Page 115 of Wreck Me

With its gilded tapestry and walls of mahogany shelving, the majestic library at Trinity College is the perfect venue for graduation.

When my name is called, I stride across the polished stage to collect my degree. The spotlight shines down on my black graduation cap and gown, and I feel the weight of every eye in the room on me.

My fiancé sits in the front row, with all his siblings and my future mother and father-in-law. They’re clapping and cheering like I’ve scored the winning point in an all-Ireland final in the last few seconds of a game.

Eleanor and Nathan perch in the row behind them. Eleanor’s eyes crinkle as she shoots me a wide smile. Nathan shifts in his seat and adjusts his tie. From his sideward glances at my former teacher, I gather it’s her proximity that has him hot under the collar and not the May sunshine.

Everyone I know and care about is here.

Even my mother.

I feel it with every fibre of my body. A comforting warmth surrounds me like a caress. A sensation you’d have to feel to believe, but I know it’s her, and I know she’s proud of me.

Euphoric tears threaten the whites of my eyes but I blink them back and beam at the dean as he shakes my hand vigorously. 'Congratulations,' he booms, handing me a tightly bound scroll. My degree.

An ear-splitting wolf-whistle pierces the air and I don’t need to look around to see who it came from.

I take a tiny bow, allowing my gaze to settle on James. He jumps to his feet, his hands clapping hard enough to burn. In a navy tailored suit and a slim-fitting white shirt, he looks every bit as gorgeous as the first night I met him.

His eyes bore into mine like twin flames. 'I’m so proud of you,' he mouths as a triumphant smile splits my lips wide open.

I had no idea it was possible to be this happy.

To be this content.

To feel so alive.

My engagement ring glints on my finger as I exit the stage. We’ve set the date. New Year’s Eve. James insisted we start the new year as man and wife. We’re looking at venues in the Caribbean and planning a month-long honeymoon around the States afterwards.

James is adamant he’s going to show me the world—his way.

Avery is beside herself at the prospect of a luxury trip away with the Beckett brothers.

I weave past my fellow students, back towards my family. I’m met with hugs and handshakes and more love than I could ever have dreamt of.

Finally, James throws his arms around me, lifts me into the air, and swings me around like I’m a doll. 'Congratulations, wifey.'

'I’m not your wife yet,' I remind him, nuzzling into his neck, even if he has updated his contact info in my phone from boyfriend to husband.

'Semantics.' He peppers a trail of kisses along my jaw. 'Are you ready for your graduation party?'

'As I’ll ever be.'

James has hired an events management company to set up a marquee at our house and invited his entire family over to celebrate. He’s hired Matteo and his wife to provide the catering, and my mouth is already watering at the prospect.

'Meet us at the house,' James calls to his family. 'We’ll be right behind you.'

As we’re exiting the library, we walk straight into Shane Stenson. He’s barely said two words to me since the opening night at Rian’s club.

'Congratulations,' he says, beaming, and for a second I think he’s about to kiss me, but instead, he extends a hand.

'The same to you.' I mean it, genuinely. Shane is a decent guy, but he was never going to be my guy.

A tiny growl rumbles from behind me.

'Where are you celebrating tonight?' Shane asks, his gaze drifting between James and me.

'At home, with our family.' James steps forward and drops an arm around my shoulder.

---