Page 28 of Edge of Forever

Ford, Sydney, and the kids, except baby Poppy since this would be way too much chaos for her.

I smile.

There’s always been a bit of chaos in my life, and while it’ll be nice to be away from it, I’m also going to miss it sometimes.

Like now.

As I look out into the audience, I see Owen and Colby waving frantically to get my attention, and I wave back, laughing.

“I can’t believe it’s here,” Gina whispers, shuffling into the seat next to mine even though our last names aren’t close to each other and we’re supposed to sit in alphabetical order. That’s okay, though. Since we’ve both already walked across the stage, we can share the seat. She links her fingers with mine.

“You better not cry,” I warn.

“Okay.” Her eyes widen and I see the tears puddling in them anyway.

“Come on,” I protest. “I’m going to be mad if my makeup runs.”

She giggles. “Me too. But I can’t help it.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll still be besties forever.”

She leans over and rests her head on my shoulder. “I know. It’s just… all these changes make me nervous.”

“Me too. But it’ll be fine. And I’ll be around until August.”

“You’ll be with Sam.”

“Well, until he leaves to go on tour, which will be at the end of June.”

“Oh, so we’ll have all of July to hang out at the pool?”

“Yup. And go shopping for dorm stuff.”

“And the Imagine Dragons concert coming up.”

“See? You’ll be sick of me by the time you leave.”

“I don’t think so.”

Finally, the ceremony is over and despite being told not to, we all throw our graduation caps high in the air.

It’s done.

High school is behind me.

I fall into line, with Elise, Cathryn, and Jami running up to join us, and we head out to where we’re supposed to wait for our families.

Except I see Sam leaning against a wall and take a moment to appreciate the picture he makes. He’s wearing a suit, because I asked him to, and he looks incredible. The suit is dark blue,with a white button-down shirt beneath and a navy tie. I think he borrowed the suit and tie from Tyler, the bassist for Nobody’s Fool, since they’re about the same size. And I suddenly have this vision of peeling that shirt off him.

Just like I did on prom night.

Our sex life has been amazing the last few weeks.

Every time we do it, he shows me something new and I want to learn it all. I never knew you could have so many orgasms in one night—and he seems a little surprised at my growing sexual appetite.

“Sam.” I call his name and he turns. There are throngs of kids moving in every direction, looking for friends and family, but he somehow knew where I’d be.

He holds out his arms, extending a bouquet of pink roses, and I run to throw my arms around his neck.

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