Page 55 of This: Blake & Emon

“Didn’t do nothing but love you like I said I would,” he said softly.

“And that was everything,” she replied. “More than I could’ve ever dreamed of.”

They all cheered, happy for Blake and her accomplishment, before heading out to the graduation. On the ride over, she felt her nerves rising. She had declined to give the speech because she just wanted to be in the moment. Her career would be starting soon, and she couldn’t wait to be done with this formality.

“I’m proud of you, baby.”

“I know. I’m still in shock that it’s here.”

“And you thought I was joking when I said I would be here. I knew.”

“You did say that. I had a feeling you would too.” Emon and Blake pulled up to the venue. She squealed with excitement.” I did it.”

“Yeah, you did it, but I knew you would. Never doubted you.”

***

The ceremony itself was a sea of faces, hurt feet, drawn out speeches, and flashing cameras, but Blake heard them, her family’s cheers as she crossed the stage. Loud and proud.

As she accepted her diploma, Blake touched the angel pendant at her throat and sent up a silent prayer of gratitude. For her parents, who’d given her the foundation to dream big. For the strange twist of fate that brought Emon to her door.

After the ceremony, as they gathered for photos, Blake felt a familiar presence behind her.

“Proud of you, love,” Emon whispered, slipping something into her hand. It was a small box.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“I know you said not to go crazy, but hear me out. I wanted you to have something that’s always yours because there’s no ceiling for you.”

“Emon, what is it?”

“Key to that building next to the pantry. Hear me out,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “I figured you might want to open your own clinic someday or do something for the community. Hell, open a salon. I don’t care, it’s yours.”

Blake stared at him, speechless.

“You ain’t gotta decide nothing now,” he added quickly. “Just wanted you to know the space is there when you’re ready. I’d been thinking about buying it anyway.”

Blake didn’t respond. She exhaled. She was dreaming, had to be. The family had gathered to take more pictures before heading to Blake and Emon’s. It was time for the after party and real celebration to happen.

They pulled up to the house and balloons and signs littered the yard and house. Her friends had gone all out on the party decorations. She smiled, appreciating the celebration.

“You did it, girl. How do you feel?” Taylor asked as the girls found some peace and quiet in Blake’s bedroom. She needed to change before continuing the party.

“Done but accomplished. I did it.”

“Now what?”

“I chill for a bit and then do something with the building he got me.”

“Wait, he got you a building?”

“Yeah, next to the pantry. I want to put my degree to use but also be my own boss. But I got time.”

“Yeah, don’t rush into anything. Enjoy life a little. Work, love, eat, pray, get tangled in sheets,” Taylor said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“Girl, stop.” Blake laughed, “But you’re right though. I have been going nonstop since forever.”

“And now you got a man who wants to give you the world. Let him.”