Chapter 13

Bri

When we reached the parking lot of the small school, Bas threw his graduation cape over his shoulders and began fumbling with his tie. I took it from him and walked him through the steps as I tied it for him, just as my father had taught me. Why he taught me such a thing, I didn’t know, but right now I was glad for it. He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Mama,” he whispered before he took off to take his place. I stood stunned at the sentiment he offered me of all people. Even Wyatt and Beau paused with me before they guided me into a random spot on the bleachers. We didn’t comment on what Bas said, but my chest radiated warmth and longing. I saw Zoey and Trent eyeing the proceeds from down below and Boo sat dutifully at my feet.

We sat through the ceremony in alphabetic order. With each name called the faster my foot tapped in anticipation and the closer Beau and Wyatt seemed to curl closer into me as we awaited Bastian’s name. When they called his name we all stood, ye