43. Chapter 43

4 Months Later

S tanding in front of the mirror, I admire my reflection one last time before we have to leave for graduation. The black fabric clings to me, hugging every curve just right. The ruching and slight slit add a touch of texture, drawing my eyes down to where my dress flares into a playful mini skirt. I adjust the wider straps until they're sitting in the correct spot on my shoulders, providing a comfortable fit that contrasts beautifully with the elegant square cut of the neckline. I take a deep breath, feeling the soft fabric against my skin, and know this dress was made for moments like this—where I need to look and feel my best.

Four months have gone by in a blink. Between classes and assignments, the second semester has been hard to keep up with anything outside of schoolwork. Sunday dinners were few and far between. Brynn moved in the middle of December, placing the first hole in our group. But a few weeks later, their baby girl, Cleo, was born a few weeks early. Once baseball season began, Chloe traveled with the team for the second year as the lead reporter for the school's newspaper. The guys on the team were busy with the start of their new baseball season .

With the beginning of the end, the guys and I started our own traditions. We spent more nights in with video game tournaments and junk food. The four of us settled into a new norm. Instead of Sunday dinners with all of our friends, it was a takeout night where, each week, we would try a new restaurant. A lot of times, Grant would join us, too.

One thing that hasn't changed is Crew and I's dedication to each other.

After our celebration that night in Las Vegas, we spent the rest of the night rehashing my mental health break and where we went from there. I explained to him the plan my family and I created with the help of Grant's friend. With the help of campus police, we worked with local law enforcement to obtain a restraining order, and I described how I flew to Tucson to sign copies and give my statement. When the police arrived to inform Chad, he practically shit his pants from nerves. What he thought was harmless was never that for me. When the authorities threatened jail time, he wept in the interrogation room. I watched behind one-way glass and felt relief as the weight was lifted.

Chad was no longer our problem.

"Now that that mess is taken care of, what should we do for the rest of the night?" he asked, kissing my temple.

"I'm not sure if I can go again, Crew. I'm a little sore."

"Wanna go get married? We're in Vegas, after all?"

My booming laughter fills the room as I poke him in the side. "I am not pulling a Quinton and Brynn and eloping with you. Besides, I want a better proposal than that."

Rolling over top of me, Crew places his elbows on either side of my face, resting his weight. Leaving a smattering of kisses over my face, he stares down at me. "Don't worry, Rebel. When I propose to you, you'll know it's a real proposal. "

"When?"

"Yeah, baby. When. I can't wait to put my ring on your finger and call you my wife."

I hum. "Say it again."

"My wife ."

"Okay, let's go get married now."

"Patience."

I smile at the memory as a knock sounds from my door. "Damn, baby girl. You clean up well."

"Thank you." Turning, I take in JP as he stands in the doorway dressed in navy dress pants, a white button-down, and a navy and light blue striped tie. "You look handsome, JP."

Tears well in my eyes as I stare at my roommate. We'll watch him graduate in a few short hours as he moves on to bigger and better things. I arrived with a brother when I stepped foot at Central Texas University. Now, I've gained a whole family of brothers and sisters. It's crazy where life can take you.

"We've got to get going if you're riding with me." I nod, slipping into the black pumps I pulled out for the day.

Cocking my head, I stare up at him from where I'm clasping my shoes. "Why is it always you getting me?"

"Those two fuss over their hair too much."

"I think they're worse than me."

His eyes widen as he nods. Reaching for my purse, I follow JP to the living room, where the other two emerge. Everyone looks dapper—Harris in his dark-brown dress pants and a cream and deco-printed shirt. Crew wears black slacks that hug his thick thighs and a tailored white button-down. I feel his gaze as he takes in my outfit like I did him .

Stepping closer, Crew places a strand of hair behind my ears before leaning in. "You look breathtaking."

My cheeks heat as he places a chaste kiss on my temple. A soft smile tips the corner of my lips.

Reaching into my purse, I pull out my cell. Tapping the camera icon, I shout. "Roommate selfie!"

With a few groans, the guys all close in around me as I take a picture of the four of us.

"One more," JP adds as I lower the camera.

With it hoisted in the air, I adjust the angle. As I go to click the screen, the three of them all plant kisses on the sides of my head. I laugh, and tears well in my eyes.

"My favorite," I whisper as I look at the image.

It is hot inside the Central Texas Athletic Center as we wait for the graduation ceremony to conclude. I fan my face with the program as I scan over the graduates sitting in the center of the room, all dressed in navy caps and gowns.

As the keynote speaker concludes his speech on resilience and hope, he encourages the graduates to reflect on their journey at CTU and the time spent getting to this momentous day. Crew's arm stretches behind my seat as he rubs my bare shoulder with his thumb. Chills run through my spine, and goose bumps cover my skin. Tilting my head, I rest it on his shoulder.

"I'm glad my journey brought me to you."

"I love you, Rebel."

"I love you, too. "

My mom smiles at us from beside me while my dad glares at Crew. He likes to act as if he's not okay with our relationship, but he's given Crew his blessing. The two met to discuss their roles on and off the field and their dynamic going forward.

Applause fills the large space as the speaker finally wraps up his speech. The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. The graduates stand row by row, and each name is announced as they walk across the stage.

"Grant Campbell." Clapping, I watch my big brother move across the stage, shaking hands, before accepting his diploma. Pride swells in my chest as I watch my best friend achieve a degree, which puts him one step closer to chasing his dreams.

As Grant faces the audience, his eyes skim the crowd, looking for the section I texted him. I can't help but reminisce on our time together growing up. Days of playing superheroes with our dress-up capes and creating our own professional football games in the backyard. He's always been there for me, including me in his games and watching over me. Our time together is coming to an end. I couldn't be more proud of the man he's become, and no matter where life takes us, I'll always be in his corner, cheering for him.

Crew and I watch the speaker announce Cody, JP, Hudson, Cody's roommate, and Chloe. I feel so much excitement as I watch them take the first step of their future. Our lives will all take us to different places, and while it will be hard, I know we'll always have each other. The bat signal will fly whenever someone needs us. Because the thing is, the bond created in this family is stronger than whatever life will throw at us.

We're tethered together .

As the ceremony closed, Crew held my hand as we navigated the crowd. We moved toward the exit, where we told Grant we would meet him.

"That will be us next year." Crew muses in my ear.

"I can't wait."

"Oh yeah? What are you looking forward to most?"

"Silo Bay."

His head whips in my direction. "What'd you say?"

"Silo Bay." I chuckle. "You've got a farm to take care of, and I will have endless walks along Lake Drummond in the future."

"Are you saying you want to live in Silo Bay after graduation?"

"After graduation. After a few years of watching you play in the NFL. Whichever." His mouth is slack as he stares at me. It's as if I've short-circuited his brain. "I want to create a life with you in Silo Bay."

"Rebel, I fucking love you."

The bright sun bearing down on us as we step out onto the concrete interrupts our conversation. I dig through my purse for sunglasses, and my phone buzzes against my hand.

Brynn: Tell my best friends happy graduation!!

Me: Will do!

"Hey, Crew." He turns from where he is in conversation with my dad. "Did you hear Savannah's name?"

He shakes his head as I type another message.

Me: Did Sav not walk?

Brynn: Grant didn't tell you?

Brynn: She had to withdraw this semester. She'll be back next year for one semester!

Locking my phone, I drop it into my purse. I am curious as to why she had to drop out, and it runs through my head. I don't have much time to dwell on it before Grant walks toward us, gown partially unzipped and a diploma sleeve in his hand.

"Congratulations, sweetie!" Mom yells as she wraps him in a hug. Dad follows her with a handshake before pulling him into a hug.

"You did it!" I say, throwing my arms around my big brother. "I'm so proud of you, G."

"Thanks, sis. I guess I'll have to rely on Crew to look after you next year."

"Yeah, right. You know your ass is staying to help coach me."

"Ah fuck, Dad, I might need to rethink that offer. I don't know if I can coach this joker."

Dad shakes his head at their antics. In a way, it's like he gained another son with Grant and Crew's brotherly friendship.

"Bret, stand next to your brother for pictures."

For the next fifteen minutes, we go through an endless cycle of poses as Mom ensures every situation is accounted for. The spring air is hot in Texas, and I can feel sweat rolling down my spine.

"Mom," Grant grumbles as I glance around the thinning crowd. It looks like everyone got the hint and wrapped up their pictures before they melted from the heat. As I'm making a pass back to my brother, my eyes land on someone familiar standing off in the distance.

Our eyes make contact, and I watch as she startles. With tentative steps and shoulders leaning forward, she moves toward our group. Noise fades away, the bickering between Mom and Grant turns to static. I can't peel my eyes away from the girl—the woman—walking toward us.

My eyes scan over her body as my pulse thrums in my ears.

"Bret," Grant's voice finally breaks through the static. "What are you staring—"

His words trail off as he turns while Savannah approaches our group.

"Congratulations, Grant." Her voice is small and shaky.

At her voice, everyone turns toward the petite brunette. The olive-colored dress makes her bronze skin seem even more sun-kissed. A gasp leaves my mother's lips as I take in Savannah's smocked dress that hugs her every curve, including the tiny baby bump the dress accentuates.

Time seems to freeze as everyone stares at her arrival. The moment of joyful celebration transforms into the beginning of uncertainty.

The start of a surprising new story.