I clear my throat and cringe as Nick adjusts my tie. I’m pretty sure he’s going for some kind of chokehold knot.

“Stop whining, you big man-baby,” he mutters.

“I didn’t say anything!” I snap back.

“Your face is saying it all, man.”

“It’s just graduation,” I grumble. “Why the hell do I have to wear a tie anyway?”

He slaps my shoulders and looks me in the eye. “Because it’s graduation, and you’re the first Mancini to ever get there.”

My brother’s eyes sparkle with pride and I pull him into a quick hug.

We never used to hug before, but since he got out of jail, everything’s changed. I have my brother back, and I never want to take that for granted again.

Thanks to Chloe’s dad, Nick’s transition back into society has been as smooth as it can be. Not perfect, of course. The guy’s qualifications weren’t exactly stellar, so finding a job was tough. But thanks to one of the officers at Armitage PD, he managed to get an apprenticeship at the local garage. He’s worked like a dog and learned everything he possibly can. And now he’s got a job in San Jose working as a mechanic.

I told him he didn’t have to come with me, but I think he’s just as keen to leave Armitage behind as I am.

I didn’t find this out until after it happened, but Nick ended up giving Chief Barlow a few key nuggets of information that helped the Armitage PD bust Enzo’s drug operation wide open. My abusive uncle and cousin are now behind bars for at least eight years. I don’t know what the rest of the Mancinis are up to and I really don’t give a shit. Chief Barlow’s been keeping a close eye on them and making sure they leave me and my brother alone.

Nick’s moving to San Jose in a few days. He can’t wait to be free of this place. He’s going to find us an apartment and start his new job over the summer so that by the time I arrive, everything will be set up.

He’s really doing everything he can to look after me, and I’ve never been happier.

My senior year at Armitage High was the best year of my life. I have the world’s prettiest, sweetest girlfriend, I’m living in a house I’m not afraid to go home to each night, and for the first time ever I’ve been able to focus one hundred percent on my studies.

It meant I excelled in my course work and scored a scholarship. The guidance counselor worked overtime on my behalf. It’s been so bizarre. Everyone has gone out of their way to make my life a success. I had no idea people actually cared or could be so awesome.

I smooth down my tie and look in the mirror, my lips curling at the corners as I picture Chloe and wonder what she’ll have on under her gown. Probably some pale pink summer dress that will fit her perfectly.

“Here you go.” Nick holds up my gown for me and I slip my arms into it, adjusting my shoulders until it sits right.

He stands behind me, his eyes glassing over. “Mom would be real proud.”

I swallow, the sound thick and audible in our little apartment.

With a wonky smile, he lightly smacks my arm with the back of his hand. “Come on, you little jerk, let’s do this.”

I grab my cap off the table behind the couch and play with it the whole way to school. Threading the fine red tassel through my fingers, I gaze out the window as we head down these streets that are so familiar, yet I’m not going to miss them.

Armitage will never be home for me.

I don’t know where home is. Not geographically anyway.

I hope I’ll find it one day, a place that I can settle in, but right now, my home is in people. Or at least one very important person.

As we pull into the parking lot, I spot her on the grass. She’s standing with Rahn, Max and oh hey, there’s Cairo and Roman. They’re all laughing together, Rahn and Chloe looking jittery as they fidget with their caps.

A smile spreads my cheeks wide as I watch Chloe’s blonde hair dance in the breeze. She giggles and turns my direction just as Nick’s parking the car. The second she sees me, her face lights like a Christmas tree. She ditches the others without a backward glance and walks across to me.

I jump out of the car as Nick cuts the engine and meet her halfway. My arms are spread and waiting so she can walk right into them.

“Good afternoon.” I kiss the top of her head and feel myself relax as she rests against me.

“Happy graduation day,” she murmurs into my chest.

I lean back and smile down at her. “We did it.”

“I knew we could.”

Her blue eyes tell me they love me and I lean down to kiss home. My place of refuge, comfort, joy and inspiration.

She always goes on about how I saved her life that night, but she has no idea. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to argue that she was the one who saved me, she just doesn’t seem to get it. She’ll always underestimate the power of her love, but I’m quite happy to spend the rest of my life convincing her that I might be a warrior, but she is my superhero.

* * *

Vincent looks so handsome in his graduation robe and cap. My insides are bursting with pride as Principal Sheehan calls his name.

My poor boyfriend is so nervous. I can tell by the way he’s refusing to look down at the crowd. His hand is making and releasing a fist as he walks across the stage and accepts his diploma.

As he moves his tassel across his hat, I let out a loud whoop and pump my fist in the air.

It makes him glance my way, and I give him the biggest and best smile I can.

The audience behind me is making a lot of noise and I know it’s the Hales, Nick, and my family that are cheering the loudest.

Vincent did it.

He’s worked his ass off this year and he’s getting out of Armitage to start his life anew…with me.

Senior year has just been one miracle after another. Vincent’s brother got out of jail, Dad helped him score a job, and then found them a little apartment only ten minutes from school. My parents have been completely won over by my boyfriend and just quietly, I think Vincent’s become Dad’s favorite. It’s a huge triumph and yet another reason why I’m so proud of my man.

He’s shown the world who he is this year and they’re finally starting to see what I see.

His smile and wink make my heart somersault as he saunters down the steps and finds his seat. As soon as this ceremony is over, I’m stealing him away and showing him just how I feel with a kiss that will curl his toes.

And that’s exactly what I do.

“Come on.” I walk past him, capturing his wrist and pulling him around the side of the gym while my family is busy chatting with the Hales.

Rahn is locked in a flirt-a-thon with Roman Sanchez. It’s kind of adorable. I didn’t even know they liked each other, or maybe today is just the start of something new. She can’t stop giggling around him, and his shy smile is the sweetest thing.

I glance over my shoulder, watching Rahn cover her mouth as she laughs at something Roman said. Austin glances at Cairo and rolls his eyes while Max and her boyfriend start laughing.

“You okay?” Vincent places his hands on my hips the second we stop walking.

I push him back against the building and grin at him. “I’m more than okay.”

Lacing my arms around his neck, I rise on my tiptoes and press my mouth against his. Our kiss is slow and languid, filling me up from my toes to the top of my head.

He softly moans against me, curling his fingers into my robe and tugging me as close as he can.

I grin against him, gently sucking his bottom lip before pulling away and whispering, “I’m so incredibly proud of you.”

He loves it when I say that to him. I can tell by the way his eyes sparkle. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Yes, you could—”

“No.” He shakes his head. “You believed in me, and I don’t think I could have done it without that. I love you.”

My heart turns to putty every time those words leave his mouth. I lean into another kiss and he cups the back of my head, deepening our moment to something hot and searing. A promise of things to come.

We still haven’t slept together. Vincent has flat-out refused, not because he doesn’t want to, but because he won’t disrespect my dad.

“The guy has done way too much to help my family. I’m not sleeping with you yet, Chloe. It’ll gut him if he finds out.”

“It’s not his decision,” I argued.

“I know, but please, you know he thinks you’re too young to lose it, and seriously, what’s the rush? We’re going to be together forever, right?”

Those words matched with that grin always win me over and so I remain a virgin…for now.

* * *

I ease out of the kiss, brushing my lips across Chloe’s nose before smiling at her. “We should probably get back before they notice we’re gone.”

“We probably should.” She wrinkles her nose.

“Hey.” Resting my fingers on her cheek, I whisper with a smile, “We’ve got the whole summer ahead of us, baby.”

Aw man, I can’t wait to tell her about the camping trip I’ve got planned. We’re heading to Utah straight after the Summer Rock Festival. Thanks to Holden’s help, the six of us are going for ten days of camping and hiking around these national parks that Chloe’s always wanted to see.

She’s going to love it.

I still haven’t decided when I’m going to tell her. I was thinking I might take her out one night this week. We’ll go for a romantic drive somewhere, maybe have a picnic, and then I’ll gently mention it to her while we make out under the stars.

My insides stir with desire.

Chloe’s eyes narrow as she studies my face. “What?”

“What?” I blink, going for innocent.

“What are you thinking right now?”

That I’m totally busted.

I can’t help a grin. “Nothing.”

“Liar.” She gently pokes me in the stomach.

I capture her hand and start to laugh. “Don’t make me tell you here. It’s a surprise.”

“What are you up to, Vincent Mancini?”

I clear my throat, still cringing when she uses my last name. I’d seriously love to change it but Chloe told me that’s dumb. It’s just a name, and it’s up to me to change what people think about that name.

“Don’t let those assholes make you feel ashamed. Just live the kind of life that makes people revere the Mancini name.”

And I swear, I’m really trying to do that.

“Hey!” Chief Barlow appears around the corner. “We’ve been looking for you two. Now, stop kissing my daughter and come pose for some photos.”

He points at me, then flicks his hand to beckon us out of hiding.

I rest my hand on Chloe’s lower back, gently pushing her forward.

“So, when are you going to tell me?” She bobs on her toes and grins up at me.

“How about I take you out for a date this week, and I’ll tell you then.”

She tips her head back with a groan. “Don’t make me wait!”

I laugh and shake my head. She’s seriously too cute.

Rounding the corner, we’re met with a mixture of cheers and wolf whistles. I can’t help blushing as I’m teased for pulling my girl away to make out.

But she pulled me away, something I will always love about her. I never have to doubt her feelings for me.

“All right, let’s get some photos!” Mrs. Barlow claps her hands and starts organizing us. She hired a professional photographer to snap some pics of our big day.

I actually hate having my photo taken, but I do as I’m told and huddle up with my family that’s grown from just Nick and me into this beast that now includes a little Mancini, Carter and Hale, mixed with a whole heap of Barlow.

It’s the perfect combination, if you ask me, and I’ll happily stay connected with these people for the rest of my life.

“Okay, just a few more!” The photographer raises his hand to grab our attention.

Threading my arm around Chloe’s waist, I pull her back against my stomach and softly whisper in her ear, “Cairo, Holden and I are taking the Barlow sisters camping in Utah after the Summer Rock Festival.”

At first there’s a gasp, followed by a pause, and then Chloe lets out an excited squeal. “I love you, Vincent Mancini!”

Everyone glances our way, then starts laughing.

I hope the photographer’s finger is planted for this moment, because I’m pretty sure there will be some golden images captured on screen. I want to frame them and hang them on my wall so I never, ever forget how blessed I am, and how much my life has changed.

* * *