“You’re still coming tonight, right?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” She grinned.
All of us had agreed to get together later tonight—after dark and after all our familial obligations—to hang out. Whitney, as usual, had offered up Trent’s house. But this time, we’d be outside, sitting around a bonfire. I couldn’t wait for that.
“Last I checked, A comes before O in the alphabet,” Mr. Gordon said. “Get back in line, Miss Madison.”
I rolled my eyes. Thankfully, my back was to him so he couldn’t see me.
Ellie stifled a laugh, and I smiled as I made my way back to my spot in line. I stood on my tiptoes and looked around for Trent. Where was he?
Slowly, the line began to move forward, and my heart raced. This was it! According to Abby, the graduation ceremony was usually held inside the auditorium, but because of an issue with the pipes, we had to move the ceremony outside.
I followed my classmates outside. The sun nearly blinded me, and I squinted. There was no way Trent could be out in the sun for however long the graduation ceremony would last. Maybe he was skipping it. Disappointment settled over me, but I wasn’t mad. How could I be? I shrugged off the negative feelings and focused on walking to my seat.
By the time Principal Donavan made his opening remarks, the guest of honor gave her speech, and the valedictorian—Tonya—gave her speech, I was sweating through my gown. Why was it so hot out here today?
Finally, after what felt like forever, Principal Donavan began to call our names. Our graduating class wasn’t that big—only nineteen students—so this part of the ceremony wouldn’t take too long.
When he announced Abby, I clapped for her just as loudly as Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean were.
“Jaxon Halstead,” Principal Donavan said.
I froze, my gaze glued to the podium. Was Jax here? Sure enough, he strode forward, accepted his diploma, shook the principal’s hand, and then walked away.
That meant Trent was here, too! I watched as he followed the same path Jax had just taken, and I couldn’t stop smiling. He must’ve waited until his name was called and slipped into line, because he hadn’t been here before. I would’ve seen him.
I fidgeted, shifting my weight from foot to foot. Nerves raged in my stomach, and my palms started to sweat. It wasn’t like there were hundreds of people here or anything. Still, it was scary to be paraded in front of a bunch of people like this.
“Chloe Madison,” Principal Donavan said.
Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean stood and clapped loudly, just like they had for Abby.
Blowing out a breath, I walked up to him, took my diploma, smiled, and shook his hand. I moved my tassel to the opposite side. And then I was done. I glanced at my aunt and uncle, and my eyes widened.
My father and Larissa sat beside them, Little Frank held firmly on Larissa’s lap. My heart stopped. They were here. Larissa blew me a kiss, and Dad smiled. I hurried back to my seat, more than ready for this ceremony to be over.
A few short minutes later, it was. Everyone stood at once, and I started to make my way toward my family when Trent intercepted me. His face was red and splotchy.
I winced. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine as soon as I get out of the sun.” He took my hand and shoved his way forward, dragging me along with him. But he stopped short and spun around to face me. “I’ll meet you inside, okay?” And then he was gone.
“Dad!” I rushed toward him, and he enveloped me in a hug. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
He squeezed me. “We wanted to surprise you.”
The tears I’d kept at bay earlier slid down my cheeks. “Thank you,” I said.
Once Abby finished hugging her parents, they turned to me. I gave Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean hugs. I wanted to thank them for everything they’d done for me, to tell them I wouldn’t be standing here as a high school graduate if it wasn’t for them. But emotion clogged my throat.
“Low-ee!” Little Frank wiggled in Larissa’s arms. She set him down, and he darted toward me, wrapping his arms around my legs.
I bent down and picked him up. He pressed his cheek to mine and squeezed my neck, grunting from the effort.
“Hey, there’s someone who wants to see you,” I said, knowing full well Trent would want to say hello.
“Who?” he asked, genuinely confused but interested.
“He went inside. Want to go find him?” I asked.
Little Frank nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. Someday, I’d be able to share these little moments with a child of my own, and I couldn’t wait.
I turned to Dad and Larissa. “Is it okay? I’ll bring him right back.”
“Of course.” Larissa laughed.
“Hurry back, though,” Aunt Beth said and held up her cell phone. “I need to get pictures.”
Abby caught my gaze and rolled her eyes.
I laughed and headed inside the school to find Trent. Little Frank jabbered about flying on a plane, and I nodded along, adding the occasional “wow” when necessary. I walked into the building and found Trent at the opposite end.
He was leaning against the wall, head down. I hoped he was okay. Maybe bringing Little Frank to see him wasn’t such a good idea.
“Trent!” Little Frank squealed as soon as we were close enough.
He attempted to climb out of my arms, and I set him down before he hurt himself. He barreled at Trent, who’d crouched down to Little Frank’s level, arms open.
“Hey, buddy.” Trent hugged him.
I didn’t think it was possible to love this man any more than I already did, but seeing him hugging my brother like that… My heart filled with so much love. I clasped my hand over my chest.
“I flied on a airplane.” Little Frank used his hand, pretending
