Page 63 of All the Promises We Break

“You tell me?”

“Why is it that we always seem to fight behind random closed doors? At least this time I didn’t shove you or nearly pass out.”

Wes smiles. “Maybe that means we’re getting better at this.” He sighs. “Look, we know if this is your reaction, Eli’s will be even worse. We’re going to tell him, but it has to be in our own time and in our own way.”

“You want me to lie and hide this from him. Wes, this isn’t the way I want to start my marriage.”

“I don’t want you to lie. I just don’t want you to offer up the information. If he asks you point-blank, do what you feel is right in the moment. Let’s get through graduation first. At least if shit goes south, that will be over.”

“That’s three weeks away.”

“Please say you’ll buy us the time.”

“I won’t say anything, but remember your clock is ticking.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Elijah

Being a guest faculty member and an alum definitely has perks, especially on days like today. Two tickets per graduate was the currency this year. Since my plus one is a graduate, my faculty line got Wes in the door. This is a big moment for the whole family.

Not only is this the culmination of Dylan’s determination, but this is Hayley’s finale as she moves into AnSa alongside Dad, Pops, and me. Even when she fought the idea, I always kept her connected, hoping one day she would change her mind. I need her on the team. I want her on the team. Dylan and Hayley will complete this generation of Sawyer legacy.

As we listen to all the commencement addresses and class-elected speakers, I think back to the same day a little more than a decade ago when it was Wes and me in those chairs. So much has changed since then yet somehow, it’s still the same.

In the middle of reading the graduates whose last name begins with R, I text Dylan.

Me: Hey, you in the cap and gown. I’m so proud of you.

Her: You should see what’s under the cap and gown. I love you xo

Soon we hear the names Dylan Elizabeth Cooper Sawyer and Hayley Evelyn Sawyer being read back-to-back. Wes and I both stand to applaud them. He goes one farther and whistles. Dylan waits for Hayley so they can exit the stage together.

Later while we take pictures, I get to see what’s under that cap and gown. It’s the dress I bought her in the Hamptons. The one barely long enough to pass for a formal event but beautiful on her no matter what the day. We ask Hayley and Dylan to recreate the image that hangs in the house in Vermont. I can’t wait to see them side by side.

My parents and the Coopers have a dinner reservation waiting at the girls’ favorite restaurant. If you’d told me six months ago I’d be having dinner as Dylan’s husband, next to her father, I would have said you’d gone mad. Today we’re sharing a meal like it’s something we’ve always done. The pleasure I get from seeing Dylan so happy is immeasurable.

After dinner, Wes has something planned for the four of us. He’s set up a modest post-game show at his apartment. He claims he’s got enough dessert and drinks to last us for days. There’s that over-the-top behavior I love. He’s truly happy for Dylan and Hayley. I appreciate that he’s so invested. These milestones are things I will never take for granted again.

We hop off the short train ride and walk a couple of blocks to Wes’s place. The air is so warm, but the breeze helps. Dylan’s sun-kissed skin is dewy to the touch. I kiss her shoulder as we walk. Hayley and Wes are out front. They hold hands and skip along like five-year-olds. I shake my head and laugh.

“You two are like little kids,” I call out.

“Better than being an old married couple like you,” Wes retorts. “Come on, Hayles. Those heels are slowing us down.” He scoops her up and takes off running.

I lean over to Dylan. “I’m glad whatever beef they had with each other seems to have worked itself out. I don’t like the awkward tension.”

Dylan rests her head on my shoulder. “Things always work out if you let them. Let’s just have fun tonight.”

Wes

This post game was supposed to be at Eli and Dylan’s. I quickly offered my place instead. I needed it for several reasons. First, level the playing field. If I was going to have to hide what this day was really about for me, I wanted it to be on my turf. Next, Hayley broke her lease early and is staying with me part time for the time being. There’s a lot of half-truths floating around right now. None of it is meant to hurt anyone. In fact, it’s to protect us the most while we figure things out.

Hayley and I spent last night trying to make it look like a female isn’t staying here. I think we did a good job, but the anxiety is still lingering the closer we get. Picking Hayley up and running serves two purposes, one we get there fast while Dylan intentionally slows Eli down and two, I can touch her relatively inappropriately without arousing suspicion.

We beat them by about thirty seconds. I unlock the apartment and we tumble in. I push the door closed with my foot and use it as a wedge to buy me ten seconds of passion with my girl. Our lips collide as her body pins to the wall. My fingers dig under the hem of her dress, and I can feel a tension to every muscle in her thigh.

“Just know that I want you every minute I’m not touching you. But when I can, you’re in trouble.”

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