98.
Stable.
“Nurse Hailey.” Angela let the new title roll off her tongue and I couldn’t stop smiling. I’d passed my NCLEX with flying colors and even had a job offer already. I would be working in an endocrinologist’s office, helping kids with diabetes manage their disease. Going through the past two years with Ethan and dealing with the ups and down of diabetes inspired me to continue caring for others in that field. So much so that I had something else I wanted to talk to Ethan about tonight at my graduation party…
An announcement over the loudspeaker called all graduates to the auditorium and broke up my thoughts.
I popped up and pulled my only friend into a hug. “See you soon.”
Her eyes were tearing. “So fucking proud of you!” she called after me, getting some glares from parents in the area.
I just grinned. That was Angela.
After slipping into the auditorium, I went to my seat. The rows were alphabetical and I’d practiced last night in the run-through. As I made my way to the chair with my name on it, I grinned at the single red rose I saw sitting there. Casting my gaze up to the crowd, I saw Ethan sitting with Sebastian, James, Angela, Cody, and Mickey.
He was grinning ear to ear and I gave him a big smile, trying not to cry.
They weren’t my family by blood, but somehow I’d made my own family, just as Ethan said I would when I was younger. Family are those you choose to love unconditionally regardless of blood. I was so damn blessed to have this crew by my side.
The ceremony proceeded, and when they called my name, my little pack of wild family shouted with pride so loud it caused emotion to swell in my chest.
I’d done it. I’d put myself through school, paying every dollar of my tuition, books, and supplies with money I’d earned. All by myself.
After the ceremony, I followed the throng of students outside. There were hundreds of family members looking for their graduate, but mine was easy to spot. I just tracked the rip-roaring sound of the motorcycles and there they were. Standing at the edge of the curb in a black button-up shirt and black slacks with all-black converse shoes was my Ethan King. You’d think he was headed to a funeral in that outfit, but that was just his style. He’d never looked sexier. Shedding my cap and gown, I exposed my silk blue dress and black heels.
Ethan was watching me with this look of adoration. My new therapist liked Ethan, said he was stable and healthy for me. Not that I needed her approval, but it was nice to have.
“Nurse Hailey.” He tipped his head to me, wearing a sexy grin.
I smiled, throwing my arms around him and let him spin me.
“I’m so incredibly proud of you,” he breathed against my neck.
Tilting his head up, I took his face in my hands. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Leaning forward, I brushed my lips across his before Sebastian and Angela started their heckling.
James, as always, was silent.
“I have a graduation present for you,” Ethan murmured, and I squealed. He set me down and I noticed that the boys had been standing in a wall formation, hiding something.
“Boys…” Ethan tipped his head to the side.
One by one, they moved out of the way and my mouth went slack. A powder-blue Vespa was leaning on its kickstand, right behind Ethan’s bike.
I shrieked, “You said a Vespa would never be allowed in your garage!” I bounced up and down in excitement.
He shrugged. “I was thinking of making you park out back so you don’t embarrass me.”
I punched his arm lightly and he cracked a sexy grin.
“You got me a Vespa.” Reaching out, I pulled him closer to me.
“You wanted one. I want you to have everything you want.” His lips brushed mine and I thanked my lucky stars for this man. He was everything.
“Where’s Mickey?” I looked around suddenly, realizing he wasn’t there.
Ethan’s eyes twinkled. “He had business at the bar. Sent his best wishes.”
