Ever so slowly, his lips brushed across mine. My mouth parted on a contented sigh, and my eyes fluttered closed. I leaned into his embrace, but he only grazed my lips again. Then once more.
“Will you change for me, Chloe? Will you become a vampire and spend eternity with me?” he whispered.
“Yes,” I said. And there was no hesitation. No fear. No weakness. Not this time.
CHAPTER THIRTY:
Graduation
“C’MON, GIRLS!” UNCLE DEAN’S VOICE BOOMED through the house.
I grabbed my cap from my desk and rushed downstairs. I’d managed to pass Mr. Gordon’s class—barely; he was not amused with my and Jax’s creative lifestyle—and today, I was graduating high school, along with Abby and Trent and all our friends.
Five minutes later, we were piled into Uncle Dean’s truck and headed toward the high school. Abby leaned across the seat and draped her arm around my shoulders. Then she snapped a selfie of us.
I shook my head, but then said, “Send that to me.”
I’d talked to my Dad and Larissa a week ago and asked if they’d be coming to my graduation. Money wasn’t an issue, so I didn’t feel the least bit guilty asking them to fly to New York now and then again in a month or so for my wedding.
Dad said they couldn’t make it due to prior commitments. I told him I understood, but I still cried myself to sleep that night. After spending New Year’s with him, I thought our relationship was getting better, but once again, he’d disappointed me.
As soon as Uncle Dean parked at the high school, Abby and I were out of the truck and racing inside to the designated graduate meeting spot.
We’d been given detailed instructions of what to do and when, and on the last day of school, we did a practice run. We had to line up alphabetically by last name, which meant Abby was near the front, and I was in the middle. Trent and Jax were somewhere between us.
I shifted on my feet and glanced around for Whitney or Ellie or Trent or anyone I knew. Ellie saw me and waved, a huge smile on her face.
Her last name started with an M, too, so we weren’t that far apart. I left my spot in line and gave Ellie a hug.
“Can you believe we’re graduating?” she said with an excited squeal. “I’ve been waiting for this day forever, but I’m also kinda sad, y’know, because I won’t get to see everyone every day anymore. I don’t even know if I’ll get to see many of you this summer with all of us doing different things, and you getting married. But—”
“Ellie.” I clutched her shoulders and laughed. “Take a breath.”
She giggled. “Sorry.”
I was seriously going to miss her incessant chattering. The threat of tears loomed, but I refused to let them fall. Not yet. Later, when all this was over, I’d allow myself to cry.
“You’re still coming tonight, right?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” She grinned.
All of us had agreed to get together later tonight—after dark and after all our familial obligations—to hang out. Whitney, as usual, had offered up Trent’s house. But this time, we’d be outside, sitting around a bonfire. I couldn’t wait for that.
“Last I checked, A comes before O in the alphabet,” Mr. Gordon said. “Get back in line, Miss Madison.”
I rolled my eyes. Thankfully, my back was to him so he couldn’t see me.
Ellie stifled a laugh, and I smiled as I made my way back to my spot in line. I stood on my tiptoes and looked around for Trent. Where was he?
Slowly, the line began to move forward, and my heart raced. This was it! According to Abby, the graduation ceremony was usually held inside the auditorium, but because of an issue with the pipes, we had to move the ceremony outside.
I followed my classmates outside. The sun nearly blinded me, and I squinted. There was no way Trent could be out in the sun for however long the graduation ceremony would last. Maybe he was skipping it. Disappointment settled over me, but I wasn’t mad. How could I be? I shrugged off the negative feelings and focused on walking to my seat.
By the time Principal Donavan made his opening remarks, the guest of honor gave her speech, and the valedictorian—Tonya—gave her speech, I was sweating through my gown. Why was it so hot out here today?
Finally, after what felt like forever, Principal Donavan began to call our names. Our graduating class wasn’t that big—only nineteen students—so this part of the ceremony wouldn’t take too long.
When he announced Abby, I clapped for her just as loudly as Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean were.
“Jaxon Halstead,” Principal Donavan said.
I froze, my gaze glued to the podium. Was Jax here? Sure enough, he strode forward, accepted his diploma, shook the principal’s hand, and then walked away.
That meant Trent was here, too! I watched as he followed the same path Jax had just taken, and I couldn’t stop smiling. He must’ve waited until his name was called and slipped into line, because he hadn’t been here before. I would’ve seen him.
I fidgeted, shifting my weight from foot to foot. Nerves raged in my stomach, and my palms started to sweat. It wasn’t like there were hundreds of people here or anything. Still, it was scary to be paraded in front of a bunch of people like this.
“Chloe Madison,” Principal Donavan said.
Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean stood and clapped loudly, just like they had for Abby.
Blowing out a breath, I walked up to him, took my diploma, smiled, and shook his hand. I moved my tassel to the opposite side. And then I was done. I glanced at my aunt and uncle, and my eyes widened.
My father and Larissa sat beside them, Little Frank held firmly on Larissa’s lap. My heart stopped. They were here. Larissa blew me a kiss, and Dad smiled. I hurried back to my seat, more than ready for this ceremony to be over.
A few short minutes later, it was. Everyone stood at once, and I started to make my way toward my family when Trent intercepted me. His face was red and splotchy.
I winced. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine as soon as I get out of the sun.” He took my hand and shoved his way forward, dragging me along with him. But he stopped short and spun around to face me. “I’ll meet you inside, okay?” And then he was gone.
“Dad!” I rushed toward him, and he enveloped me in a hug. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
He squeezed me. “We wanted to surprise you.”
The tears I’d kept at bay earlier slid down my cheeks. “Thank you,” I said.
Once Abby finished hugging her parents, they turned to me. I gave Aunt Beth and Uncle Dean hugs. I wanted to thank them for everything they’d done for me, to tell them I wouldn’t be standing here as a high school graduate if it wasn’t for them. But emotion clogged my throat.
“Low-ee!” Little Frank wiggled in Larissa’s arms. She set him down, and he darted toward me, wrapping his arms around my legs.
I bent down and picked him up. He pressed his cheek to mine and squeezed my neck, grunting from the effort.
“Hey, there’s someone who wants to see you,” I said, knowing full well Trent would want to say hello.
“Who?” he asked, genuinely confused but interested.
“He went inside. Want to go find him?” I asked.
Little Frank nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. Someday, I’d be able to share these little moments with a child of my own, and I couldn’t wait.
I turned to Dad and Larissa. “Is it okay? I’ll bring him right back.”
“Of course.” Larissa laughed.
“Hurry back, though,” Aunt Beth said and held up her cell phone. “I need to get pictures.”
Abby caught my gaze and rolled her eyes.
I laughed and headed inside the school to find Trent. Little Frank jabbered about flying on a plane, and I nodded along, adding the occasional “wow” when necessary. I walked into the building and found Trent at the opposite end.
He was leaning against the wall, head down. I hoped he was okay. Maybe bringing Little Frank to
see him wasn’t such a good idea.
“Trent!” Little Frank squealed as soon as we were close enough.
He attempted to climb out of my arms, and I set him down before he hurt himself. He barreled at Trent, who’d crouched down to Little Frank’s level, arms open.
“Hey, buddy.” Trent hugged him.
I didn’t think it was possible to love this man any more than I already did, but seeing him hugging my brother like that… My heart filled with so much love. I clasped my hand over my chest.
“I flied on a airplane.” Little Frank used his hand, pretending it was a plane, and made noises as he waved his arm in the air.
“Was it scary?” Trent asked. He glanced up at me and winked.
The way he winked at me, like I was the only thing in his entire world, like we knew something no one else did, made my breath catch and my heart flutter.
“No.” Little Frank shook his head. “Momma gave me sleepy medicine.”
Trent laughed, the sound echoing through the empty hall.
I slowly glanced around, memorizing the look of these halls—the ugly green lockers, the sports and club flyers littered on the walls, the color of the tiled floors. I momentarily closed my eyes, and I could hear people talking, laughing, teachers shouting, the bell ringing. Only then did it really hit me that I was never going to walk these halls again. I’d never rush to class late or race to catch up with one of my friends so we could go to lunch together.
“Chloe, honey? You all right?” Trent’s voice was closer than it had been a moment ago.
My eyes snapped open.
Trent stood in front of me; Little Frank stood next to him, his tiny hand lost inside Trent’s larger one, and Little Frank stared up at Trent like he was a superhero.
“Yeah. I’m fine.” I smiled. “I have to get back out there, though. Aunt Beth needs pictures.”
Trent kissed my cheek. “Then we’d better go.”
“Are you sure?” I raised a brow.
“I’ll be okay for a few minutes.” Trent took my hand and laced our fingers.
We headed back outside.
Aunt Beth had managed to corral all our friends into one location. When she saw me, she waved me over. “C’mon, you two. Get in the picture.”
Larissa took Little Frank from Trent, despite Little Frank’s protests. Trent kissed Larissa’s cheek and shook my father’s hand. Then we positioned ourselves in the picture. Which wasn’t just one—Aunt Beth insisted on taking a bazillion and one before Uncle Dean finally cut her off.
Trent’s face was red again. So were Whitney’s and Wyatt’s. Somehow, Jax had evaded every picture. In fact, I hadn’t seen him since he got his diploma. He probably left. Trent, Whitney, and Wyatt made an excuse to leave, but not before Whitney reminded us about our bonfire later that night.
I promised her we’d be there, though now that my dad and Larissa were here, they might want to spend the evening with me. I felt bad about ditching them when they’d flown across the country to surprise me.
Once the commotion calmed a bit, we made our way toward the parking lot. Trent was standing near his truck, which was conveniently parked beneath the largest shade tree on the far end of the lot. He had those annoyingly sexy sunglasses perched on his face, his arms crossed over his chest. When he saw me, he straightened and made a beeline toward me.
Smiling, I slipped my arm around his waist, and he dropped a kiss on my forehead. He was so confident in our relationship, and he wasn’t afraid to show me affection in front of other people, even when those people were my parents.
“Dinner’s on me tonight,” Dad said as he came to a stop near his rental car. “I hope you’ll all join us.” His gaze drifted over Aunt Beth, Uncle Dean, and Abby, who was glued to Isach’s side.
“That’s very generous, Frank. Thank you,” Uncle Dean said.
“We’d be happy to have dinner with you tonight,” Aunt Beth said.
They were being overly polite considering they didn’t always have the nicest things to say about my father. Not that I could blame them. Until recently, I didn’t have much nice to say about him, either.
“You, too, young man.” Dad nodded at Isach.
Whoa. What is up with my father today?
“Of course,” Isach said, giving me a questioning look.
I shrugged, just as confused as everyone else. Then, Dad turned his attention to Trent and raised a brow.
“I wouldn’t dream of missing dinner,” Trent said with a chuckle. “But we do have a prior commitment later this evening, around nine o’clock.”
“Oh, we’ll be back at our hotel long before then,” Larissa said. “This little guy needs to be in bed early tonight.” She bounced Little Frank on her hip.
I stood there and looked around at my family, my heart swelling with love. When my mother died, I thought my life was over, but it wasn’t. In fact, it had only been the beginning of something new and exciting for me—something I’d never trade for anything in the world.
“All right. Let’s go then,” Dad said.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE:
Celebratory Dinner Disaster
WE DROVE INTO THE CITY TO some swanky restaurant with a name I couldn’t pronounce, mostly because all of the restaurants in Keene Valley were packed.
When we arrived, Dad pulled me aside as everyone else headed inside. “I’m proud of you, Chloe,” he said.
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop from crying. My father rarely said things like that to me, but when he did, it was like an instant “on” button for my tear ducts.
“Thank you,” I said and cleared my throat. “I’ve been wanting to ask you… Would you be okay if Uncle Dean walked me down the aisle, too? I want both of you to do it.”
I shifted on my feet, suddenly nervous. I’d meant to ask him this months ago, but I either forgot or became sidetracked whenever I was on the phone with him. But I couldn’t put it off any longer.
“It’s your wedding,” he said. “If that’s what you want, then that’s all that matters.”
I scrunched up my face. Why did he sound displeased with the idea?
“I’m just honored you even want me at your wedding.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked on his heels. “I’ll do whatever you want me to, okay?”
“Thanks, Dad.”
With a nod, he ushered me inside. Everyone else was seated around a large, circular table. Trent stood and pulled out my chair for me, which was, of course, right next to his.
“I like the sundress,” he whispered in my ear.
My face heated as I sat. Trent returned to his seat, placed his hand on my leg beneath the table, and winked. Everyone was engrossed in the menus, so I picked mine up and glanced at the selections. I settled on the chicken alfredo.
“So, Chloe, how are the wedding plans coming along?” Larissa asked.
“Good,” I said and took a sip of water. “Everything’s pretty much done, actually. Well, except for one thing.” I sat straighter in my chair. “I was wondering if you’d be okay with Little Frank being the ring bearer.”
Larissa’s smile widened. “Absolutely,” she said with a nod. “Just let me know what colors you’ve chosen, and I’ll make sure he has everything else he needs.”
“Thank you.” I sighed with relief.
Now that that was handled, all I had to do was talk to Uncle Dean about walking me down the aisle, but I’d do that later, in private.
“They’re having an outdoor wedding, on the mountaintop behind Trent’s house at sunset,” Abby said. “It’s going to be beautiful.”
“Sounds like it,” Larissa said. “You’re her maid of honor?”
Abby nodded.
“And you are…?” Larissa looked at Isach.
“One of Trent’s groomsmen,” Isach said. “And Abby’s boyfriend.”
“That’s nice.” Larissa smiled.
The waitress arrived and took our orders. I was thankful for the momentary reprieve. As excited as I was a
bout my upcoming wedding, I’d had enough talks about wedding plans to last me a lifetime.
“So.” My father folded his arms on the table and pinned me and Trent with a stare. “What’re your plans after the wedding? Are you two going to college? Do either of you have jobs lined up? What about a place to live?”
I groaned. If I had known this was going to turn into an interrogation, I would’ve found a reason to skip this dinner.
Trent gave my leg a reassuring squeeze. “We’re taking a gap year to figure out what we want to do,” he said, the lie rolling smoothly from his mouth. “I have a rather large trust fund, so money’s not an issue for us.”
I stared at him. Why would he announce that to everyone?
“And we do have a place to live,” Trent said, his gaze never wavering from my father’s. “My father gave us a cabin as a wedding gift. It’s about forty-five minutes outside of Keene Valley. I’d be happy to show it to you after dinner.”
Oh yeah, Trent was good at charming people. Would I be able to do that, too, once I became a vampire?
“I’d like that,” Dad said. “And it will give you and me some time to talk.”
My stomach twisted. What on earth could my father possibly want to talk to Trent about privately? So much for a celebratory graduation dinner—this was quickly becoming a disaster.
“I look forward to it,” Trent said with an easy smile.
The conversation shifted to talk of work, Larissa’s newest charity event, Little Frank, politics, and the weather. I tuned them out.
“Is your dad always that intense?” Abby whispered.
I nodded. “Yup.”
“No wonder you hated living with him,” she said.
Laughing, I nudged her, my gaze darting toward my dad to make sure he hadn’t overhead us. He was fully engrossed in a conversation with Uncle Dean about classic cars.
I leaned closer to Trent, savoring the comforting, familiar scent of his cologne. “What do you think my dad wants to talk to you about?” I kept my voice low so no one would hear us.
Trent nuzzled closer to my neck, his lips grazing my earlobe. “Whatever it is, I’m sure I can handle it.”
Eternal Promise: (The Cursed Series, Book 5) Page 24