, and he knows it. "Graham... I really need to study."
He presses a kiss to my cheek. "Okay, baby. I'm sorry. I'll leave you to it."
Great. Now I feel like shit.
I follow him into the kitchen, wrap my arms around his waist, and rest my head on his chest. "I'm sorry I've been so snappy lately. This class is stressing me out. I promise you can have all of me after Friday." I kiss him passionately.
He breaks the kiss. "I'm going to hold you to that."
I smile at him. "I'd expect nothing less."
I return to the table and finish studying for my final.
Saturday...
I'd aced my final. Now it was time to graduate. Standing in our bedroom in my cap and gown, I study myself in the mirror. I remember the day I stared at my reflection, covered in bruises and cuts, and wondered who I was. Now I know I'm strong—stronger than I ever thought I could be.
I have an incredible family and a man who truly loves me. A kiss on my neck pulls me out of my thoughts. "You know, we have a little time. I could make you come quickly before graduation," he says, his breath brushing my skin.
I smirk and shake my head. "Not a chance. I need to leave now. But if you're good, I might not wear panties under my dress." I wink, and he groans.
Graham drops me at the university, then goes to meet my family.
I take my place in line, my nerves rising. What if I go the wrong way? Crap, what if I trip onstage?
Names are called, and my classmates cross the stage one by one. Then I hear it: "Miss Nora Bellandi." My name rings in my ears. I take a deep breath and walk across the stage, shake the president's hand, and pose for a picture. I can hear my whole family cheering and clapping. It makes me giggle.
When the ceremony was over, I went outside and found my family. They crowded around me, smothering me with affection and congratulating me on all my hard work.
Dad wraps his arms around me. "Nora, I'm so proud of you. You've come such a long way since the day we met." I hold him a little tighter.
He releases me. "Okay, let's eat and celebrate."
Graham drapes an arm around my shoulders and leans close to my ear. "I'm so proud of you, baby."
I kiss him and slip something into his pocket. Feeling my hand, he quickly catches it. His eyes widen when he realizes I've tucked my panties into his pocket, and he looks me up and down. I kiss him deeply, sliding my tongue into his mouth. He groans. "Fuck... Nora."
We head to the restaurant, where I sit between Dad and Graham. Owen and Bianca settle across from me, and the rest of the family gathers around the table. It's so loud I can barely think, but I love every second.
After dinner, Graham rose from his seat. "Where are you going?" I ask.
He smirks. "I'm going to get this party started with some karaoke."
I raise an eyebrow. "You're a good singer, but you hate singing in front of everyone."
He laughs. "Yeah, well, we're celebrating. Why not have a little fun?"
Graham heads for the stage, and everyone gets up to follow him. I stand at the front, watching.
He begins to sing.
When your vision fades to black and whiteCause your day hasn't gone quite rightJust remember I am never farIt doesn't matter where you areJust reach your hands into the nightAnd see I've never left your sideJust like I swore so many times
Just because you're goneDoesn't mean that I've moved onI still love you just the sameI still crumble at your nameBecause the love you make me feelIs the only thing that's realAnd I need you to be alrightI'm forever yours to holdOh, as long as I have a life
Graham steps off the stage and comes toward me, taking both my hands.
"Nora, I know we almost lost our way. But through all that darkness, we found our way back to each other.
You're beautiful, smart, caring, driven, and passionate—and sometimes damn stubborn.
But I'm absolutely crazy about you. There is nothing in this world I want more than you.
When I said I wanted all of you, I meant it. "
He reaches into his pocket and takes out a black box. Then he lowers himself onto one knee and opens it, revealing a beautiful solitaire diamond ring.
"Nora, I love you so much. Will you marry me?"
My hands fly to my face, and I start crying, tears streaming down my cheeks. I shake my head. "Y-yes. I'll marry you," I stammer.
He pulls me close and kisses me hard. When he lets go, he slides the ring onto my left ring finger. I smile and kiss him again. His hands slip into my hair, drawing me closer.
This man has me utterly captivated.
In that moment, I realize that Graham hasn't only saved countless lives in the military. He's saved mine, too. He helped me discover who I am. He showed me love and compassion, and what true happiness feels like.
He's my hero.
The end