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Our parents were kind of pissed but eventually, they let up on us and said they couldn’t control us. Even her dad, who is a lot more relaxed now that he’s in a serious relationship with Kathy. When we leave in a week, Kathy is moving into the cottage on campus with Ralph. He’s asked her to marry him. She’s got a diamond on her finger and everything.
I think Daisy is relieved, knowing her dad has someone. Then she doesn’t feel like she’s abandoning him.
My parents like Daisy—fucking shocker because damn, they’re judgmental—and while they weren’t thrilled with our plans at first, they’ve come around. Dad more than Mom, which is what I expected. Mom is just glad I’m talking about attending college next year, which is something I never mentioned before. She also gives Daisy all the credit for mellowing me out and getting me where I need to be on time.
Like today’s graduation ceremony.
“Don’t forget we’re going out for a late lunch,” Dad tells me when we come across him out on the field. “Your mother made the reservation for two-thirty.”
“We’ll be there,” Daisy reassures him, curling her arm through mine. “Right?”
“Definitely,” I say to her.
Dad smiles. “Congrats you two. Enjoy your time out here with your friends.”
“We won’t be late,” Daisy calls as he walks away, smiling up at me once he’s gone. “I need to keep impressing them.”
“They’re already impressed. You can relax.” I kiss her like I can’t help myself, laughing when I hear JJ make a disgusted noise.
We take photos with JJ and Mya, and at one point I spot Cadence in the distance, watching us with envy shining in her gaze. If I could give her the finger I would, but there’s no need to antagonize her further.
I’m glad I’m out of this school and won’t have to see her face every day.
The crowd slowly dwindles and eventually we head for the parking lot, shedding our graduation gowns before we climb into the G Wagon. I reach for a gift bag I left behind the passenger seat and hand it to Daisy, who takes it with wide eyes.
“What’s this?”
“Open it and find out.” I’m trying to be cool but I’m nervous. I want her to like this present, though I don’t know why I’m worried.
She’s going to love it.
Daisy is as slow as my grandma on Christmas morning opening presents. She carefully removes the tissue paper Edie stuffed inside, laughing when she keeps pulling out more and more. Until finally the pale yellow bag is empty save the box sitting at the bottom. She pulls the black velvet box out, staring at it.
“It’s bigger than the box you gave me for my birthday.”
I nod, wishing she’d just open the damn thing.
She slowly cracks the lid open, gasping when she sees what’s inside. “Oh, Arch.”
Tears spring to her eyes and I reach for her, cradling her cheek, smoothing my thumb across her soft skin. “Don’t cry, Daze.”
Her tears get to me. I never want my girl sad.
“It’s just so beautiful.” She reaches for the necklace she’s currently wearing. The one she bought with my initial on it. “But I don’t want to take this off.”
“You can wear both.” I gave her a necklace with a daisy pendant that matches the earrings I gave her for her birthday. I bought it at the same time, knowing even then she’d flip out just over the earrings.
I thought it best to save the necklace for another special occasion. I almost gave it to her for Christmas, but held off. Instead, I took her to that giant bookstore on Fifth and told her she had three minutes to grab as many books as she could and I’d buy them all for her.
The girl is faster than I anticipated. I spent a small fortune on a mountain of books, but I just handed over my credit card with a smile while my girlfriend stood by my side, panting and wiping her hair away from her sweaty face, making conversation with the cashier.
That was a good moment. A fun memory. But this one is good too. Maybe even better.
I’m glad I waited until graduation to give her the necklace.
“I love it so much.” She lifts her gaze to mine, her eyes shiny with tears. “It’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” I murmur, pulling her into my arms, my mouth finding hers.
