Page 167 of First Chance

The thunder of applause and a few whistles that I recognize draw my attention to the audience and the section of seats closest to the graduates’ seats.

Jordy, Arizona, and Seiver are standing up cheering for me. Jackson, Natalie, and Dec are in front of them, and Emory, Becky, and Tessa are beside them. And, in front of them all, standing proudly, is Lochlan.

He claps thunderously, watching me walk to my seat with a twinkle in his eye.

Love, it’s love.

He’s loved me thoroughly and deeply every moment of every day, and he’s shown me what the real meaning of life is all about.

Love, peace, and family.

He’s tried to buy me a new engagement ring, but I refuse to take off his grandmother’s. He insists on giving me a big wedding, surrounded by people who love us, but I didn’t want to wait.

I made sure his last name was the one I’d carry on my diploma. A wedding can come later.

He says I gave him his life back, but mine only started when I met him.

I used to want the white knight in shining armor.

But I needed the scorned prince who would let his kingdom burn for me.

Epilogue

Lochlan

“Igot a graduation present that I want to show you.”

“From who?” I ask as she steps between my legs.

“Hayes felt bad he couldn’t make it to my graduation, and said he owed me.”

Hayes has been caught up in some shit since the day he saw Liv on my front steps. He stuck around while Jo and I were bouncing around from place to place, but the moment we got back, he’s been gone more than he’s here.

I don’t fault him for it. I always wanted him to get out of this place, but I’m worried about what he’s involved in. We’ve been watching each other’s backs for years, and I know when something is wrong.

My new fancy security system tells me every time he comes in and out of the gates at all hours of the night.

He’s only keeping it from me because he thinks he’s doing me a favor, letting me enjoy my newfound happy life with Jo.

I have been enjoying it. More than I ever thought waspossible, but I’ll always remember where I’ve come from. I want Hayes to get as far away from our past as I have. Even if that means he doesn’t work here anymore.

“What did Hayes get you?”

“He didn’tgetme anything.”

“I’m worried about what that tone means.”

“He did something for me. One of his hobbies.”

“Oh, God.” I can only imagine Jo on the back of his bike or something more deranged, and I brace myself for what she has to say.

“See.” She pulls up her silk nightgown, and I’m not sure what she’s showing me because I can’t stop looking at her standing nearly naked in front of me.

She lifts it higher, showing me a small strawberry on her rib cage beside her breast, no bigger than a real one.

“You let Hayes give you a tattoo right here.” I grip her waist, pulling her onto my lap.

She rolls her eyes. “He’s your best friend, I knew you wouldn’t kill him. I also had clothes on. I just had to move my shirt up a bit. It took like two seconds.”

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