A/N: This AN comes to you live from the DR! Thank you to everyone who has shown this story love and support so far, it's beyond what I could ask for! So far, 99.5% of your comments have been absolutely lovely. And those .5… what can I say, spell check and human eyes aren't infallible. Mistake has been corrected, we can all move on. Anyway, enough of that, time to today! Between NHL and finals schedules, this chapter will be a bit of a time jump. We'll be able to see if Bella's been taking Edward's advice. For weekly teasers and behind-the-scenes details, please join my FB group, hmerdan's Fiction Spot! We'd love to have you! We even had a scheduled sneak peek at the inside of my WIPs vault to see what may be to come. Last time we did this, it lit a fire under me to finish this story! As always, thanks to Kneon for being the best beta I could ask for. Okay, now on to the show…

EPOV

Over the last couple of months, I've been happier than I've been in a long time. Bella had been just as committed to trying to make us worth it despite the distance and responsibilities we both had on our shoulders. During our away games, she was just as likely to send me a sweet message or call me as I was, and we found time while I was home to be together. I even invited her family to our last game against the Canadiens, since her dad had missed it the first time. I don't know what was more stressful - the game or brunch the next morning with the Swans. Scratch that - we beat Montreal seven to one that night; Charlie Swan was not such an easy win. He glared me down when Bella said she was staying with me in my room instead of in a guest room with Leah, and told me straight out it didn't matter if he'd been a Leafs fan longer than I'd been alive, he had no problem using the full power of the OPP to hide the body of their top scorer if I hurt Sergeant Swan's little girl. Sam told me later that he got the same warning when he started dating Leah, so at least I knew it was nothing personal.

The only thing that would have made life even better if we had won the cup. Despite the high from winning the first round, we were shaken early in the second round, which was only made worse when an injury took Jasper out in game three after one of our defencemen, Afton, collided with him. Not that our backup goalie, Peter Kamen, wasn't talented, but he had never stepped foot in a playoff game. We'd all been down after losing in game five - except for Afton, who feared for his life when Alice found out about Jas's groin injury three months before their wedding - but the team had already started making moves in the off-season to prepare for the draft. We also found out that MLSE had sold the majority shares to one of the largest investment firms in the country, Volterra Financial, which was being announced the week before the draft.

But now we were into June, and Bella was officially living in the same city as me! Unfortunately, I had a commercial shoot with Subway on her actual moving day, but I sent Chinese as a surprise for her and her roommates for dinner, which she thanked me for back at my place later on. Today, I was driving out to Peterborough for her graduation. She had said I didn't need to be there, but there was no way I could miss an important day like this in her life, which was why I was now parked in a spot at the edge of the Trent University campus, making sure sunglasses were on securely before grabbing the bouquet I had picked up this morning. I hadn't been thrilled with the basic rose bouquets offered on the college's graduation website, but Alice had helped. She'd given me the name of her favourite florist once I promised to introduce her to Bella soon. It was a straightforward deal since I was hoping she would join me at the ownership announcement celebration, which I knew Alice and Rosalie wouldn't miss. I was debating adding a baseball hat, not wanting to take any attention away from the graduates, but decided against it - the sunglasses should be fine on their own, and the hat would stand out more against everyone dressed up. Before I could think about it anymore, I jumped out of my SUV and started the walk across campus to the graduation.

"Hey, Edward!" Seth called out as he climbed out of Sam's blue truck and ran over to me, followed by his oldest sister and her boyfriend.

"Hey, bud," I grinned as he threw his arms around me. That was an unexpected plus in the last few months - getting to know Bella's siblings. I'd always wanted a little brother growing up, but my parents decided they wanted one child as opposed to splitting resources between multiple. But if I could have picked the ideal younger brother, he'd be like Seth, the kid's impossible not to like. Trailing behind him are Leah and Sam, who look amused at his unashamed display. "I'm glad I ran into you."

"Don't want to see the chief on your own, eh?" Sam winked as we shook hands and started walking down the path.

"No, that's not it at all!" I insisted while nodding in agreement with Sam.

"No sweat, man. I grew up with the guy and he still terrifies me," Sam laughed.

"Edward, guess what?" Seth interjected, looking like he was about to jump out of his skin. "We made the Petes! Brady, and Collin, and I are gonna be on the under fifteen single A team!"

"Seth! That's awesome!" I smiled. I knew little about minor hockey in this area, but I knew the Peterborough Petes also had an OHL team - one of our defencemen, Alec Forester, played for them years ago - but I knew how important it was to move up to single-A. "I remember when I made the Chicago Mission. It was a huge deal. Does that mean you'll need a suit now?"

"Yeah, that's the only part that sucks." Seth scrunched up his nose. "They told us we have to wear a suit to all games because of tradition or something."

I nodded in understanding. "It's one of the oldest traditions in the game. It's irritating but there's something gentlemanly about it."

"You mean before you pummel each other on the ice?" Sam chuckled. "Yeah, the suit thing is why I never went past Select."

"I thought it was because you weren't good enough to go past Select," Leah snickered.

Sam just shrugged. "Tomato, to-mah-toe. Either way, this body doesn't do well in a suit."

"Well, I hope I get used to the suit," Seth added. "Edward, where do you get yours?"

"I have a sponsorship from Harry Rosen for mine," I explained. "They sponsor a few guys on the team, as well as some of the Raps. They love when we take risks with our outfits." I remembered how thrilled they were when Emmett got excited about an apricot-coloured suit they added to their collection. He'd already requested one for the Volterra announcement party.

"Cool!" Seth crowed as we approached their parents. "Mom, Dad! Can I get my suit from Harry Rosen like Edward?"

Both Sue and Charlie looked at me in shock. I'm not sure what surprised them more -that Seth was excited about wearing a suit or the fact that he was asking about a four-figure one. "Seth, I don't think that's the best one for you right now," I chuckled nervously. "They tailor those pretty closely and you're still young. It's probably better to get something off the rack that gives you a bit more room to grow."

"Edward's right, son," Charlie added, looking relieved that I'd attempted to defuse the situation. "I'm sure Edward wasn't getting those fancy suits when he was single A."

I shook my head in agreement. "Nope. My first ones were bought during a three-for-one sale, and that was even with my dad having his own closet of designer suits for work," I explained, not missing the silent thank you from Charlie and Sue that I'd talk their son off the high-priced ledge. "And hey, your team may even have someone that they recommend! That's probably your best bet."

"Well, now that we're all here, we should grab seats," Sue smiled, changing the subject. "Edward, those flowers are lovely."

I thanked her as Charlie narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, those don't look like the ones the school sells."

"They're not," I confirmed, clearing my throat. "My friend Alice knows a good florist and recommended them. I thought Bella might like the variety of these." Damn, will I ever feel calm around Sergeant Swan?

"I'm sure she will," Sue assured me. "Oh, there's three and three!" She pointed to a cluster of seats not too far away from the front where we could sit.

I immediately moved into the second row so I wouldn't be blocking anyone, with Seth following closely behind. "Seth, why don't you sit next to your mom and sister?" Charlie suggested. "That way Sam and I don't block your view." Seth grumbled but took his dad's advice and slipped directly in front of me. Which left the seat directly beside me free for Charlie. "So, I understand you're driving Bells back to Toronto tonight," Charlie huffed once he was beside me.

"Yes, sir," I replied, clearing my throat. While Bella had used the Civic for her move, she had brought it back to return to Leah, who would have more of a need for it than she would. "I brought my SUV so we'd have room for her desk and chair as well."

"Good idea," he murmured. "And you two are staying for brunch?"

"Of course. It's her graduation party, I would never rush her."

"Smart man," he nodded. "There's gonna be some other guests. Our family friends, the Blacks. Has Bella mentioned them?"

"A couple of times," I nodded. "She told me about Billy on our first date, and she's talked a bit about Jacob."

His eyes widened. "Has she told you everything about Jacob?"

I shrugged. "Just that he was a jerk in high school and he constantly hits on her now. Why? Is there something else?"

"That's Bella's story to share, not mine," he said gruffly, ending the conversation before moving on to talk about the team's recent trades, which Seth and Sam easily joined in on. I'd gotten used to fans sharing their insights on what the team should do to end the cup drought, but I had to admit Charlie was a pretty insightful guy whose ideas were pretty in line with what Carlisle and our GM, Eleazar, had planned. They were just on hold with the ownership change. Our talk was halted as Pomp and Circumstance began to play and the long processional of graduates made their way to the front. "Thank God they spread this out over ten ceremonies," Charlie muttered as the students made their way to their seats, and I had to agree with him. It looked like somewhere around a hundred to a hundred and fifty graduates, and that already seemed like it would take long enough.

As much as I love what I do, there were times I wondered what it would have been like to finish school instead of leaving after sophomore year. Well, as I sat with the Swans under the hot June sun, I could honestly say that I didn't miss much by not actually going to graduation. Even the NHL Awards made me stick to under two minutes when I accepted the Hart Trophy last year.

"Mr. Chancellor, I'm pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Science in the honours program the candidates whose names will be read, who the senate has duly declared worthy of the honour that they may receive the degree at your hands," A balding old man announced from the stage.

"I think that's fancy talk for they're finally giving out the diplomas," Sam snickered in a whisper as Brittany Adams was called up.

"Graduations are weird," I murmured as more names were listed off. "We're all here to see this moment, yet more of the focus is on the old professors and presidents. The audience only gets to see who they want for a few seconds."

"Yeah, well, I've got three more next year," Charlie grunted. "Both girls get their masters and Seth finishes grade eight."

"Then it's Leah's doctorate, Seth's high school and college…" Sam added with a sigh.

"If I go to college," Seth muttered from in front of us, earning a look from his parents. "What? Edward didn't finish college and he's doing great."

Charlie shot me a look, and I returned it with a nod to assure him I'd speak with Seth later as the man at the podium announced Courtney Owens.

"Jason Rivas," he called out as Sue focused her DLSR camera towards the stage. "Isabella Swan."

"Woo!" Seth cheered as she crossed the stage while Sue snapped photos. "That's my sister!" Even from my seat twelve rows back, the blush on her face was apparent as she talked to the chancellor before turning to the audience. When she made eye contact with us, I couldn't help sending her a wink and smile while I applauded, causing her to blush even more before she made her way off stage.

After the ceremony and photos were completed, Bella returned to us, robe returned and diploma in hand with a huge smile on her face. She looked radiant, wearing a black dress covered in gold dots with her face positively glowing. "Okay, I'm ready to head out," she said, wrapping her arm around my waist as I wrapped mine around her shoulder.

"Great," Charlie huffed at the minor act of PDA. "Sue and I parked on the other side of the conference centre. We'll see everyone else there."

"Actually," Bella said, stopping Charlie from walking away. "I thought I'd drive back with Edward. We haven't seen each other for a few days."

"You went weeks without seeing each other before, now you can't go a few days?" Charlie grumbled, but Bella wasn't backing down. She stood her ground, shooting him a pleading look. He sighed, but gave in. "Fine, but just make sure you get home quickly. We have guests coming over to celebrate your graduation. Edward, I know it's a twenty-minute drive from here. No dawdling." He shot me a look that told me I better not even think about pulling off for a private moment before heading towards his car with Sue, as Bella and I followed her siblings and Sam.

"I'd take Sarge seriously," Sam chuckled as we made our way down the path. "Remember that time I got you home late in grade twelve, Leelee?"

"It didn't help that one of his constables saw your old van parked down by the boat launch for an hour," she snickered, and then dropped her voice to a lower register. "'Sue, where's my hunting gun?' Classic Charlie!"

"I thought you were gonna shit your pants!" Bella cackled as she leaned into me. "I wouldn't worry too much, baby. Dad already likes you."

"Correction - your dad likes number eighteen who gets the Leafs in playoff position. No guy is good enough for his girls. And he's not wrong." I kissed her cheek playfully, causing her to giggle.

As we approached the vehicles, Leah slapped Sam on the chest before climbing into his truck. "Why don't you say anything sweet like that to me?"

"Thanks for getting me in trouble, Masen," Sam grumbled, closing the door behind. "Just for that - Go Habs." He made an exaggerated gagging sound before laughing. "Nah, can't do it, man. Seth! Get in the back!" He called out as Seth and I shared a fist bump.

"See you at home!" Seth grinned, launching himself into the back seat of the pickup truck.

Neither of us could help but laugh as we waved at the departing truck before I opened the passenger door for Bella. "Are you sure we can't take the long way back?" she asked with a playful pout, creeping her hands up my chest. "I know there's some great spots to pull off on the rural roads."

"Bella, you're killing me," I groaned, wrapping my arms around her waist. "As much as I'd love to pull off on one of the rural roads, I'd rather not have your dad kill me. After your party, we'll have plenty of time to reconnect back in Toronto."

"Promise?" She gave me a coy smile as she asked. For a woman who was so dead set against me in the beginning, she was really opening herself up.

"Always, Bella," I laughed and kissed her nose before opening the passenger door for her.

"Sue, those quiches look delicious!" I complimented, taking in the aroma of the dishes set up in the backyard. Between the celebration taking place in the early afternoon and Bella's favourite cuisine, it wasn't a surprise when we arrived to a spread of various brunch foods. What was a surprise was the amount of seating set up in the backyard. Charlie had said they invited a few family friends, but there had to be seating for over twenty people set up. "I'm gonna need to set up an extra session with my trainer."

"You still have training?" Seth asked.

"Of course! Us athletes need to stay in top physical condition," I teased him, mussing up his hair. "

"Not like it did you much good this season," A nasal voice scoffed from behind. I turned to see an overly muscled russet-skinned guy in an Ottawa Senators shirt glaring at me. Or specifically at my hand resting on Bella's back. "You ended up getting knocked out by Florida."

"And how far did you make it in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Jake?" Bella asked with a sweet smile. "Right, you don't play professionally."

"Nope, just a Sunday night beer league," Sam chuckled. "And you still came in sixth out of seven teams."

"Whatever, you guys only came in fourth," He muttered.

"Jake, go change that awful shirt," Charlie groaned. "We all know you can't stand the Senators."

"That's what I told the boy," an older man resembling Jake in a wheelchair laughed while Sam took Jake over to his truck for a spare shirt. This must be Billy, the guy she told me about on our first date. He shook his head as he wheeled over to where Bella and I were standing and thrust his hand out. "I can't believe he wasted his money on that rag. Billy Black." He held his hand out, which I accepted with a firm shake. "I've heard a lot about you from Charlie and Bella. Shame about Florida."

"Good to meet you, sir," I smiled, accepting his handshake. "They've told me all about you as well."

"Don't believe a word they say," he chuckled deeply. "Jacob! Let's grab a seat. I can smell Sue's cooking from here." Jacob, who had returned wearing a Pack Plumbing shirt, grumbled in agreement and helped his father navigate the grassy terrain over to the tables.

As the celebration got going, a few more of Bella's friends arrived, including her roommates and their families. So far, we'd only talked a few times in passing when picking up or dropping off Bella, but this was the first time I really talked to them. It was obvious how much Angela and Jessica cared about Bella, but I couldn't help being surprised as I got to know her best friends. Angela, who was also celebrating her graduation with a double major in Archeology and History, and Ben the engineering student seemed to be just as academic as my girl, but Jessica was a wild card. Unlike the others, she had opted for a two-year college program and currently worked as a nail tech and esthetician. While the other three had moved in together for grad school, she joined them to experience the city, and hopefully get more work in a larger locale. What surprised me most was that, even though Angela and Ben shared stories spanning back over a decade, Jessica only seemed to be a part of those in the last couple of years, despite having gone through high school with the trio. I also didn't miss the occasional glares shared between her and Jacob Black. I was definitely asking Bella about that on the ride home.

I also enjoyed watching Bella in her element with her family. Having grown up as an only child with fairly formal parents with certain expectations, it was refreshing to be around a large family that laughed and teased each other as much as this one did. I had quickly learned that teasing was how the Swans showed affection and acceptance and basked in Sam mocking my fairly mild Chicago accent that only came out on certain words. Seth was also becoming more comfortable with me, seeing me as less of a celebrity and more like a real person, although that didn't stop him from asking about my off-season training.

"You know, if your parents are cool with it, maybe you could join us one day," I suggested. "When I'm not with my trainer, I usually meet with Em and Jas to train."

"Is Jasper better yet?" he asked, his eyes full of compassion.

"He's still taking it easy, but he's been doing some rehab while he trains with us," I explained. "His goal is to be back at a hundred for his wedding next month."

"I bet Afton feels bad for slamming into him." Seth shook his head as he sighed.

"It was an accident; we all know that. I think he's more scared of Alice's wrath than anything," I laughed, trying to bring up the college talk from earlier. "But it means we need a new fourth."

"Let me guess, for golfing?" Jacob snorted as he interrupted our conversation. "I bet you guys have a ton of experience with that!"

"Actually, yes," I smirked and shrugged. "I've only been out on the links once this year, but Jas was supposed to be part of our team for the Zach Hyman charity tournament."

"Dad's great at golf," Seth stated with a smile. "You should ask him."

"Well, our team has to be all Leafs players for that tournament, but I'd love to go golfing with him at some point this summer. You want to join us?"

While Seth enthusiastically nodded, Jake scoffed. "You sure you want that, Seth? Leafs players are great at golf, that's why they choke in the playoffs every year!"

I rolled my eyes and stared down at Jake with a sigh. "Jacob, I walk through countless airports alone after beating their home teams multiple times. There's nothing you can say that I haven't heard from hundreds and thousands of people at once. The only people you're pissing off are your dad and family friends. Have some respect in Charlie's home." I shook my head and turned back to Seth, effectively shutting Jacob out. "We can talk to your dad and see if we can find time to play. I bet Em would join us." I leaned in close and added in a conspiratorial whisper, "He actually lives beside a golf club."

"That would be awesome!" Seth enthused, as Jacob stalked off huffing.

"Great! Although Mr. Double Varsity'll probably spend half the time talking about playing hockey AND golf for Michigan," I said, finding a segue into the college conversation. "You know, most of the guys on my team did some college. Some even graduated."

"Yeah, but you don't need college to be a hockey player. You didn't graduate," he grumbled in return.

"You're right because I was lucky. Out of my entire team at BC, do you know how many got picked up in the draft?" Seth shook his head. "Five, and I'm the only one who's playing for the NHL. One of them plays over in Europe, and one's in the AHL, but the other two finished their degrees like the rest of the team. And it's not because those guys aren't skilled players, they just weren't what the pro teams needed. I honestly thought I'd be working in a Chicago law firm right now."

"So, I should give up on hockey?" Seth mumbled; his eyes downcast.

"Not at all, bud," I emphasized, putting my hand on his shoulder. "Keep the dream alive but have a strong backup plan. If I hadn't lucked out, I'd be in some courtroom right now, which could have still been a cool job. And look at your sisters! Neither of them is doing something flashy but they both love what they're doing! And success doesn't mean you need to go to school like them. Look at Sam! He didn't need a degree to get where he is, but he's successful in his own right. No matter where your life takes you, they just want you to succeed, Seth."

"Okay," he sighed. "I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask," I smiled and gave him a manly hug. "Come on, I think your mom's about to bring out your sister's cake."

"You sure you want to take The Sarge golfing?" Bella chuckled from my passenger seat once we were on the road back to the city. "He's actually pretty good. Fishing, golf, and TSN are basically my dad's trifecta of joy."

"I'm sure," I laughed at the goofy grin on her face. "It's not about winning, it's about getting to know your family."

"Well, then shouldn't I get to know your family?" She challenged.

"If you mean my parents, I don't even talk to them. I would never put you through that." I rolled my eyes. "But if you mean the people who are like family, are you serious?"

She shrugged with an indifferent look. "Sure. If they're important to you, then I want to meet them."

"So… would you be willing to meet them in a couple of weeks?" I asked cautiously. "MLSE is hosting an event in a couple of weeks to announce Volterra Financial buying the company. Jas and Em are bringing Alice and Rose, and I'd love it if you came with me."

"Are you sure?" She chewed her lip nervously. "I thought you meant a small gathering, not a major media event."

"Jas and Ali are down in Texas for a few weeks visiting family, and Rose and Em are in Tennessee, but we can try for something private before then. Either way, I'd really like it if you'd attend with me."

"Well, I'd rather meet them one-on-one first, but I'd love to go with you." She gave me a nervous smile in return.

I sighed with relief. "Thank you, love. And I'll do my best to get together before then. Alice and Rose have been asking to meet you." I grabbed her hand from across the console and brought it to my lips. "Do you need anything from home or are we good to just head back to my place?"

"I've got everything I need. Plus, Jess was already texting Mike to let him know she had the house to herself, and I'd rather not walk in on that." She rolled her eyes. During the short time the girls had lived in the city, Jessica had already met a delivery man who frequented the salon she worked for. It wasn't clear if they were dating or not, but I had to agree with Bella.

"Great, then we'll head to my place," I grinned. "Speaking of Jessica, it seemed like there was some… animosity between her and Jacob. I'm sure it's all his fault, but you could cut the tension between them with a knife."

Bella let out a loud sigh. "Yeah, that's been going on for years. And you're right, it is his fault." She shook her head and looked out the window while rubbing my hand with her thumb. "I'm sure you've realized Jess differs from me and Angela. Lots of people have commented on it."

I shrugged and nodded. "Yeah, but you don't strike me as the type who would care too much about only having certain types of friends." I couldn't help but shoot her a goofy grin over my own dropout status.

The giggle that erupted was adorable. "No, you're right. But there was a time when social standing was the number one thing for Jessica. She was popular - captain of the volleyball team also played basketball, and did track. The only thing we had in common was student council; she was class rep and I was treasurer. She hated how carefully I'd budget for everything! Anyway, she was popular and athletic, as was Jacob. He did track and played hockey, basketball and baseball. They actually dated through grade ten and eleven."

"Did he actually attend classes?" I chuckled. I know I kept a busy athletic schedule with all my hockey, but that was another level.

She gave me a smirk. "Occasionally. Although there was more than one time, he needed a tutor to help him keep his grades up enough to stay on whatever team was going on. Anyway, Leah and Sam were actually a great bridge between Ang and I, and the popular crowd. Sam was on the same teams as Jake, other than basketball, while Leah was captain of the girls' track team. It was great having that level of protection because I was pretty much as geeky as they came. Braces, acne, limbs that grew too fast for my body, nose always in a book. I got teased a bit, but nothing too bad." She bit her lip nervously.

"Hey, I saw those photos. I thought you were cute," I assured her, giving her hand a squeeze, despite my curiosity.

"And I think you're biased." She rolled her eyes before continuing. "Sam and Leah graduated by the time we hit grade twelve. That was also the year I grew into my body, had my braces removed, and started on the pill, which cleared up my skin. I was still a nerd, but I was a hot nerd, supposedly." She rolled her eyes, which led me to believe this was someone else's words. Especially knowing how she felt about the word nerd. "Jacob and Jess broke up, and he started asking me out around the time of our Halloween dance. I refused, but he didn't give up. He kept asking, and I finally caved. I figured if we went out once, he'd see we had an awful time together and never try again. But that wasn't his plan." She shook her head and looked back over at me. "When she found out why he broke up with her, Jessica came to me before a council meeting and asked if we could talk. I thought she was going to ask about increasing the budget for the dance, but it wasn't about that at all. She had heard Jacob and his buddies talking about how close he was to succeeding in Operation: Nail the Nerd. His entire plan was to sleep with me because he was curious about what sex with a virgin was like. I broke off the date and asked Ben's friend Austin to the dance instead, leaving Jake dateless and alone. He was pissed at Jessica for ruining his plans, and Jessica was pissed that he dumped her because he wanted to have sex with a virgin. And since I still turn him down, he continues to blame her for that. But that's how Jessica and I became friends. She may not be the most book-smart person, but she has a huge heart."

"Wow, I had no idea…" I sighed. No wonder she hated jocks so much. "I'm happy you had someone like Jessica around, but I really want to turn this car around and kick Jacob's ass."

"None of that, Masen. You won the girl," She giggled.

I looked over at her, giving her the biggest smile I could. "Best prize of all."