Page 155 of Sweet Distraction

This party?

It’s hers. Willow’s.

Because today she walked across a stage in a cap and gown and was handed a diploma that said she finished what she set her mind to. She checked off one of the last major items on her to-do list. Finished her master’s degree.

How fucking insane and incredible is that?

The woman who wants to make the world a better place, just got even better at it—if that’s even possible.

God, I’m so in love with her it hurts.

“Rocket.” Bristol taps my arm. “You ready?”

I nod.

Poppy’s at my side wearing her own tiny graduation gown and cap. We got it custom-made in purple with glitter, which I’m sure we’ll be trying to get out of the cushions months from now. She’s practically bouncing with excitement.

I kneel beside her. “You remember what to do?”

She nods. “Yes.” And then grins before saying, “Love you.”

“Love you too,” I repeat.

It still hits me in the chest—in the best way—no matter how many times she’s said it to me.

“Okay,” I whisper. “Go find Hendrix.”

She takes off toward the little stage we set up by the pool.

I find Willow near the drink table, laughing with her mom. She’s swapped her graduation gown for jeans and a soft white blouse. Her hair is twisted back, and her smile is as alive as her eyes.

“Speech time,” I say, sliding an arm around her waist. “You promised.”

She groans. “Maybe I lied when I said I’d do that.”

“You’re the woman who made it through hell and earned her master’s with a toddler in her lap. Come on. The people demand it.”

She eyes me suspiciously. “You better not have something jump out of a cake or some weird embarrassing thing up your sleeve.”

“No idea what you’re talking about.”

Lie. Big lie.

“You know I hate surprises.”

I shrug like I have no idea what she’s talking about.

But she lets me lead her anyway.

The partygoers cheer as she climbs onto the stage.

She takes the mic with a nervous smile. “Okay. I was forced into this, so no judging because this type of shit makes me nervous.”

A few laughs. A few cheers of encouragement.

She glances around, visibly touched. “I just want to say thank you. To everyone here. For believing in me, for rallying behind me, for being there for Rocket and me during every step of the way.”

Her eyes flick to me. Fuck, I’m a lucky man.