Page 46 of Trusting You
“Aaron’s told me a little about his mom,” I whispered.
“I’m sure you don’t know the bad stuff. When we were little it got really bad. I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready, but don’t take Uncle Cam’s attitude to heart right now. When all this is over, you’ll see the Uncle that I love,” Emma wrapped her arm around me and gave me a squeeze just as we reached the doors to the coliseum.
When we finally made it to our seats, I was sandwiched between Emma and Avery. Brooklyn sat on my lap for the time being, completely enthralled with all the commotion going on around us. The sea of people got quiet as the band began warming up, and then cheers and whoops could be heard when Pomp and Circumstance filled the air.
Two different aisles filled with graduates as they meandered down the steps to a large seating area in front of the stage. I had no idea which one was Aaron. I watched in amazement as his family cheered, and wondered if they could tell.
Once everyone was seated, the chancellor came to the podium and welcomed everyone, thanking them for taking time out of their day to celebrate with the faculty and graduates. My mind wandered as I thought about myself sitting at a ceremony similar to this next spring. Several different people spoke before they started handing out the ‘fake’ diplomas, as Aaron put it.
When the College of Communication Studies was called, I watched as multiple rows of graduates stood. When they started walking toward the stage, I found him. Aaron had this swagger that made him stand out, and as he blended in with his class, that one attribute made him different.
Graduate after graduate made their way up the steps to shake the dean’s hand. When Aaron’s name was called all the Sutters whooped and stood in front of their seats. I watched as he turned and faced us all. He held the leather-bound holder over his head as a grin spread across his face. I squinted to try and see what he was doing, but Emma beat me to the punch when an ‘Awe’ slipped from her lips. Aaron mouthed the words ‘I love you’ before pointing directly at me. I squeezed Brooklyn tighter as I tried to hold back the tears, but when Avery hugged me, I lost it. Hot tears trickled down my cheeks, causing me to pull away in embarrassment.
“It’s ok,” she whispered. “We already know you’re it for him.”
“Why do you say that? We just got together,” I sniffed as I wiped my eyes.
“It’s the way he looks at you,” she shrugged. “He doesn’t know it yet, but a mother does and he loves you,” she grinned before going back to watching the ceremony.
I sat there kinda dazed as the rest of the commencement continued. I didn’t know what to make out of what she said. I didn’t think Aaron and I were anywhere near forever. We’d just figured things out a few months ago. I understood what she meant about ‘a mother knows’ though. There were moments that I just knew what Brooklyn needed or wanted. It wasn’t that I paid attention more, or knew why. It was more about a sense that I had. All I could do at this point was wait and see where things went, andhope that Cam could see what his wife did.
Once the ceremony ended, we went outside to a courtyard. Aaron was going to meet us there for pictures. There were flowers blooming everywhere and a fountain in the center. It made for a really pretty back drop.
“Up,” Brooklyn pointed at Nick when we walked past where he was standing with Leah.
She laughed as they both watched Brooklyn’s antics. “Looks like you made a friend,” she laughed.
“He’s never gotten to ride on anyone’s shoulders before,” I clarified.
“Come here, big guy,” Nick smiled as he crouched down and held out his arms. I watched as Brooklyn rushed over, abandoning me, and leaped into Nick’s arms. Leah waved me off, so I went to wait for Aaron with Emma.
“Miss me?” Aaron snuck up behind me, startling me as his arms came around my waist.
“Geez,” I gasped as I caught my breath. I glanced over my shoulder and scowled at him.
“Let’s get this photo thing over with so I can get out of all of this,” Aaron tugged at his collar. It was the first time I’d seen him in a tie and I had to admit that I was enjoying the view.
“Calm down,” Avery swatted at him. “It’s not every day that I get to see my baby dressed up. The next time you’ll wear anything fancy will be at Emma’s wedding.”
We all moved over in front of the fountain and took turns posing with Aaron. A member from someone else’s family volunteered to take a photo of the entire family at one point. By the time we were finished, I was as antsy as Aaron to get home. He’d been sneaking glances at me the whole time, and I could read on his face what he was trying to do.
“One more camera in my face and I might snap,” he growled through gritted teeth when Avery started positioning us again.
“They’re excited,” I elbowed him.
“I am too, but not for the same reason,” he sighed.
“All right babe,” Cam came to our rescue. “If this party is going to be a success today, we need to get back. Our guests will be arriving soon.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Aaron groaned.
“No problem,” Cam smiled before glancing at me and then walking away.
We filed out of the courtyard the same way we came in, and started the long walk back to the cars. Cam looked back at us several times, and this time I didn’t see anger. It looked like he was starting to come around. “My mom can work miracles on my dad,” Aaron snickered. “Just never ask her how she does it. I don’t want to know, and I know you don’t either.”
Chapter 21
Melinda
