“Much better than I expected, Dr. Fishburn. The area is impressive, and getting to study the mountain sweet pitcher plants in their natural habitat was a dream come true. Thank you so much for your help with getting that scheduled.”
“That’s what I’m here for. So, are you ready for today?”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for years, I’m beyond ready.”
“Excellent. Let’s get you inside. It’s just about time.”
We step inside the enormous lecture hall. I expected it to be mostly empty, just the professors I’m presenting to and some others who might be interested in my topic. The last thing I expect to see when I walk in and see all six of the Gallant brothers and Rebekah seated in the fourth row. Now it makes sense why I haven’t gotten a text or call from Asher. I worried he was upset with me; that he was traveling here to see me never entered my mind. And not just him, but my entire new family. Having all of them here supporting me, it’s more than I could ever have asked for. It takes a lot of blinking to fight back my tears.
I barely have a moment to collect my emotions when my name is called. Dr. Fishburn hands out the copies of my thesis, and I step onto the podium and begin my presentation. Two and a half hours later, it’s done.
When I get into the hallway after thanking all the professors, Asher wraps me in a huge bear hug.
“You were amazing, baby.”
“Congratulations, Emma,” my new family says almost in unison.
“I can’t believe you came all this way. I can’t thank you enough for being here, supporting me. I hope it wasn’t too boring after the long drive.”
“Are you kidding? It was fascinating to learn about one of the plants on our mountain and your theories on saving endangered species,” Asher says, then kisses my cheek.
“He’s right. Besides, you’re family now. Of course we’re going to be here for you,” Andrew adds, as the others nod in agreement.
“When will you hear if you were successful?” Aaron asks.
I’m about to answer that I could hear at anytime, or it could take weeks, when the lecture hall door opens, and Dr. Fishburn steps out.
“Emma, I’m so glad you’re still here. They voted to approve your thesis. Congratulations Dr. Kincaid.”
“Oh my gosh, really?” I feel like should say more, but I can’t find the words.
“Dr. Gallant,” Asher corrects my advisor.
“Excuse me?”
“She’s Dr. Emma Gallant now. We got married yesterday. I’m Asher Gallant, and this is my family.”
To say that Dr. Fishburn looks stunned is an understatement. His mouth does that open-and-close fish thing. I mouth, “Sorry.” I didn’t even think to mention it prior to my presentation.
“Well, it looks like double congratulations are in order then.” Dr. Fishburn reaches out to shake hands with Asher. “I guess visiting the mountain won’t be an issue in the future.”
“Not for Emma, the rest of you will still need to follow the procedure,” Asher replies with a smirk. I wouldn’t expect anything less from my grump-meister.
It’s finally sinking in that I did it. I’m a doctor of conservation biology. All my hard work paid has off, and now I can go home to the mountain. So many emotions are racing through my mind, I can’t pinpoint any except regret that my parents weren’t here to experience this with me. But knowing I have my new family and I’m no longer alone takes the edge off the pain.
“Let’s go home. We need to celebrate.” Andrew herds us out of the building. “Asher, I assume you’re driving back with Emma?”
“I can’t believe you have to ask. Of course, I am.” Then he turns to me and gives me the you’re in trouble look. “It’s a good thing you’re not wearing heels. I would have spanked you right here in the parking lot. How is your ankle feeling? Should I carry you to the car?”
“It’s fine, really. I barely feel it, and no, you’re not going to carry me.”
I turn away so he can’t see my grin when he growls at me. It’s also when I notice their trucks. I don’t know how I missed seeing them when I arrived. My nerves must have kept me lost in my head again.
Asher takes the keys from me and opens the passenger-side door. “I’m driving. You can rest since you got up so early this morning.” He winks as he shuts the door.
“You were awake when I left?” Frack. I was so quiet, or at least I thought I was.
“Did you think I could sleep through you getting up? Even if I had, the noise you made when you took the plug out was too funny. You know, as soon as we get home, I’m filling you up again. I did appreciate the note, though.”
