Chapter 20
Melinda
When I awoke the next morning, I saw firsthand exactly what Aaron meant about it getting crazy. We slipped into his parents’ house early, and everyone was already over at Nick’s. There was a note taped to the microwave saying that Brooklyn was a perfect angel, and Emma was watching him until we were able to come over.
“See?” Aaron flicked his finger at the paper. “Mom and Dad are already in party mode. The Sutters are famous for their beach parties. I’m sure Mom has something crazy planned for later. I’m the first kid to graduate college in our family,” Aaron laughed as he turned to lead me down the hallway to the bathroom.
When we stepped inside, he closed the door behind him. “What are you doing?” I glanced at where his hand was turning the lock on the door.
“Making sure no one walks in,” his chuckled. “I don’t like being on display, despite what you might think.”
“No, I mean what do you think you’re doing?” I eyed his hand again as he reached for the knob to turn on the water.
“Showering,” he grinned as he kissed the tip of my nose. “I need to get all this sand off before I get dressed up for today. You see,” he paused as he smirked at me, “this girl that I kinda like convinced me to have sex with her on the beach last night. She got me so worked up that I forgot where I was, and now I’m covered in beach grime.”
“What if your parents come back here? Won’t they be mad if we’re in here together?” I backed away from him a little.
“I’m twenty-two, they can be as mad as they want. I’m an adult, and other than staying here this weekend, I have my own place. Dad was just flexing his parental muscles. He didn’t really mean it. They knew I lost my virginity years ago. Hell, my dad is the one that gave me my first box of condoms,” he shrugged like it was no big deal before stepping in the shower. “You coming?”
“Maybe I better wait,” I murmured as I looked around. The truth was I would like nothing more than to climb in that shower with him. I’d dreamed about being able to do this one day, but after Brooklyn was born I assumed it would never happen. The few men that knew about him had always bolted right away. Aaron was different though, and I didn’t want to ruin that by pissing off his parents.
“Melinda Brooks!” he narrowed his eyes on me “Get your ass in this shower before I drag you in.” He pointed at the tile beside him. I swallowed before watching the stern expression begin to melt away.
“I just don’t want your dad to hate me,” I sighed.
“He won’t. Now come on,” he wrapped his fingers around my wrist and gently pulled me into the shower. “You worry too much,” he mumbled as he moved us under the spray and kissed me.
“I’m sorry,” I sighed as I pulled back. “It’s just that I don’t want anything to ruin this. I feel like I waited so long for it to work, and now that it is I don’t want anything to take it away.”
“Nothing will take me away. Promise,” he gave me a lopsided grin before reaching for the shampoo. “Now, let’s get cleaned up so I can go to this monkey show before I get you dirty all over again.”
Traffic and parking were nuts the closer we got to the arena. Since a huge golf tournament was going on the same day, Aaron had suggested that we carpool. Both Nick and Cam worked at the university, so fortunately we were able to park in their employee spots, but this did mean a pretty good walk to Trask Coliseum.
“Mommy, down!” Brooklyn squirmed in my arms as we walked across campus.
“Sorry buddy. Mommy’s carrying you today. We have to go fast,” I grimaced as I tried to hold on to him as well as the diaper bag that kept falling off my shoulder.
“No!” he kicked his little feet making it even harder. “Down! Now!” tears began forming and I was praying that I didn’t miss the ceremony because I had a toddler throwing a tantrum.
“I got a better idea,” Nick came to my rescue. “Want the best seat in the house?” I smiled at Brooklyn as he held his arms out. Brook nodded vigorously as he slipped from my grip and into Nick’s. I watched as he lifted Brook over his head and slipped him onto his shoulders. Brooklyn’s fingers threaded into his hair as he grinned. “Don’t pull too tight, K?” Nick patted Brooklyn’s leg before striding up to walk with Leah.
“Thanks,” I called out as Emma stepped up beside me.
“No worries,” Nick waved me off. “Ryan was the same way when he was little. Very independent.”
I watched with amazement at how well Brook was fitting in with this family. They seemed to accept us, and want to make us feel welcome. Well, everyone except the one person I wanted acceptance from… Aaron’s dad, Cam.
“I think he’s preparing for when Brock and I have a baby,” Emma whispered as she hugged me.
“No, I’m not,” Nick called out, causing both Emma and I to laugh.
“I swear he has super power hearing,” Em giggled.
“Your dad is great,” I sighed.
“So is Uncle Cam. They have a lot going on right now. You know Aaron’s mom has been calling Uncle Cam for days. She saw the announcement in the paper about graduation. She wanted to see him,” Emma’s voice was getting quieter with each word that slipped from her lips.
“How did you know this?” I gasped.
“I overheard Mom and Avery talking this morning. It’s really been bothering Uncle Cam. He worked really hard to keep Aaron away from her. They don’t want her dragging any drama into his life. It’s a messed-up story that Aaron will have to tell you about, but I think you being here is just bad timing with Uncle Cam.”
“Aaron’s told me a little about his mom,” I whispered.
“I’m sure you don’t know the bad stuff. When we were little it got really bad. I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready, but don’t take Uncle Cam’s attitude to heart right now. When all this is over, you’ll see the Uncle that I love,” Emma wrapped her arm around me and gave me a squeeze just as we reached the doors to the coliseum.
When we finally made it to our seats, I was sandwiched between Emma and Avery. Brooklyn sat on my lap for the time being, completely enthralled with all the commotion going on around us. The sea of people got quiet as the band began warming up, and then cheers and whoops could be heard when Pomp and Circumstance filled the air.
Two different aisles filled with graduates as they meandered down the steps to a large seating area in front of the stage. I had no idea which one was Aaron. I watched in amazement as his family cheered, and wondered if they could tell.
Once everyone was seated, the chancellor came to the podium and welcomed everyone, thanking them for taking time out of their day to celebrate with the faculty and graduates. My mind wandered as I thought about myself sitting at a ceremony similar to this next spring. Several different people spoke before they started handing out the ‘fake’ diplomas, as Aaron put it.
When the College of Communication Studies was called, I watched as multiple rows of graduates stood. When they started walking toward the stage, I found him. Aaron had this swagger that made him stand out, and as he blended in with his class, that one attribute made him different.
Graduate after graduate made their way up the steps to shake the dean’s hand. When Aaron’s name was called all the Sutters whooped and stood in front of their seats. I watched as he turned and faced us all. He held the leather-bound holder over his head as a grin spread across his face. I squinted to try and see what he was doing, but Emma beat me to the punch when an ‘Awe’ slipped from her lips. Aaron mouthed the words ‘I love you’ before pointing directly at me. I squeezed Brooklyn tighter as I tried to hold back the tears, but when Avery hugged me, I lost it. Hot tears trickled down my cheeks, causing me to pull away in embarrassment.
“It’s ok,” she whispered. “We already know you’re it for him.”
“Why do you say that? We just got together,” I sniffed as I wiped my eyes.
“It’s the way he looks at you,” she shrugged. “He doesn’t know it yet, but a mother does and he loves you,” she grinned before going back to watching the ceremony.
I sat there kinda dazed as the rest of the commencement continued. I didn’t know what to make out of what she said. I didn’t think Aaron and I were anywhere near forever. We’d just figured things out a few months ago. I understood what she meant about ‘a mother knows’ though. There were moments that I just knew what Brooklyn needed or wanted. It wasn’t that I paid attention more, or knew why. It was more about a sense that I had. All I could do at this point was wait and see where things went, and hope that Cam could see what his wife did.
Once the ceremony ended, we went outside to a courtyard. Aaron was going to meet us there for pictures. There were flowers blooming everywhere and a fountain in the center. It made for a really pretty back drop.
“Up,” Brooklyn pointed at Nick when we walked past where he was standing with Leah.
She laughed as they both watched Brooklyn’s antics. “Looks like you made a friend,” she laughed.
“He’s never gotten to ride on anyone’s shoulders before,” I clarified.
“Come here, big guy,” Nick smiled as he crouched down and held out his arms. I watched as Brooklyn rushed over, abandoning me, and leaped into Nick’s arms. Leah waved me off, so I went to wait for Aaron with Emma.
“Miss me?” Aaron snuck up behind me, startling me as his arms came around my waist.
“Geez,” I gasped as I caught my breath. I glanced over my shoulder and scowled at him.
“Let’s get this photo thing over with so I can get out of all of this,” Aaron tugged at his collar. It was the first time I’d seen him in a tie and I had to admit that I was enjoying the view.
“Calm down,” Avery swatted at him. “It’s not every day that I get to see my baby dressed up. The next time you’ll wear anything fancy will be at Emma’s wedding.”
We all moved over in front of the fountain and took turns posing with Aaron. A member from someone else’s family volunteered to take a photo of the entire family at one point. By the time we were finished, I was as antsy as Aaron to get home. He’d been sneaking glances at me the whole time, and I could read on his face what he was trying to do.
“One more camera in my face and I might snap,” he growled through gritted teeth when Avery started positioning us again.
“They’re excited,” I elbowed him.
“I am too, but not for the same reason,” he sighed.
“All right babe,” Cam came to our rescue. “If this party is going to be a success today, we need to get back. Our guests will be arriving soon.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Aaron groaned.
“No problem,” Cam smiled before glancing at me and then walking away.
We filed out of the courtyard the same way we came in, and started the long walk back to the cars. Cam looked back at us several times, and this time I didn’t see anger. It looked like he was starting to come around. “My mom can work miracles on my dad,” Aaron snickered. “Just never ask her how she does it. I don’t want to know, and I know you don’t either.”