Page 86 of Wicked Scandal

Celia and I have actually grown very close over the past year. And Grant has come around, too. Everyone is rooting for Wilder and me and I know it’s because they can see how much we love one another.

As for Elodie, we’ve become close friends and talked often while she was away at college. Fortunately, she and Rome are both home for the summer. The two of them had a great first year away at school and said the miles between them wasn’t a strain on their relationship at all. I didn’t think it would be. Everyone can see how in love these two are.

The traditional graduation song booms through the speakers and the class of two thousand and twenty-five walks out.

“Seems like an eternity ago that we were here for your graduation.” I squeeze Wilder’s hand. “It’s crazy how much can change in one year.”

“It sure is.” He looks down at my hand, eyeing the promise ring he gave me last week. Wilder moved in with me a couple months ago, but we decided to wait a little longer before a proposal because once we do make that commitment to one another, we’re going to have a short engagement and try for a baby right away.

Even though Wilder and I are both financially stable, he’s still young and I don’t want him to feel like there is any reason to rush into things. Besides, I want it to be a surprise when it happens, and of course I’ll say yes.

Wilder pulls out his phone, holding it in the air as he records the ceremony. A lot has changed, but so much has stayed exactly the same. Aside from working as a financial writer at Cromwell Banks, Wilder has become a SnapTok sensation. He’s even got a publicist now. I love that he’s still doing it because I can see the passion in his eyes—the money is just a bonus. And of course, the occasional travel I get to do with him.

Brogan and her best friend, Avery, come walking down the field and Grant blows out a piercing whistle. My ears ring as I chant and clap for Wilder’s sister. It won’t be long and she’ll be leaving to live in her dorm at Rosewood University, where she’ll be cheering for their football team, the Devils.

A few minutes later, it’s Callan’s turn. He drags his feet, unimpressed with the ceremony, and I’m pretty sure he’s high right now. According to Wilder, Callan is also going to Rosewood University, but he’s not thrilled about it. He made an arrangement with his dad and if he attends for at least two years, he’ll offer him a position at his company. From what I heard, there were a lot of words shared, considering Wilder went to work for his dad straightaway, but Callan doesn’t have the grades and experience Wilder does.

Either way, they both made it to this point and it’s a huge accomplishment. Before long, Grant and Celia’s nest will be empty. Well, for a little while anyway. Wilder and I have every intention of giving them grandchildren to spoil in the not-so-distant future.

When the ceremony ends, we rush to the front to see the newest graduates of the Cromwell family.

Weaving through the crowd of proud parents and friends, we spot them instantly and hug Brogan and Callan as we congratulate them.

Wilder tugs my hand gently, gesturing to the left. “Come here. I wanna show you something.”

I squint at him, curious to know what he’s up to. “Whaaat?” I drag out the word.

“You’ll see.” He winks.

This guy is full of surprises. Wilder has held true to his promise to always be there for me, and I’ve made it a point to prove I’ll always be there for him too. What we have might be frowned upon by some given our age difference, but this love we share is unfazed by the judgment of others.

I lean into him as we walk, warmth spreading through my chest thinking about how far we have come in the past year. “I love you so much,” I whisper as I try to hold back the emotions threatening to overtake me.

He looks down at me, biting the corner of his lip. “I love you, too, baby.”

As we walk farther and farther away, I shoot a glance over my shoulder. “Shouldn’t we tell your parents we’re leaving?”

“We’ll see them at Big John’s for dinner. There’s something more important we have to do first.”

My forehead creases as I look up at him. “What are you up to, Wilder Cromwell?”

“Like I said, you’ll see.” His brows waggle and it’s so damn sexy.

I’m still not sure what’s going on, but when we approach a side door at the school, I ask, “Are we supposed to be going in there?”

He winks. “I made a call. We’re good.” Then he pulls the door open and gestures for me to go first.

The minute I step foot through the doors, the scent brings back a rush of memories. Good ones, though. I don’t dwell on the bad anymore. Sometimes I miss it here. I feel like I grew here right along with my students. Other times, I'm reminded that in the process of growing, I outgrew this place.

I never wanted to be a teacher, but I’m glad I was. It taught me so much and gave me an outlet when I needed to get away. But now, I’m finally doing what I love. I’m writing and it feels so good to have chosen it for myself.

Wilder keeps walking, acting really strange. I can tell he’s up to something, but I’m not sure what. His palm is sweating against mine and he keeps cracking these mischievous smiles that have me curious as hell.

Then, we turn the hall to my old classroom, but we don’t stop. We go straight to the door.

I’m surprised to see that it’s open and the light is on—must have something to do with the call he made.

Wilder leads me inside and I can’t take it anymore. “What are we doing here?” I giggle as I look around the room, taking in the changes the new teacher has made. It’s different, but still the same in a strange way.

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