Page 185 of Edge of Unbroken

But Ronan took it in stride. “Well, your dad’s obviously a fan of mine. I think we’re going to be best buds,” he said as we walked hand in hand to the back of the stage, where we met our friends and gathered with the rest of our class for the commencement ceremony.

The ceremony was nice. Lengthy and boring, but nice. Vada brought her A-game. Her personality is perfectly suited for being in front of people, and her valedictorian speech did not disappoint.

She did make a point of mentioning Ronan, her eyes brimming with tears when she emphasized that the reason she was standing at the podium instead of Ronan was because he had been through hell and back. She didn’t go into detail, didn’t elaborate on exactly what happened to Ronan, but her emotional tribute nonetheless elicited a deep reaction from everyone in attendance.

“If things had gone differently, it would be Ran standing here in front of you all today. And truly, he’s more than deserving of this honor. Ran has always outperformed me, but not only is he an incredible student, he’s also one of the best friends anyone could ask for. He’s humble and gracious, kind and smart. What happened to him wasn’t fair. It was undeserved, and absolutely devastating. I would gladly give up this valedictorian title if it meant Ran would be unharmed, both physically and emotionally,” Vada choked out as she finished her speech, her voice cracking as she tried to hold it together.

To Ronan’s absolute dismay, almost our entire class stood from their seats and began applauding him. He just sat in his chair a few seats to my left, shaking his head and glaring at Vada, who laughed through her tears. When I looked out at the audience, I saw Ronan’s family, my mom and siblings, Shane’s, Tori’s, and Summer’s families, and Zack and Vada’s dad standing, applauding as well while Shane and Steve hollered and whistled. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that Ronan was probably internally dying right now. He hates attention like this, but he’s also so, so deserving of it.

Less than two weeks after graduation, Ronan turned eighteen. He readily admitted it was a giant milestone for him; he never thought he’d even make it to that age. But despite it being the perfect reason to celebrate, Ronan sternly shut down our friends’ suggestions to have an epic party at the beach house.

“No, man, we have to do something!” Zack complained with a frown. “It’s your fucking eighteenth, man!Eighteen!”

“Leave him be, dude,” Shane said.

“You seriously don’t want to do anything at all?” Steve asked his little brother. “No party? It’s a big one, Ran!”

“No, I don’t want a party,” Ronan said. “But… actually,” he said, perking up a bit next to me. “You know what I’d love to do this summer?”

“Enlighten us,” Shane chuckled.

The cutest smile spread across Ronan’s lips, making me smile in turn. “I’d love to go back to the Hamptons.”

“For beach camping?” Tori asked, sitting up a little straighter.

“Yeah,” Ronan said, his voice velvety. “Honestly, that was one of the best weekends of my life.” He turned to look at me, his eyes the most beautiful liquid green.

“Fuck yeah, it was an amazing weekend,” Shane said. “So, that’s what you want to do, huh?”

Ronan nodded. “Yep, that’s what I want to do.”

Shane pulled out his phone, immediately checking his calendar. “That should be doable. I might not be able to swing the Fourth this year, but maybe after that sometime so I can get my dad to cover for me,” Shane said, swiping around on his screen.

Vada giggled. “I assume this time Kitty Cat and I won’t be sharing a tent.”

“Absolutely not,” Ronan said with a chuckle.

I blushed. Of course I blushed. I wonder if I’ll ever be able to stop my face from turning red hot when I’m around Ronan.

Just as he had requested, Ronan’s birthday—which simultaneously marked our first anniversary—was a quiet day, though I did make good on the naughty dream I had soon after Ronan had left for Montana.

“I believe I still owe you hood-of-your-car sex,” I told Ronan bashfully when we were in the garage, about to get in his car to drive to the beach house that evening. I grinned widely at the look in his eyes when I said it, like all his wildest dreams were coming true. Just minutes later we were taking advantage of the fact that Steve had already left and Penny and Frank were out running errands. I’d say that was a pretty fantastic birthday present for him, and an equally incredible first anniversary present for me. One year down and hopefully an entire lifetime to go.

***

I’m in the backseat of my mom’s old clunker, squeezed between my sister, Sam, and Benny’s booster seat while my parents chat it up in the front. The moment we pull up to the curb in front of Ronan’s house, I hurry my siblings out of the car and grab what little camping gear I packed from the trunk.

I’m heading to the Hamptons with Ronan and my friends today. Four beautiful nights with Ronan. My body tingles at the thought of it.

Like they did last year, Tori and Shane are picking Ronan and me up so we can drive to the Hamptons together, while Steve is riding with Zack, Summer, and Vada.

“So…” Penny says, barely able to hide her excitement the moment we enter the house. “Frank and I have some news,” she says, and looks lovingly at Frank.

“Oh shit,” I hear Ronan mutter next to me, and Frank chuckles at his youngest son.

“I’m pregnant,” Penny says with so much happiness in her voice it’s contagious.

My mom starts doing her weird little happy jig. “Oh my god, oh my god,” she squeals, then hugs Penny tightly. “That is the best news!”

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