Chapter 48...

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Semi-edited!

Thank you for this lovely cover! It is so cute!! <3 <3 

Song above is....Bright by Echosmith. I feel like it fits this chapter. (Let me know what songs you have heard that reminds you of this book! I'd love to know them!) 

Happy Reading!! 

3 years later...

"Can believe it? In just two days we will officially be done here!"

"That went by too fast." I said shaking my head.

Macey and I sat in the 95 Degrees sipping our coffee's and waiting for everyone else to show up. In two days we were graduating from Columbia University. Three years has passed since Macey and I first came onto campus, fresh-eyed freshman. No clue what was going to happen but knowing it would be the start of something good.

Now here we are three years later, days away from graduating and becoming real adults. These last few years have flown by and I was actually sad to be done with school. So many great things happened here in the last 3 years that leaving felt almost like we were leaving it all behind. I was excited to start something new though.

"We are going to the beach house for graduation right?" Macey asked, sipping her coffee.

"Yeah. We will leave the day after graduation because lets face it no one is going to want to drive all the way there."

"We haven't been there in so long! It will be fun."

Just then the ring of the door opening to the cafe made our heads snap towards it. In walked my boyfriend, my brother, Ethan and Dylan. Waving at them from our corner booth they made their way towards us. When they reached us Luke immediately went right to his girlfriend, kissing her deeply.

My own boyfriend came up, grabbing my chin gently and tipping my head back so he could kiss my lips. When he pulled away I grinned up at him.

"Hello to you too."

"Hey." He pulled out the chair next to me and sat down, his hand immediately grabbing my thigh. "How was your last class?"

Gage, Luke, and Ethan already graduated last year but came onto campus to meet us for lunch and what not occasionally. They all have been busy though with their new jobs so all of us getting together was nice.

Three years of dating Gage Harper has been the best three years of my life. Yes we have fought...a lot but we always made up and that just made our relationship stronger. I for one didn't think we would last this long and I think Gage thought the same thing. Somehow though we are still together and better than ever.

"It was killer but I think I passed." I grinned over at him. My hand found his on my thigh and squeezed it. I was somewhat confident that I passed my final classes but there was always that little fear that I didn't and I wouldn't be able to graduate.

"How was work?" I asked.

"Not bad. Busy but I don't mind." Gage smiled at me.

When Gage told me that he decided to work with Ethan at his family company I was shocked. I never really saw Gage as the CEO type but this is what he wanted to do. He had gone back and forth about doing it but after a while he said it just felt right.

So this past year he has been 'interning' at G&G, learning the ropes and everything. Because he didn't know much about business or the company it was going to take a little bit to learn how to do everything. However he has caught on quickly and I know in a years time he will be at Ethan's level. I think the reason was because he wanted to feel like was apart of something and being around his half brother made him feel more involved.

Ethan wasn't CEO just yet. His father wanted him to work for a few years before he took over or before he took that title. He needed experience first. Things between Ethan and his father were...tense. They didn't get along. They never really did anyways but after finding out Ethan and Gage were brothers that was the last straw.

Lets just say that Ethan blew up on his father and hasn't talked to him unless he absolutely had to. After their huge fight he ended up moving into our house officially before he moved out and got an apartment with Luke this past year.

As far as I knew Ethan's mother was staying with her husband. We all found out she knew about the cheating ages ago but she did not know that the woman had a child. I had no clue why she has stayed with the man for so long but it was her decision.

My own mother was appalled by it all that my father literally had hid her cellphone so she wouldn't call Ethan's parents. My dad almost had to tie her up so she wouldn't go over to their house. She went all momma bear on Ethan I tell you.

"So, you girls excited to graduate?" Luke asked, bringing be back into the conversation.

"Hell yes!" Macey immediately answered. "Even though I still have some interning to do for work but I am happy to be done."

Macey was able to get a good interning job at the science institute that was downtown. They rarely ever take anyone in for a job so she was lucky to get in. Of course with how smart she is it was a no brainer they would let her in. In no time she will be finding the cure for cancer or something like that.

"I am too." I was ready to graduate. See what else is out there and start my life.

"When do you start work?" Ethan asked me.

"I start next monday. There is a wedding Mrs. Murre wants me to be at and take some pictures."

"My girlfriend is going to be the best photographer out there." Gage pulled me closer and kissed the side of my head.

I wasn't sure what I really wanted to do after college. For the longest time I thought about just changing my degree and being apart of my father's business but Gage encouraged me to stay true to what I wanted to do. Art and photography. I ended up submitting some of my photos to a wedding photographer and was lucky enough for her to take me on.

I wasn't even sure if I wanted to be a wedding photographer but it was a start. Plus who didn't want to be apart of someones special day. And on the side I could work on my painting as well.

"By the way we are heading to the beach house the day after graduation. That way we can get an earlier start." I said a minute later. "Is that okay with everyone?"

A chorus's of 'yes' came. We have been planning on going to my parents beach house since forever and now everyone finally got time off work to go. It was going to be a nice break for everyone to forget about work and life after college. We all needed that.

"I personally am excited to lay on the beach, get a tan, drink tons of alcohol, see hot babes." Luke rattled off, a far away look in his eyes. In my head I counted down from 5. Right as I reached one Macey brought her hand up and smacked him hard on the back of his head.

"What the fuck?" Luke rubbed the back of his head and turned to Macey.


"Hot babes? Really?" She glared at him.

"By that I meant you." Luke tried to save himself but all of us knew it wouldn't work. I leaned into Gage as I watched my best friend and brother argue and throw insults at each other. Some things never change.

* * * * * * *

Finishing up my lipstick I let out a sigh and looked at my reflection. I was nervous, very nervous. I was graduating college today and I was a wreck. I didn't want to fall on stage or do something stupid. I was the exact same way on my high school graduation.

"Babe you will be fine." A pair of arms wrapped around my middle and pulled me back against a hard chest.

"I know but I'm still nervous." I leaned into Gage.

"We will all be there for you. Just find me." He pressed his lips into the hallow of my neck. I closed my eyes as my head tilted automatically. Just a simple touch from him and I was a melted mess. "Or you could skip it and we can stay here all day." Gage gently sucked on my neck.

I was seriously tempted to do as he suggested. I almost caved but realization sunk in.

"As appealing as that sounds I have to go. But we have the rest of the night to whatever we want." I turned in his arm until I was facing him. My arms came up to wrap around his neck and I smiled at him.

"All night you say?" Gage's smile turned wicked. I resisted the urge to bite on my bottom lip so I didn't ruin my make up. Seeing Gage's brown eyes turn darker made an ache shoot right to my core.

"Don't make empty promises babe." Deciding on teasing him a bit, I leaned forward. My lips moved towards his ear and grazed it.

"I don't make promises I can't keep." I whispered softly in his ear. "You should know that." I grinned as I felt his body shudder against me. Knowing I affected him I pulled away and out of his hold. Sending him a wink I left him standing there.

Doubling checking to see that I had everything I took a deep breath. It will go by so fast Carter. You won't believe it. I chanted to myself. I was looking forward to having my name called and get it over with. Then we will all go to the beach house tomorrow and spend the rest of the week/weekend there. Graduating on a Tuesday was actually pretty nice in that aspect.

"You are a cruel woman." Gage said as he came back into the room a few minutes later.

"You love me." I shooting him a smile over my shoulder.

"Sadly." He teased. I shook my head at him before straightening my dress. "You look beautiful princess." My heart expended in my chest at the term of endearment Gage still called me. It never gets old.

For graduation I was wearing a simple yet pretty white dress. When Macey and I went shopping not too long ago I saw it and fell in love. It was perfect for this. And we had to dress up under our gowns. It was some school code or something stupid like that. 

(This is literally the prettiest simple dress ever! )

My hair was softly curled and rested on my shoulders. It was earlier this year I decided I needed a change. So I ended up cutting and donating my hair. It was now about shoulder length and I had to say I liked it. Although I did miss my waist length and could just pull it into a messy bun. I made sure I could still pull it up so I wouldn't get paint in it.

(She is gorgeous! And her hair! )

I turned to face him and looked him up and down. He was still wearing what he wore to work and man did he look good. He wore a pair of light grey dress pants, along with a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and his tie now missing. When he decided to work at G&G he had to get some suits and 'dress' clothes because he couldn't show up in jeans and a t-shirt.

I knew he looked good dressed up but every time I saw him in that it made my knees weak. Every time he walked through the door I had to stop myself from jumping him. Not an easy task I tell you. I was beyond lucky to have him as my boyfriend.

Standing there I was speechless. His suggestion of staying home all day seemed a lot more fun now. A smirk spread across his face as if he knew my exact thoughts.

"We better get going." Gage said before I could change my mind and end up jumping him. Narrowing my eyes at him I grabbed my cap and gown. I didn't need to bring anything else, Gage had everything anyways.

The car ride to campus didn't take long. Our apartment was kind if in the middle of everything. We were about a 15 minute drive to campus and about the same time to downtown where Gage and Ethan worked. I wish I could say it wasn't a nice place but it was. My parents wouldn't let us move in together unless it was in a good part of town and they approved of it.

So after looking at 10 different places my parents approved of this one. We were on the top floor and it was a two bedroom apartment. It has a beautiful kitchen and a big living room. My dad said and I quote this "My daughter will only live in the best places and nothing less", meaning they paid the down payment and the first rent. However ever since Gage and I have been paying the rent ourselves, no matter how many times my mom tried to give us money.

The both of us liked living together and doing it on our own. Yes it was hard and looking at the bills made me want to pull my hair out but we had to learn to do it sometime. I know my parents were nervous about us moving in together so young. Gage had just turned 23 and I was about to turn 21 but it just felt right to us. I think they were just afraid things wouldn't work out between us. But so far things have been pretty great.

We finally found a parking spot in the mess of cars. The parking lots were filled and I was almost afraid I would miss my own graduation by not finding a parking spot. I had to force myself to take a deep breath and not get too worked up as I exited the car. When Gage laced his fingers through mine I relaxed a little bit. He always had that affect on me.

As we walked towards the football stadium where it was being held I smiled at all the memories that came up. When we passed by the quad where we all use to hang out, I felt like I could see it. I remembered all the laughs and stories that were shared that between our little group. Passing by the English building that Gage and I had our very first class together. The same place we got to know each other a bit more.

The more we walked the more all the memories resurfaced. I was going to miss this place. As weird as that sounded it was true. So much had happened on this campus. Some good, some bad, but all worth it in the end. To think I almost went to NYU instead. If I had done that I wouldn't have met Dylan, Anna, and Gage. I wouldn't have met the love of my life nor gotten over the one person I thought was.

As we neared the stadium more and more people showed up. Our class was pretty large so I expected this to be pretty packed. Since it was May 23rd it was actually really nice out today. Which perfect for an outside graduation and hopefully we wouldn't cook under our gowns.

When it came time for Gage and I to split up we stopped off to the side. With the help of him I put on my light blue colored gown and he helped pin my cap into place. I sent him a shaky smile.


"When they call your name take a deep breath and watch your step. We will all be in the stands yelling your name so don't worry." He pulled me into his arms. I closed my eyes and breathed him in. I nodded into him wishing he was graduating with me instead of last year. "The moment it is over I will find you. Meet over in the end zone okay?"

"Okay." I pulled away and nodded. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss made my toes curl like it always did. When he pulled away I gasped for air.

"Good luck princess." Sending me a wide smile he turned and walked off. I watched him go until he blended with the crowd. Once I couldn't see him I turned and headed for where I was suppose to be.

Heading for my section I kept my eyes open for Macey, Amy and even Anna. We all got ready separately and said we would meet up before but by the looks of it I wouldn't be able to find them. Because we were seated alphabetically I wasn't anywhere near Macey or Anna but at least Amy was a row ahead of me.

A week ago they made us all get together and practice this. We were told where to sit, where to stand and walk to get our diploma's, and who's hands we had to shake. At the time I thought it was kind of stupid to waste our time on this but now I was glad.

I was finally able to push my way to where my seat was. I was seated in-between a short blonde girl that I recognized from the cheerleading team, and a nerdy but cute guy on my right. They seemed pretty nice so there was that at least.

When I reached my seat I noticed the nerdy guy was there and talking with some people. I sent him a polite smile but my eyes were already scanning the area. Somewhere in the crowd my parents, Luke, Ethan and Gage were there. My aunt and uncles were here too but I had no clue where they were.

It was a first that everyone was together. Normally they were all busy with their own lives and children, so it was nice they all made time to be here. They all came out for Luke's graduation as well. I am pretty sure my parents have a party planned for everyone once this is over.

It wasn't until everyone around my started to take their seats did I finally see Amy. She sat a row ahead of me and only like 4 people down. Once we saw one another I sent her a smile and a dorky thumbs up.

These past 3 years things shifted between us and Amy. She distanced herself from us for a while and for a bit we didn't know why. She just stopped texting and mostly stuck to herself or Ethan. When we would hang out she had some excuse as to not be there.

Later we found out that her mother cheated on her father and they were going through a nasty divorce. They had to go to court and everything. Amy told us she was the one who found her mother cheating and when her dad eventually found out he was angry that she kept it from him. Amy was somehow put in the middle of everything.

It took Amy a while before she realized that she wasn't the cause of them getting divorce. That what her parents did of putting her in the middle wasn't right. The whole just made all three of us closer. We spent more time having girls night after that.

The divorce was a good thing for Amy though. It opened her eyes and instead of being someone she wasn't she finally let that go. She stopped dressing slutty, stopped hooking up with guys, and that is party from Ethan being so caring with her. It just made her a lot stronger than before.

A minute later the Dean of the school stood up and welcomed everyone over the microphone. Almost like we rehearsed it everyone took their seats instantly and became quiet.

While the Dean spoke I tried to listen, I really did. I wanted to hear what he was talking about but my mind was else where. It wasn't until I felt a nudge on my arm did I tune back in. The kid beside me motioned with his head to the stage. I noticed they were starting to call peoples names up. Because my last name started with an 'M' it was going to take a while. I would hate to be Macey because hers started with a "T".

And a while it did. It took a good hour if not more before my row could finally stand up and make it's way towards the stage. The closer I got to my name being called the more nervous I became. In just a matter of minutes I was going to be done with college. I was going to officially be an adult. It was crazy to think that.

When they called "Amy Manson", I made sure to yell and clap. Around me I could hear people yelling her for as well. Amy was definitely liked and known in

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