He glances down at my hand. “Why aren’t you wearing your ring?”
I sigh.
“Because I wanted one last day where I belonged to myself, and not to you.”
He frowns and pulls the ring out of his pocket. He grabs my hand and places it into my hand.
“For when you’re ready to be mine,” he says.
I stare at the ring in the palm of my hand. Take a deep breath. And slip the heavy diamond onto my finger. I signed the papers. We are getting married next weekend. I might as well get used to wearing the enormous rock. I don’t know how he has the ring. Did Serena let him in?
He smiles, and the smile is almost worth the cost of having to wear something so flashy.
“Where is your family? Are we headed to another graduation party?” he asks, as he drapes his arm over my shoulders and looks around to find my family.
“They aren’t here.”
He narrows his eyes, searching mine for answers.
“I’m sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter. My family doesn’t matter. But I wouldn’t expect them to attend the wedding either. They want nothing to do with me unless I do as I’m told.”
He hugs me tight against his chest as the flowers rest by my side so my face can sink into his body. I take a deep breath and smell his deep cologne. It shouldn’t comfort me, but it does.
“Oh my god! Are you two together?” Serena squeals, looking from Kade down to me.
I try to step out of his arms, but he holds me tight. He’s always touching me or holding me. Something I’m afraid I’ll get used to far too quickly.
I nod and blush.
“Getting married, actually,” Kade says.
Serena’s mouth drops, along with the diploma and graduation cap she was holding. She glances down and quickly picks it up again.
“You can’t be serious? I didn’t even know you were… I mean, when did this happen?” Serena asks, flustered and staring right at me. I know she’s annoyed that I have been hiding Kade and I’s relationship from her.
I wince. “It’s a long story.”
“A story you will be giving me every detail of later.”
I nod.
“Good.”
Serena looks behind her where her family is waiting for her.
“So I’m guessing you’re a no then for celebrating with my family and me?” Serena asks with a smug expression on her face as she crosses her arms.
I nod, biting my lip.
She shakes her head and runs over to hug me. Kade drops his arm from my shoulders as she wraps her arms around me.
“I mean every detail later,” Serena says, winking.
“Don’t worry, I’ll tell you everything. You’re my maid of honor after all.”
Her face lights up, and her grin reaches her eyes. “Damn right, I am,” she says, as she struts away.