Page 201 of Wild Card

To my horror, the room erupted in cheers and Talon cradled me to him, laughing.

Laughing!

After composing myself, I was immersed in hugs and well wishes. I learned Bex and Rowan were in charge of the guest list, and April insisted on working with the restaurant on decorations.

The amount of love in the room almost made up for the fact I was going to kill my best friend and boyfriend.

Almost.

Talon tops off my champagne, draping his arm around my shoulder as Dad lifts his glass.

“Stacy and I always knew Willow would succeed at anything she set her mind to. Since she was born, our daughter has been an overachiever. Her ambition came with its share of challenges that she never let stop her. Those challenges weren’t always in the classroom or in the walls of her clinic; some hit closer to home.” He clears his throat and my eyes sting, reading the guilt and sorrow on his face. “She didn’t let anything deter her, finishing top of her class, pushing for perfect scores, and cementing a job at a top facility in the city.”

“With a great boss!” Abe throws in, earning chuckles from the room.

Dad nods, his somber mood lifting, and his focus comes solely to me. “Apparently, also a great boss. Watching you accept your diploma was a solemn moment for your mom and me. We are delighted and proud to congratulate you, Doctor Willow Mara Richards.”

Loud cheers and wolf-whistles bounce off the walls. Talon pulls me in for a sweet kiss before standing and urging me forward. Dad hugs me tightly, and on instinct, I turn to hug my mom.

She sniffs, her hands trembling. When I pull back, her eyes are shining bright. “Thank you for coming.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d be.”

Talon’s hands circle my waist as he presses to my back. “Think you can pull off a few words?”

Everyone is leering at me expectantly, my adorable nephew smiling encouragingly and holding Bex’s hand.

Bex’s parents are seated on her other side, beaming. I’m not sure if it’s because of our graduation or the fact their daughter is clearly in love.

My eyes find Lucas. His mom is at his side, also wearing a bright smile.

“Thank you all for coming today. Getting here hasn’t always been easy. But I had the two best people with me every step of the way. Lucas and Bex held my hand, literally, throughout this process and guided me when I didn’t know how to go on. My parents, grandparents, brother, and all-star nephew have been my rocks.” I take a calming breath, clasping my hand with Talon’s at my waist. “A few months ago, a wonderful man came into my life and brought this amazing group of people with him. Thank you for that.”

“She’s talking about me!” Nate calls from the Sayge table, Raven slapping him on the arm.

Another round of laughter goes around.

“Of course, Nate, having you in my life has made it colorful.”

Talon grumbles.

“All that being said, my throne at the center of attention is over. Only so much I can take, so let’s enjoy the rest of the afternoon. And for those of us going to Tom’s later, NO MORE SURPRISES!”

Tom flashes me an unpromising grin, shaking his head.

Wyatt leaps up and races to us, throwing his arms around Talon and me. “Love you, Squeak.”

I pretend to scoff, “Who told you to call me Squeak? I’m Aunt Lolo.”

“Dad said I was allowed.”

I cup his cheek and bend to steal a quick kiss.

“Can I attack the dessert bar now?”

“Attack away.”

He takes off and I secretly hope he eats enough sugar to drive Chase crazy.

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