May 28h, 2002

"Ahhh…Graduation." Danny smiled looking at Ronnie as she brushed her hair.

"I can't believe some of our students are going to leave us." She smiled. "I'm so proud of so many of them."

"Debbie." Danny grinned, "She's going to go far." Ronnie nodded.

"God yes. She must be one of my favorite students." Ronnie said straightening her sundress. "How do I look?"

"Hot." Danny grinned. Ronnie giggled grabbing her purse.

"Ready to go?" She asked. Danny nodded staring at her.

"Oh yes." He said taking her hand. Danny couldn't believe this woman was with him. She was so gorgeous and so smart. Danny sometimes thought he was in a dream. Ronnie looked at him as they got into the car.

"You're thinking about something big." She chuckled looking at the crease in his forehead. Danny glanced over at her and nodded.

"Somewhat." He smirked.

"Tell me." She said. Danny shook his head.

"No. It's a surprise." He said. Ronnie pouted but he refused to give in.

* * *

Ronnie sat down in the assigned seat Harper gave her on the platform. Her first graduation. She was sad to see some of her student go. Really she was. Debbie ran over to her and Danny dressed in her gap and gown.

"Miss Cook! Mr. Hanson!" She grinned.

"There's our little valedictorian." Danny smiled giving her a hug. "I'm so proud of you."

"I need to thank you, Mr. Hansen."' She said. "I certainly wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for you."

"Nonsense." Danny smiled, "You did fine without me."

"Take credit when credit is given." Ronnie nudged him. Danny cleared his throat.

"Well, It's certainly been a pleasure." Debbie grinned and Harper put his hand on her back.

"Need to take your place, Miss Nixon." He said.

"Okay! Bye!" She bounced off.

"She certainly is hyper." Danny chuckled. Harper looked at him.

"You all ready?" He asked. Danny nodded.

"Yeah, I think so." He smiled. Ronnie looked at him.

"You making a speech too?" She asked. Danny nodded with a crooked smile.

"Yeah. Later." He said as Harper called everyone to attention.

"I would like to welcome everyone here for such a joyous occasion. Friends and family, there's students who have had their up and downs the past four years will now be high school graduates." Steven grinned, "I am very proud with each and everyone of them. Sure, we've had our controversy but I think that it's made us all better people. There are a handful of students who surprised me this year, a few that have touched my heart, but one student has excelled all in academic. It gives me great honour to introduce, our valedictorian, Deborah Nixon."

Debbie grinned brightly as everyone cheered for her as she approached the podium. "Thank you, Mr. Harper. I've been here at Winslow for all four years. It was a hard four years. I wasn't sure if I would make it, but the teachers helped. They let me stay after school to get where I want to. Mr. Hansen was m biggest inspiration for all of this. But this isn't some award acceptance speech. I'm proud of all of us. Like Mr. Harper said, we've all had up and downs. Sometimes it felt like more downs than ups, but that will change. Yesterday we were Winslow High Students; tomorrow we will be high school graduates. Most of us going of to college, some starting our careers. I have to say, we will succeed. We will be the best graduating class to come out of Winslow high. Let me rephrase that, We are the best graduating class ever to come out of Winslow High. Thank you."

Everyone cheered for Debbie. Danny beamed with proudness. Soon, other speeches came along. Scott and Steven told the students how proud they were of them. Even the dungeon kids. Then it was Danny's turn. His nervousness made him shake as he walked up to the podium.

"Hello." He cleared his throat; "I have enjoyed my year here. I have made so many new friends with students and faculty members. This year has changed my life. I've through a lot of ups and downs, but I learned a lot. One person specifically showed me things and taught me things no one ever could. Miss Cook is an asset to this school and society." A smile spread across Ronnie's face. Danny looked at her, paleness in his face.

"You've changed my life, Ron. I couldn't imagine my life with out you." Danny took the Mic from the holder; "I don't want to know what my life is like without you. I know I'm not some big wig lawyer or rich or handsome, but I love you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. "I've been wanting to ask you for a long time."

"Oh my god." Ronnie whispered staring at the diamond ring that sat in the box.

"I know, this is fast Ronnie, but will you marry me?" Their students cheered. Marilynn and Marla exchanged worried looks. Ronnie was stunned. Was she even ready for this again? She was already engaged. She looked at Danny. His eyes were sparkling like she had never seen them sparkle before. Ronnie looked at Harry. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Ronnie?"

"What?" She croaked out.

"Will you marry me?" Danny asked softly.

"I….I…." She looked out in the crowd. He would be so embarrassed if she said no in front of all of these people. Ronnie looked back up to him and nodded, "Yes."

"Yes?? SHE SAID YES!" Danny cheered slipping the ring on her finger. "Oh god! Thank you!" He hugged her tightly as the crowd cheered. Ronnie smiled weakly as she hugged him. She wasn't too sure about this. Steven walked up to the podium.

"On that note, graduate please stand up." He beamed proudly as he started to announce the names of all the graduating students. He had made it through another year. So many times he thought he wouldn't make it, but he did. Once all the diplomas were handed out, The graduates remained standing. "I am proud to present to you Winslow High's Class of 2002!" Everyone cheered and threw their hats in the Air. Ronnie remained seated staring at her ring. Oh…my….god.

*******

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