A/N Relatively short chapter this time because next chapter is the chapter I've been waiting to write since I first decided to continue this story. I will warn you do not expect this chapter quickly as it will probably require many many rewrites to insure that it is perfect. I want you all to love it as much as I do! So enjoy this chapter of pure fluff! Thanks for all the great reviews! Here's to 20 chapters!

Alicia practically squealed with delight when Zach walked out of his bedroom wearing his cap and gown. She excitedly threw her arms around his neck. Grace started snapping pictures then passed off the camera to Will who took pictures of the three of them. Will couldn't help but smile at the group. It was another effect of the "life after being shot." He never thought he have the chance to participate in something so wonderful.

"Ok on three "class of 2014!" Will snapped another picture.

"Will why don't you jump in?"

Will was stunned, he and Zach had grown closer over the past months, bonding over board games, and sports but he had never expected Zach to ask him to join in pictures before his graduation. After figuring out how to set the timer on the camera, Will joined the family, It wouldn't be until they printed the pictures that Will would find out that Alicia was not looking at the camera but instead was smiling at the little family that she still couldn't believe she had created.

Alicia glanced at the clock and realized that Zach needed to be at school soon so that he could get ready to walk with his classmates and that meant that she needed to get ready.

"ok Zach you need to go, you can't be late for your own graduation!" with one last hug she handed him his car keys and pushed him towards the door. As she watched him walk towards the elevator she felt a single tear slide down her cheek.

"Abigail Lynn Gregory, Benjamin Price Fontenot, Zachary Florrick,…."

At the sound of Zach's name Alicia, Will, Peter, Grace, Owen, and Veronica all stood and cheered. As Zach crossed the stage he turned and raised his hand holding his diploma up and smiled. It had been a weird road but thank god it was over. The family sat back down and watched the rest of the ceremony clapping politely and cheering for Zach's friends as they too crossed the stage. Alicia sat quietly, she still couldn't believe that her oldest had graduated, and that Grace was only two years behind him. It was kind of overwhelming and she reached for Will's hand to seek comfort. Will looked at their joined hands then smiled at Alicia, it was an amazing feeling to know that she had finally given him the chance to be there with her. She was drawn back to the ceremony as the principal announced,

"I certify this class from Capstone Preparatory for graduation, you may pass your tassel, Congratulations to the class of 2014"

The ceremony was over, all they had to do now was survive the after party. Zach had asked for something simple, with just the family. This of course had led to Alicia's kitchen being overtaken by her mother, Veronica, and Jackie. With Will's help they had managed to put the kitchen back in order a few minutes before they headed to the graduation. Jackie and Veronica had fought like cats and dogs and at one point had had to be separated by Peter. But luckily it had resulted in a pretty good lasagna dinner that was actually enjoyable, Jackie even managed to keep her mouth shut when she had noticed Will present Zach with a gorgeous pocket watch as a graduation gift. Although Alicia suspected that Jackie was more drunk than sober.

They subjected Zach to hundreds of pictures. Owen even managed to grab a few of Alicia and Will, which found their way onto both individuals desks.

Around ten Zach requested permission to go to a friend's party and slowly the gathering at Alicia's party disbanded and all that were left were Grace who announced she was going to bed, and Will. Deciding that she would clean up in the morning Alicia collapsed on the couch staring blankly at the TV. Moments later Will handed her a glass of red wine and nudged her over so that he could squeeze in next to her. Alicia snuggled up next to him and whispered sleepily to Will,

"Thanks for being here today, I'm glad you got to share today with me."

"No problem, I hope to be here for all the big moments from now on."

Will idly rubbed Alicia's arm and within minutes she asleep in his arms with a small smile on her face. Will couldn't help but thank someone somewhere that he had gotten shot. With that final thought he closed his eyes and followed Alicia into sleep.

Grace wandered out about midnight to get something to drink and noticed her mom on the couch cuddled up to Will, as quietly as she could she retrieved the camera and snapped a picture. It was amazing to see her mom happy again, she hadn't seen her mom that relaxed since before the scandal had broken almost 6 years ago.

A/N 2: So no hints beyond this, after graduation is the next big adventure for any mom. Taking your oldest to college is never easy, and it will never be what Alicia Cavanaugh Florrick imagined.