A/N - Happy Monday! Thank you all so much for reading! Enjoy!
Chapter 25 – Emmett
Friday, June 24
"I love your dress, Bella," Tanya said.
"Thanks. I bought it in Denver at Easter break. I thought it would be perfect for a graduation."
I smiled. I was wearing a gauzy, sleeveless black dress with white polka dots. This was only the second time I'd worn it. Edward had loved it when I tried it on. The moment we'd returned to my mom's place, I'd put the dress back on and he made love to me, thoroughly, while I wore it.
"You're such a fashionista," Esme said, squeezing my shoulders from behind me.
I laughed. "I have a personal shopper," I said and then kissed Edward's shoulder. He had great taste in dresses. "You look radiant, today," I said to Tanya, making her smile. And she did. She was in a heather grey shirt dress with a belt that tied above her baby belly. It was simple but so cute on her.
"Is it wrong that I just want to eat?"
Liam squeezed her hand and then brought it to his lips for a kiss. "As soon as Em gets his diploma, we'll head to the restaurant and feed you two."
She rubbed her belly. "We can't wait."
"Daddy, when's Em going to get his little roll with the ribbon on it?" Alice asked from behind us.
"In about ten minutes, sweetheart."
"I want to give him his big surprise."
Carlisle laughed. "We will. You're doing a great job keeping it a secret, too."
"Yay. I get dessert."
I smiled as I watched Grandpa and Nanny laughing at her. "I'll tell you a secret," Grandpa said. "I was going to buy you dessert, anyway."
I peeked over my shoulder at my dad and Heidi. I was truly touched to see them here. They were after all, honorary Cullens. Apparently, my dad had gone to Edward's graduation, too. "Were you going to buy me dessert, daddy?"
He chuckled and patted Edward's shoulder. "That's what this guy's for."
Edward laughed. "I'll buy her cake."
I smiled and squeezed his thigh. "You're so good to me."
"I just like watching you eat cake."
"Just wait until I squish wedding cake all over your pretty face."
He stole a kiss and nipped softly at my bottom lip. "Who are you calling pretty?"
"You." I giggled when he hugged me close to his chest. He was in a grey suit, black tie, black shoes; the whole dapper gentleman thing. Edward in a suit was near sinful. I mean, the man looked like Adonis in anything, but the suit gave me butterflies and a little taste of how handsome he'd be in his tux next month at our wedding.
Some music started up and we all turned to watch the line of seniors enter the gym down the center aisle. "Two years and that will be you, Jazz," Edward said to his brother who was sitting at his left.
"That seems pretty damn far away."
"It goes fast," Edward said.
"There's Em," Alice said. I stood up and snapped a photo of Emmett and Rose, walking in side by side. He looked at us, handsome in his cap, gown and suit, and waved at us. He had a huge smile on his face and then started laughing at something Dale said. Dale pointed at me and winked and Edward and I laughed. God, that kid was nuts. I took a few more photos and then sat down.
Edward had his hand on my thigh as we listened to the principal talk about goals and dreams and achievements. I smiled as I watched Emmett laughing with his friends, with Rose. None of the students were paying attention, but, hey, they didn't have to. This was their last day. This was their first day of forever. And I was so thrilled for them all.
When they called Emmett's name, we all cheered and he laughed and waved as he walked comfortably across the stage. He was a football player, a popular, fun-loving guy, so it was no surprise that he was being applauded so much.
When Rose crossed the stage, Emmett whistled at her. He was waiting at the end of the stage for her and gave her a sweet hug and a kiss on the lips after she'd been given her diploma.
I took pictures and cheered for Dale, too. But, I did see his sister and who could have been his parents sitting off to the left. I was happy for him that they had come. He deserved some love and support.
The kids through their caps and we all applauded the 2011 graduating class. Emmett and Rose ran over to us and we gave hugs and took photos.
"Congrats, little bro," I said, giggling when he lifted me off my feet in a hug. "I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Bella. I love you."
He set me down and Edward grabbed him in a tight hug and patted his shoulder. "You did it, buddy."
Emmett laughed and patted his back. "Yeah. On to the next thing, huh?"
"Damn right. And you're going to rock that, too."
"Hey, Cullens." I smiled when Dale walked over and gave me a hug. "Thanks for coming to see me graduate, Bella. I knew it was love."
I laughed and squeezed him back. "Congratulations, Dale."
"Guess who signed up for the fire department exam prep?"
"Oh, Dale. That's so exciting. I'm happy for you."
"Thanks. Yeah. It's like only two twenty-four shifts a week. Emmett promised to hire me for carpentry on my days off. Pretty cool, huh?"
"Very."
He kissed my cheek. "Oh, there's my parents. Talk to you later."
And he ran off through the crowd. I smiled and waved at Abbie who was with her parents. Her and Dale were still going strong. I was thrilled for both of them. We'd spent some time with Abbie this summer so far and I truly loved her. She was good for Dale and really kept him in line.
"Well, son," Carlisle said, wrapping his arm around Emmett's shoulders. "Should we head to the Lodge and get lunch?"
"God, yes. I'm starving."
"That makes three of us," Tanya said, rubbing her belly.
Emmett laughed and kissed his almost aunt on the cheek. "Which one of us can eat the most?"
"I'll bet I can," she said.
"I'll take that bet," Emmett said, smiling widely.
He looked so happy, so accomplished. It was such a beautiful day and I was thrilled to be a part of it.