D appears behind him, looking annoyingly handsome in a tailored suit just like Alex’s. “He’s right, you know. You do look beautiful.”
D tilts my chin up, his lips crashing against mine in a deep, passionate kiss.Gosh, he tastes sexy. But when he doesn’t want to pull away, I press my hands against his chest.
“Stop it, you,” I murmur against his mouth, breaking us apart.
He tilts his head back just slightly, his lips curling into that smug, teasing smile of his. His eyes sparkle with mischief as he whispers, “Never,krasotka.” Then he gives me a cheeky wink.
I shove his chest again, but I can feel the heat creeping up my neck. “Save it for the after-party, big guy.”
He chuckles, that deep rumble that still does things to me, even after all this time. “Speaking of parties…”
Oh, no. I know that look. It’s the same look he had at Alex’s birthday last year, right before he pulled out a ring and nearly gave me a heart attack in front of a bunch of six-year-olds.
“D, I swear to God, if you’re planning what I think you’re planning—”
He holds up his hands, all innocence. “What? Can’t a man be proud of his… what are we calling it these days? Life partner?”
“Pain in the ass works, too,” I mutter, but I’m smiling.
Suddenly, there’s a commotion near the entrance. Lenny bursts through the doors, all six feet of him decked out in honest-to-God cowboy boots and a Stetson. Em’s right behind him, trying to wrangle Niko and Natalya.
“Wren!” Lenny bellows, sweeping me up in a bear hug. “Look at you, all fancy in your cap and gown!”
I wheeze, tapping his arm. “Can’t… breathe…”
He sets me down, grinning sheepishly. “Sorry, sis. Just proud of ya, is all.”
Em finally catches up with Niko and Natalya in tow. “Sorry we’re late. Someone,” she glares pointedly at Lenny, “insisted on stopping for ‘authentic road trip snacks.’”
“Hey, you can’t road trip without beef jerky. It’s un-American,” Lenny protests.
Before I can retort, there’s a tap on my shoulder. I turn to see Sophia and Luka, both looking like they just stepped off a runway.
“Congratulations,dorogaya,” Luka says, kissing my cheek. “You’ve come a long way.”
Sophia hugs me tight. “We’re so proud of you, Wren.”
I blink back the sudden moisture in my eyes. Damn it, when did I turn into such a sap?
Em’s eyes are shining as she looks at me. “God, Wren, I’m so proud of you. And… Dad would be, too, you know?”
The mention of John feels like a knife to the ribs, twisting and piercing deep into my heart.
It’s been a year since he passed, but the ache is still there, raw and persistent.
Fuck, don’t cry. Not now.
I swallow hard, forcing a smile. “Yeah, well, at least he got his shit together before he checked out, right?”
Em squeezes my hand, understanding in her eyes. “He did more than that, sis. Those last few years… he was really there. For all of us.”
I nod, memories flashing through my mind. Dad, clean and sober, playing with Alex.
“It wasn’t perfect,” I admit, “but it’s still more than I ever thought we’d get.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you could all take your seats. We’re about to begin the graduation ceremony,” the dean’s voice thunders through the auditorium.
“Alright, everyone, go sit down now,” I mutter, shushing Alex, who’s giggling at something Niko said. I give D a knowing look, like I’m half-expecting him to cause trouble too. He just smirks.
