“Baby, it’s over; let’s not think about that. Let’s get through this week, and then we’re done.”
I squeal, “Graduation!”
We get settled under the sheet, my back snug up against his chest, and in no time I fall asleep.
***
I’ve done it! I’ve finally graduated college. After we tossed our caps, I caught mine as it came back down and went looking for my man.
“Mommy!” I hear my girl squeal as she comes running toward me. I scoop her up into my arms and kiss all over her face. “You did it!”
“I did. Should we look for Chance?” I set her down and grab her hand in mine.
She drags me even though she has no idea where we’re going. We can’t find him, but I spot his parents and sister standing with mine. “Hi, guys.” I hug Chance Sr. and Aubrey then gives Bree a cheek touch since she’s now got my daughter in her arms. “Have you guys seen Chance?”
“No, sweetheart, we figured he was with you,” Aubrey says as she looks around. “He seems to know everyone; it could take a while for him to get here.”
I turn around and spot Chance’s best friend, Trey, coming toward me. He hands me a pink rose. “Um … thank you.” He smiles and then walks away. Hunter, his fraternity president, comes toward me and also hands me a pink rose.
I look at my parents and then at Chance’s. My heart beats rapidly, and I feel faint. Two guys from his soccer team hand Ava and me a pink rose. When I have ten perfect roses in my hands and Ava’s got two, I see my man.
He is in gray, fitted dress pants and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Chance stops in front of me. “What are you doing?” I whisper as tears slide down my cheeks.
He gives me his signature cocky grin and gets down on one knee.
“Oh my God,” his sister says from behind me.
My mom takes my flowers from me before he grabs my hand. “I want you to listen to me. I love you.” He smiles at Ava, and she throws her arms around his neck. “I love you too, Ava.”
“I wuv you, Chas.” I cover my mouth to stifle the sob that slips past my lips. Ava sits on his knee.
He kisses the top of her head before turning back to me. “I want to marry you, Laken. I want to be your husband, and I want to be Ava’s dad. Marry me, please.” Chance pulls out a princess cut diamond on a platinum ring. He slides it onto my ring finger.
I drop down to my knees and throw my arms around him and Ava. “I love you,” I whisper quietly.
“I love you too, baby.”
Ava’s not one to be ignored and puts her arm around both of our necks. “I wuv you bof.”
“I can’t wait to start our life together.”
We get up and accept hugs and congratulations from everyone. Chance Sr. takes Ava from us. “Your dad and I just talked, and we want to take you guys out to celebrate this momentous occasion. Welcome to the family.” He kisses my cheek and then tickles Ava’s side before he sets her down, and she runs to my brother who is talking to Bree.
This has been the best day ever.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chance
Three months later
I pull my keys out of my pocket and, before I can stick the key in, the door flies open, and Ava launches herself at me. “Daddy, you home.” About a month ago Ava started calling me Daddy, and it made my heart swell. Being her father these past three months have been the best.
It scared me at first. I was worried I was going to screw this up, but Laken assured me she was still learning herself. We are all adjusting to our new life. I’m loving my job and have enjoyed many of the perks that our available to me. Plus, I get to wear jeans every day unless I have a meeting.
Ava loves going to her daycare/preschool at Nike headquarters. I’m not surprised that she’s charmed everyone there. I love the days she goes because I usually grab her and take her to lunch and sometimes go for walks.
Laken is only working part-time right now as a diabetic educator at the local hospital. She likes it, but she really wants full-time. Our apartment is okay, big enough for the three of us right now, but both of our parents have talked to us about buying a house, and they gave us money that we’ll use for a down payment.
We want to wait until after we’re married, which is going to happen next summer. We decided we’d give Oregon two years, and if we don’t like it, then we’re moving back to California.
“How’s my girl? Did you and Mommy have a good day?” I set her down once I step inside. Wow, something smells good.
“We did. We made you basagna.” Ahh … that’s what smells so good. Laken is a phenomenal cook, and everything she cooks taste delicious and is healthy. Shit, I’ve never been healthier.
In the kitchen I find my beautiful fiancée pulling the lasagna out of the oven and sticking the bread in. She’s been teaching herself how to make bread, so all of our bread is made by her.
“Hey, honey, how was work?” She tilts her head back so I can kiss her, which I do.
“It was good, but I’m glad to be home. Can I help with anything?”
Laken shakes her head. “Everything is ready. I’m just waiting for the bread.” I can read her like a book, and she seems nervous. “You okay?”
“I-I’m good.” She smiles and pushes at my chest. “Go relax. I’ll call for you when it’s go time.”
I walk into our bedroom and change into a t-shirt and basketball shorts. In the living room
