Page 53 of Nicky

I turned toward him, the weight of the night pressing gently against my chest. “What? Lights and blankets?”

“You,” he said quietly. “This. Us. The thought of many Christmases to come. This is the first Christmas in a long time that didn’t feel… heavy.”

“This has to be one of the best Christmases I’ve ever had.”

He turned to me, making my chest tighten at the raw honesty in his voice. “Even with all the chaos leading up to it?”

“Especially because of it.” I met his gaze, hoping he’d see the honesty reflected in my eyes.

His hands squeezed mine gently. “Merry Christmas, Daddy.” His voice was almost shy.

I smiled, brushing my thumb over his knuckles. “Merry Christmas, my bratty boy.”

And as we continued to sit there, I knew with every part of me that this Christmas, this beautiful thing between me and my boy, was only the beginning.

Epilogue

NICHOLAS

Four-and-a-half years later…

Sunlight streamed through the open-air pavilion where the graduation ceremony was being held, painting golden highlights across the sea of black caps and gowns. My chest tightened as I waited for my name to be called. Four years—it had taken that long to get here. And now, I sat with a cap perched on my head, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree just minutes from becoming mine.

The crowd was a blur of proud families and cheering friends, but I only sawmypeople. Aiden was front and center, hoisting a bright sign that read,GO NICHOLAS! WE LOVE YOU!with enough glitter to blind someone. Markus stood beside him, dignified in a button-up and blazer that made my heart do ridiculous things. The proud smile on his face was impossible to miss, and when Aiden said something loud enough to draw laughter, Markus shook his head, lips twitching in amusement.

Flanking them were my best friends—Kyle, Wyatt, Parker, Faith, and Brianna. They were a mix of chaos and color: Wyatt waving a mini pride flag, Faith snapping pictures like a mom at a recital.

A part of me wished Beverly could’ve seen this moment. She wasn’t family, not in the traditional sense, but working at the senior living facility, she’d become like family to me in her own sharp-tongued, no-nonsense way. She couldn’t make the trip but I’d promised her I’d tell her all about it.

When the announcer finally said my name, Kyle, who was never one to blend quietly, blew an obnoxiously loud air horn. Aiden’s voice rang out, predictably loud and over the top. “That’s my brother!”

Not to be outdone, Markus cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “Proud of you, baby!” His voice carried a warm authority that made me feel both seen and small in the best way.

The cheers from my fellow students hit me like a wave.

The moment felt surreal as I crossed the stage. I walked across it, shaking hands, accepting the rolled diploma case, and smiling for the obligatory picture. My legs felt wobbly, not from nerves but from the sheer weight this moment. Almost eleven years ago, I was just a kid with dreams of following in Mom’s footsteps, standing by her side in our small-town hospital. When she passed, it felt like that dream died with her. But now, walking off the stage, I felt like I’d reclaimed it—not just for me, but for her too.

Mom would’ve loved this day. I could almost hear her laugh, warm and full of life, telling me she knew I could do it all along. The thought brought tears to my eyes, but they didn’t sting like they used to. These weren’t tears of loss—they were of joy. Of pride. I touched the edge of my cap lightly, a silent promise to her.I hope you’re smiling, Mom. I did it. For both of us.

When the ceremony ended, it wasn’t the applause that grounded me. It was them—Markus, Aiden, my best friends. Their joy radiated toward me, a force stronger than gravity.

Aiden was bouncing on his feet, grinning like an idiot. He grabbed me into a bear hug the moment I got close, nearly crushing the diploma case in the process.

"Finally!" He stepped back and waved his sign like it was a trophy. "I’m retiring this bad boy. You’ll have to do something else amazing if you want another one."

Markus lingered a step behind, watching with soft eyes. He waited until Aiden let go, then pulled me into his arms. His hold was firm, steady, and when he whispered, “I knew you could do it, baby," it shattered something inside me in the best way.

Tears threatened, but I managed a grin. “Couldn’t have done it without you. Any of you.”

Wyatt jumped in with a cheeky, “Damn right. We deserve a cut of that diploma. I want the corner piece!”

Faith smacked him lightly. “It doesn’t work like cake, Wyatt.”

I laughed, swiping at my eyes.

They bickered good-naturedly as we moved toward the garden area, Aiden leading the way with his sign and the rest of us in tow. Markus’s hand found its place on the small of my back, grounding me with its steady warmth.

We reached a tree strung with twinkling fairy lights. The graduation organizers had gone all out. Markus caught my hand, pulling me aside. The others followed, lingering close but giving us space. Markus faced me, his expression unusually serious.

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