Page 128 of Bless My Body

kiss her before I watch her hips in that tight dress sway from side to side as she walks to the car.

As soon as she leaves, I miss her already. It feels like days pass before we finally head over for

the ceremony. I want to make sure we get a good seat. I’ve got to make sure my girl can hear me cheer

for her as she walks across that stage.

I’m just walking into the auditorium when I hear an unfamiliar voice call my name. I look over my

shoulder and see a woman who looks almost exactly like Celine. I stop in my tracks, and the woman

smiles.

“Ezra?” she asks again. I nod. “I’m Celine’s mom, Grace. And this is her father, Dave.”

“Oh, wow. It’s nice to meet you both.” I extend my hand to shake theirs. Celine didn’t mention her

parents coming today, but I guess why wouldn’t they want to be here to watch their only child

graduate. I’m really glad I wore slacks with my Polo shirt today. I don’t want to be meeting the

parents looking like a slob.

“Celine has showed me a few pictures of you, which is how I knew it was you,” Grace explains. I

can’t hold back the smile knowing that Celine has shown my picture to her family. “Would you like to

sit with us?”

“Absolutely.” We walk in and find great seats for just the three of us. I can see Ozzy, Wes, and

Hazel with the rest of the Mitchells seated few sections over. I give them a quick wave so they know

where I’m at.

The ceremony is pretty boring since I only know two people graduating, but when they finally get

to the Rs and Celine walks across the stage, it makes everything worthwhile.

Her smile is electric. She looks so damn beautiful. I stand and cheer for her as she accepts her

diploma, and her eyes find me immediately. Her smile gets even bigger when she notices I’m sitting

next to her parents.

When I sit back down, I see Celine’s mom crying. Even her dad’s eyes look glossy. I’m so glad

Celine has such a great support system going into her next adventure. And I’m glad I get to be beside

her to watch her do it.

After the ceremony, the grads are released to the front, and I find Stella and Celine in the crowd.

They hug each other one last time before Stella runs into Ozzy’s arms and Celine runs into mine. I lift

her up and spin her. “I’m so proud of you, baby.” I kiss her like no one is watching, refusing to stop

until I hear someone next to me clear their throat.