**Semi-Graphic further down**

Franklin and Sabrina were serving drinks for everyone as the graduates sat outside in the backyard around a fire pit. We had eaten a mixture of pizza as well as chicken quesadillas due to last minute preparation. Rose was in Sean's lap as they were talking to her parents about something. Hayden's hand squeezed my shoulder while his parents were talking with mine.

"Has Hayden given you your surprise then?" Nina asked me with interest.

"No... he told me he had left it at the house."

"Hmm..." Darina murmured and went back to poking her stick along the pit.

"Don't worry you'll get it when we get back." He kissed my head and checked his phone for a moment.

"Surely you don't already have work emails to attend to." I teased.

"Nope, just a reminder to look into places to live in Cali."

"We'll be able to publicly show ourselves."

"We could even do that now to an extent. You aren't apart of the University anymore."

This was true, but with everything regarding Patrick I didn't want to chance it even more than we already were. Hayden seemed to be reading my thoughts on this and nodded, "soon."

"Since you've graduated does that mean we get to go dress shopping soon?" Darina smiled big as Rose and Nina just laughed.

"I guess that's what it means." I replied, realizing that now the wedding stuff could finally be figured out.

"Still green and gold?"

"Yes, green dresses."

"To match Hayden's eyes," Darina whispered to Nina as Hayden's face turned red.

"Perhaps, but it was her idea." He chuckled and stood up to help his parents with clearing some of the dishes.

Tyson stood up to pour everyone a glass of champagne and waited for the others to return. "I think it's only fair to make a few toasts after today."

"Agreed." Sean raised his glass and sipped a tiny bit. "Ty you wanna start?"

"Yeah, let me get the others." He walked in real quick before coming back out. "I remember when we finished our first year and were at Hayden's toasting and celebrating just surviving our first round of college. Who knew we would stay so close throughout those next few years and gain a new friend from an unlikely candidate." Tyson tipped his glass to Hayden as we laughed. "But honestly I wouldn't trade it for the world. Between basketball and just all of the times we hung out, you guys have definitely become my family and I'm going to miss you when you all move out to California."

"You better bring your ass out as soon as you're able to." Sean shot back with a smile as we drank.

"Shall I go?" Rose looked at Sean who seemed to be emotional after Tyson's speech. He just nodded and kissed the top of her head.

"Well... I don't even know what to say. Dash and I have been talking about college for years and what graduation would look and feel like afterwards. We've been through so much within that time and I'm so happy to have made the friends we did along the way. I'm thankful to have a roommate who would put up with me whenever I was at my worst or dealing with my relationship issues."

Sean pretended to be hurt and just chuckled when Tyson gave us a look.

"And Hayden," Rose smiled, "I really am grateful for all the times you've been there for Dasha. You two are some of the most incredible people I've ever met and I'm so excited to be able to continue our journey with you out in Cali."

I felt tears prick my eyes as we took a sip and Hayden murmured a thank you.

Sean went next and said something similar to what Tyson had said but tried to crack a few more jokes just for the sake of everyone around us. The atmosphere was already sentimental and the finality of graduation was starting to set in again.

I wrapped Hayden's arm around me before starting mine. "I honestly had no idea what to expect when we got to college that first weekend. I just knew that I needed to survive the first week of classes so I could call my family and let them know I was alive. Rosemary, I've enjoyed every minute that we've been able to spend together and just continue to grow while letting the guys into our lives. Who would've thought you would find Sean and I would've met Hayden. Ty, you're an amazing friend who has more knowledge about things than anyone I know, and I hope that you do move out to where we are. I'm going to miss you."

He nodded while Hayden pressed his lips to my hair.

"And Hayden Blaze," I began softly, "thank you for being there through everything. Not only as a teacher for when we needed help, but as a friend to us all and my fiance. I don't think I could've gotten any luckier in finding someone, and I thank God everyday for putting that stupid vending machine where it was for us to officially meet."

We all laughed at that and finished our drinks while Sabrina spoke up. "I'm glad to know my son has made that much of an impact on just four students alone. I cannot imagine who else he also was able to help in his time at this university. I truly do wish all of you good luck in your endeavors and wherever you do end up living."

"I hope you guys realize you'll still have to visit us occassionally," Nina teased us two.

"You do realize we'll have room out in Cali for you to come right?" Hayden answered back as Darina clapped.

"Finally! I've always wanted to visit California!"

When the party began to die down, Rose's parents along with mine were the first to depart. I knew that I would be seeing them again tomorrow or within the next few days before we moved.

"Let us know when you make it home." My mom hugged me one last time before getting in the car.

"I will, see you guys soon."

Rose and Sean hugged us before promising to help with the final packing within the next two days. It would be easier to get everything from the apartment out and into the guy's or Hayden's until we officially moved out. There really wasn't much left, just a few randomized things that were too bulky to pack in boxes.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow as well." Tyson promised us before giving us one last hug and heading out as well.

Hayden watched the last car pull out and turned to me, "did you want to stay a little longer or would you rather go home?"

"I'm good with going home. It's been a long day." I stifled a yawn as we made our way back to say our goodbyes for the night.

"Thank you so much for hosting a last minute graduation party for us." I told Sabrina again.

"It was no problem dear, we haven't thrown a party in awhile anyways. I know Darina enjoyed it," she winked and reminded Franklin about doing some chores around the house tomorrow.

Hayden kissed his mother, "we'll let you know what's going on within the next few days."

"That's fine dear, let me know if you need any help with the wedding planning as well."

"Oh I'll be in touch," I reassured her as we headed out after saying goodbye to his dad and sisters.

"Enjoy your surprise!" Darina called out as Hayden sighed.

"Now I'm really excited to know what you got me if your family knows already."

"Just another hour," he teased once we got in the car.

"And then you'll be able to pull this off me too." I teased as his face took on a surprised look.

"I won't say no to that. We'll be home in thirty."

I giggled while stretching my legs out and closing my eyes for the time being. This day seemed to be never ending which I didn't mind but my body was definitely ready to just lay in bed for the next few hours.

Before I knew it, Hayden was opening my door and shaking me gently. "We're home darling."

Blinking wearily, I pulled my shoes off and walked inside with him while trying to hold back another yawn. "Hey babe?"

"Hmm?" He unlocked the door and held it open for me.

"Can the surprise wait until tomorrow?"

"It would be better if you got it tonight." He closed the door and covered my eyes with his hands. "Keep them closed okay?"

"Okay." I held my hands out while keeping my eyes closed.

"Don't fall asleep," he called as I heard him head towards the laundry room.

"Kay!" I called back and shifted on one foot to the next.

When he came back out, he was placing my hands in a better position. "Don't drop it okay."

"It's not a baby." I giggled as I felt the weight of something furry hit my hands.

"Shut up!" I opened my eyes and saw another small puppy in my hands. It was another bulldog but completely white with one black patch over its eye.

"Jasper needed a playmate, and she's nearly eight months."

"What's her name?" I kissed her pink nose and saw her open one eye before closing it and yawning.

"Bandit."

"I love it." I set her on the couch where jasper had decided to sit and kissed Hayden. "Thank you for her, she's beautiful."

"I figured two dogs wouldn't be too bad. That way he wouldn't be lonely whenever we were at work or something."

"She's perfect." I turned to look at her as she just curled up on the couch. Jasper scooted over to her and laid his head on her back before closing his eyes.

"How long have you kept her?"

"Just a week, since you weren't going to be over I was able to get her sooner. They get along just great."

"Good." I stood and watched them for a moment.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head. "Shall we go to bed as well? They'll be okay there."

"Did you still want your surprise?" Stepping out of his arms I blushed and motioned for him to go up the stairs with me.

"I mean, I won't say no." He smirked and grabbed my ass before I could move out of his reach.

"Hayden Blaze," I gasped and raced up the stairs to get into my closet. I was going to need a minute before he ripped my clothes off.

"Is this my cue to wait?" He called while walking in and removing his shoes from what I could hear outside the door.

"Yes! Go sit on the bed or something." I cracked the door before turning around and making sure everything was still good. Rose and I had gone shopping a few weeks prior for what to wear underneath our dresses at graduation. Mainly because she needed a strapless and none of the ones she had were the right color due to the dress she wore.

I heard a creak on the bed and knew he was waiting while I made sure to pull out any remaining bobby pins from my hair and took a deep breath. This was just like any other time, but somehow it was different. Probably due to the fact that we didn't have to hide anymore.

Unzipping the dress as far as I could reach, I walked out and immediately turned around for him to help. It amazed me how this was his favorite thing to do.

Holding my hair up, I felt his hands graze the back of my neck and I shivered.

"I really do like this dress." He murmured and unzipped the rest of it for me to step out of. It had been a simple black peplum with a solid white stripe going down the middle.

"Good, I planned on using it again soon." I breathed and pushed it to the side as his hands remained on my back. I had picked out navy lingerie to wear underneath just to spice things up and was trying to gauge what he was thinking at the moment.

"These are new." His fingers slid along the straps as I tried to keep still.

I grabbed his hand and held it up as I twirled around to face him and he just stared at me.

"It's just one color." I blushed as his lips found mine and I immediately began to unbutton his shirt.

"It may be," he pulled back to help, "but I've never seen anyone look so good in it. I can't believe I get to marry you."

I felt my heart flutter within my chest and finished the buttons on his shirt as he did his pants before stepping out. My fingers went immediately to his chest as I tried to make up for the lack of contact earlier.

"You don't know how hard it is to keep my hands to myself when we're in public." I blushed.

"Trust me sweetheart, I know." He kissed me again before pulling us onto the bed and removing the rest of the clothes.

The feeling of being this connected to him again was something I had missed within the past few weeks. I honestly had no idea how we could've waited until marriage to do this after knowing how bounded I was to Hayden. It was something I wouldn't trade for the world. We quickly fell into the pattern of how to move against the other and felt the buildup take us both over. All that was heard was our breathing as we both came down from the natural high and I thought about the first time we had made love years ago. It had been awkward at first but now I didn't think twice when it came to knowing what to do.

"Congratulations on graduating." Hayden brushed a piece of my hair back as I remained on his chest.

"Congratulations on becoming a parent to another fur baby." I teased him and felt his arms wrap around me.

"I knew you would like her."

Hayden pushed me off gently and stood up as he made his way to the bathroom. "I'll start the shower."

"Sounds good!" I began to pick up the clothes to throw in the hamper while manuvering around to close the blinds as well. You wouldn't have been able to see much with just the bathroom light on.

I stopped when I saw a car parked across the street but was clearly running and saw someone peering into the window where I stood.

I slowly backed up to the side and reached around to close the blinds halfway before dropping the clothes and taking a deep breath. He was here.

"Hayden?"

He stepped out immediately when hearing the tremor in my voice. "What's wrong?"

"He's outside."

"What?"

"There's a car parked outside, he's looking right at the window." I wrapped my arms around me to keep from shaking as hard but it was nearly impossible at this point.

Hayden walked carefully over to the window and peered through the cracks to see what I was looking at. "You've got to be fucking kidding me." Grabbing his phone, he began to dial a number right as he stopped when an email dinged.

"What?"

"He just emailed me to tell me I had a package in the mailbox..."

"Don't go outside."

"I'll check it in the morning. But I'm about to call the police."

"We leave for California soon, he'll be gone and won't know." I pleaded with him as he frowned.

"Why are you defending him?"

"I'm not!" My voice caught in my throat at the disbelief of what he just said. Why would he think that? "Hayden, if the police are involved we're going to get in so much trouble."

"You're a graduate, you no longer work at the university nor do I."

"It hasn't even been twenty-four hours. We can't call them about this, and I'm sure as hell not defending him. For the love of God I'm marrying you not him!"

Hayden tossed his phone onto the bed and ran his hands through his hair. "I know... Dasha, I'm not used to this. Missy was one thing but this is something I've never had to deal with. He's getting to me as much as he is to you."

"I know." I was trembling at this point and walked into his arms as he tried to reassure me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen."

"It's not your fault." He kissed my forehead, "go get in the shower okay? I'm just going to make sure Jasper and Bandit are put on the dog bed of theirs and not the couch. Don't worry I'm not going to go outside or call anyone okay?"

"Okay." I felt emotionally drained at this point and watched him leave before going into the stall and closing my eyes as the water pelted my skin. I wanted to scream and throw something with how ridiculous this was, there was nothing I could do at the moment and it was fucking with my relationship. Yes, Sean and Rose were right on us being able to get through it, but enough was enough. Something would need to be done before it could get any worse.

When Hayden returned, I had already finished and just stepped back for him to wash off while keeping my eyes on the floor. It was too cold for me to step out just yet, but I couldn't bear to look him in the eyes right now.

"I'm sorry," was all he said when he turned the water off and handed me a towel.

I replied with something that seemed to be appropriate and threw on the warmest clothes I could find before slipping into the bed. Seconds later, Hayden got in and just laid an arm across my side, testing to see if I was going to brush it off or not. When he saw that I wasn't, he scooted closer and made sure to pull the covers over us as I was still shivering.

"Do we need to take you to the hospital?"

"No, it'll pass." I sighed and waited for sleep to take over. I was officially done with today and had no reaction for how to process my ex ruining my graduation. All I knew was if California didn't solve our problems, I was going to lose Hayden and I wasn't prepared for that.

**I hadn't planned on it being this intense but that's where the chapter ended up going. Timeline wise, I'm about halfway through? There's still some stuff I'm wanting to add but haven't gotten there yet. And I'm already thinking about this being a trilogy, though I have no idea what the third book would consist of yet. (ideas and titles are welcome)

Also, do we want some more chapters in Hayden's POV or just keep them in Dasha's? I like to give insight on him as much as I can, but its tough to do men sometimes! The next chapter will talk about the "package" and then shift to them moving to Cali I think just to move this story along as well!**