Chapter 43: Renee

The sun is shining high in the sky on graduation day, something we all hoped for but didn’t expect. The university’s outdoor stadium is filled with people - families and children, moms and dads, all here to wish their college graduates well. It’s warmer than I like because of the sun, and sweat forms under my graduation robe, my skin glowing red. I’m sure I look like an absolute disaster, but it doesn’t matter.

“Hey,” Jami says, elbowing me in the ribs. “Earth to Renee. You look like you’re going to be sick.”

“Hopefully not,” I murmur, looking around. “There’s just a hell of a lot of people I have to walk in front of. I’m going to trip, or something, and face-plant it in front of a thousand people. It will be recorded on someone’s phone and uploaded to YouTube with a smartass title, and I’ll never be able to go anywhere in this city again without someone recognizing me.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” someone behind me says. It’s Matt, handsome as ever in his graduation gown and hat. He comes up behind me and kisses my neck, pulling me into his strong arms. I sigh and let myself melt into him, catching the subtle whiff of engine oil and old burned ash on the jeans under his robe. Ever my handsome firefighter.

“I’m not being dramatic. I’m telling the truth,” I insist. “That would be just my luck, wouldn’t it?”

“What’s happening? Is she panicking again?” asked Jake, approaching from the left. He handed me a bottle of water which I took gratefully, and then he leaned in for a kiss, which I was more than happy to give him. God, he looked so damn good with his hair slicked back and a Denver Police Department badge pinned to his graduation hat. He’ll make a great cop. I know he will.

“I’m not panicking,” I insist again, straightening Jake’s hat. “Not as much as Aaron has been, anyway. Have you guys seen him?”

“I’m here,” Aaron called, right on cue. He was carrying his graduation hat in his hand, and his face was pale and chalky, but he looked damn adorable just the same. Following his dream, Aaron got accepted to one of the best art schools in the city. He intended to keep working as a medic at the station while he studied art, and I am so proud of him for following his true passion, regardless of anyone else's thoughts on it.

“Oh, honey.” I wrap my arms around Aaron’s midsection and squeeze gently, and he hugs me back, resting his warm lips on the top of my head. “Don't be so nervous. We all have so much to be proud of.”

I take a step back, and my eyes catch sight of all three men standing beside my best friend, and I am suddenly so overwhelmed with love and compassion for each of them that I can feel real, hot tears pressing against the back of my eyeballs.

“No crying allowed,” Jami says, her brow furrowing. “This is a happy day, remember? Besides, if you cry, you’ll make me cry.”

“I remember,” I assure her and glance over my shoulder into the crowd where I could see my parents sitting in the row, waiting for me. Mom is positively beaming, and even Dad looks like he could admit to a decent time if asked. Next to Mom is Matt’s mother. She looks good, better than she has been. The chemo has been working.

Carly and Jason are nowhere to be found, which is honestly not something I could truly bring myself to care about. I heard that Jason dropped his final semester because he didn’t want to face us, and Carly transferred her credits to the online campus just before moving out of our house. None of us are the least bit sorry about it.

“Renee Elizabeth Lyon, please come forward,” the college president says, and my heart flutters. Matt and Jake nod at me, then plant a kiss on each cheek. Aaron hugs me tight, and Jami does too. She whispers something as she leans in to wrap her arms around me.

“I love that you’re so happy, Renee. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, James.” I take a step back from my best friend and admire the people who mean the most to me.

“Here’s to new beginnings,” I grin. “And new friendships, and new loves.”

“Here, here!” Aaron cheers with a smile. I pull my shoulders back and walk onto the stage to accept my nursing diploma. My parents stand to cheer in front of me;, and to the back of me, the men I love and my best friend hoot and holler in excitement, chanting my name. I grin so vastly I think my face might crack and accept my diploma.

What a beautiful day.