Epilogue

EPILOGUE

SERENA - 18 MONTHS LATER

I 'm only a little nervous, standing up straight on the stage in the college auditorium alongside my classmates. The dean finishes his welcome speech, and the head of nursing takes over the podium. She details the diverse group of students completing the accelerated RN program today.

"I know each candidate personally because this program has been my pet project for several years. Seeing it come to fruition with this first cohort is very special to me, and I have the greatest regard for all eight of our graduates today. They've balanced the demands of their studies and clinical responsibilities with busy personal lives. One of our graduates went home after her licensure exam last month and baked her little boy's first birthday cake!"

She glances back at me, and I smile a little bashfully. I am proud of myself, and I know none of it would have been possible without her guidance and Jack's support. She calls our names, gives us our certificates and pins us as registered nurses. The small crowd of faculty and families rise to their feet. I feel a rush of love so overwhelming I nearly sway from it when Jack stands up, holding Lucas and helping him clap his chubby little hands as he squeals.

As soon as the graduation is over, I run to my husband and son. "Mama," Lucas shrieks excitedly. I scoop him up in my arms and give him kisses.

"We're very proud of you," Jack says, kissing my forehead and then Lucas's dark hair.

"Were you a good boy for Daddy?" I ask, bouncing him. He gurgles and grins and I grab a wipe from the bag to clean off his chin. "Did Daddy give you cookies?" I tease.

"Guilty. He did great though," Jack says proudly. "Now, where do you want to go to celebrate? Dinner? Dancing? Bodega sandwich?"

"I want to go home. There's no place I'd rather be than home with my boys. I love you," I say, choking up a little.

"Luke, I think mama needs a vacation. Should we take her to the beach?" he asks our son as we walk out. Luke, smiley and full of cookies, is leaning his head on my shoulder and starting to nod off.

"I told you; my favorite destination is our home," I tell him with a smile. "I'm serious, Jack. Why would I ever want anything else? I have all I've ever wanted. Way more than that, actually."

"Good. I plan to keep it that way. So, what's next, Nurse Marino?"

"Next? Hmm… I do need to go shopping this week. Want to join me?"

"Go with you, into the fitting room? Absolutely. I'll pencil you in my schedule. Where do you want to go?"

"Someplace with a big maternity section," I smile.

Jack places Lucas tenderly in his car seat and fastens him in. Then he turns to me and cups my face in his hands.

"Serena, you amaze me. I don't know what to say."

"Say you love me."

"That's easy. I love you."

"Mmm… I like that," I say, "Now let's go home."

The End