I smile, following closely in behind. “How epic would it be if she did...both my girls shining on the same day.”
“It was a joke, Dylan. She has another few weeks yet.”
I move ahead, opening the door for Velyn. “True, but when have you ever known me to wait for anything, and since she is my daughter, I wouldn’t put it past her to pop on out and give us a little wave.”
Velyn looks to me before stepping out. “You are aware babies don’t just pop out, right? I mean, there is some work on my part in the whole thing.”
I wave her off. “Yeah, but please, it’s you...you’re amazing. Hell, Jord told me some of the horror stories about Ava and her pregnancies, and you are nothing like that. You’ve been a goddess.”
She looks to me quizzically, then her brow perks. “You and Jordan made a bet, didn’t you?”
I shrug. “Just a little one. Nothing big at all, but my lucky coin won’t work for this one, so it’s all on you, babe.”
She moves ahead toward the parking lot to our car. “What’s the bet?”
Opening the door for her, she slides in, and then I move to the other side, jumping in the driver seat, then I look to her. “You have to get the whole thing done in under twelve hours, and you’re not allowed to curse me once. Jordan says Ava threatened death on him if he touched her again, and cursed like a sailor. I told him you were far too refined for that, and that you would take it all in stride. He bet me that you wouldn’t.”
“What do you get if I can make it happen?” she questions.
“Bragging rights that my wife is the queen.”
She looks at me. “And what does Jordan get if I don’t?” I pull out, making my way to the university, trying to avoid giving her an answer, but it doesn’t work. “Dylan, what does he win?”
I shrug. “Free babysitting for a year.”
Velyn looks to me, eyes wide. “They have four kids, have you lost your mind.”
“Babe, the twins are more like one kid and don’t even walk yet. Besides, we got this in the bag,” I reply.
Velyn looks forward and nods. “You better hope so, or your weekends are going to be pretty busy running around after four little ones.”
I smile. “Exactly—hey, wait.”
Velyn lets out a laugh. “No worries, I’ll be there for moral support.”
I look to her as she lets out a chuckle. I’m not too worried; there is no way she would leave me alone with four kids and no supervision….at least I hope not.
The graduation was terrific, and Velyn shone up there on that stage. She gave her valedictorian speech to the crowd, dedicating it to Chase and other students that have left us over the past four years. She spoke of the struggles in life that may try to keep us down, but how all students, past and present, have been equipped with the knowledge and support system to overcome and conquer all challenges and upsets that come their way. It was a moving speech, and the words were ones I believe everyone in that room needed to hear.
Evelyn Rose Dandridge...my queen.
“So, how did I do?”
Velyn walks over, her father the first to take her into an embrace with his eyes filled with undeniable pride. “My star. You have made an old man proud. Your mother is looking down on this moment, feeling completely fulfilled.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
She then turns to me. “So?”
I shake my head, pulling her into my arms. “Do you know what the best part of the rest of my life is?”
Velyn looks up to me, resting her chin on my chest. “What’s that?”
“That I get to call the most amazing woman in this universe, my wife.”
She smiles, then chuckles. “I know, right.”
I let out a laugh, leaving a kiss to the top of her head.
“Well, there she is. The world’s next big shot CEO, Miss Velyn Dandridge.”
Velyn lets out a little squeal, pulling out of my arms and instantly moving toward Joan’s loving embrace.
“I’m so happy that you and Stu could make it,” Velyn says.
“Are you kidding! Nothing was going to stop Stu and me from being here for this,” Joan replies.
Stu moves in beside them, taking Velyn into a hug. “Not even the eight hundred miles that Joan made me drive straight through at Mach speed without stopping to get here.”
Joan shrugs. “As I said, nothing was stopping us…not even those measly optional road signs.”
We all let out a laugh, then Velyn’s father speaks up. “Okay, I’ve closed the diner for the afternoon, and have a nice lunch set up for us all. I left Ava there to set up the last little bit while Jordan ran to grab Connie. They should all be there when we get back.”
Connie came from California to spend some time with us until the baby is born, and also to help me with a little graduation gift that I have for Velyn.
“Well, what are we waiting for? I’ve been dying to try out some of the new subs you’ve created,” Stu says.
Velyn’s dad lets out a laugh, patting Stu on the back while also taking Joan by the arm. “Follow me. I think I may have done you both proud.”
Velyn and I follow in behind. Her father has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Joan and Stu to show them what he’s done with the diner. Not only has he maintained what they had built over the thirty years when they owned and ran it, but he has also expanded the outdoor patio for the summer months and opened up an ice cream shop off
