Promised (The Promised Series)

me.”
    She wraps her arms around my waist and looks up at me. “Are you sure you still want me after everything I put you through?”
    “Without a doubt.” I smile at her, then lean down and take her lips in a kiss. She’s smiling too when I pull back.
    A cough echoes around the field and we both look up at the stage. The principal is watching us with a grin on his face. “If you two will take your seats, we can finish the ceremony.”
    “Yes, sir.” I respond, taking Wyn’s hand and guiding her to our seats. I make Billy Sears, the boy who should be seated between Wyn and me during the line-up, switch me places so I don’t have to let Wyn’s hand go.
    Thirty minutes later, we’ve both crossed the stage and have our diplomas in hand. Wyn’s holding my other hand in a death grip. We’re looking for my parents in the crowd and she’s worried they’ll hate her. “They still love you. Stop worrying.”
    “I wouldn’t love the person who broke my son’s heart.” She grumbles as I guide us through the crowd. The thought of Wyn pregnant with my baby hits me and I stop in my tracks, causing her to run into me. I know we aren’t ready for that step now, but damn if I’m not looking forward to when we are. “What’s wrong?” She asks, pulling on my hand to get my attention.
    I shake my head to clear the thoughts out. “Nothing at all. Let’s find Mom and Dad.”
    “Too late, we found you.” I hear Dad’s voice call. He hugs me and whispers. “Proud of you, Kiddo.”
    “Thanks, Dad.”
    He releases me and turns and hugs Wyn. I watch her visibly relax in his arms and it warms my heart knowing I was right. My parents still love her.
    “Give your Mother a hug.” Mom calls, holding her arms out to me.
    “Yes, ma’am.” I say, doing just that.
    She releases me and looks at Wyn. “You look stunning, Wyn.”
    Wyn’s face flushes and she looks down at her feet. “I-I-I’m sorr…”
    Mom stops her. “No, you don’t have to say that.” She wraps Wyn in her arms and tells her. “Sometimes you have to take the wrong steps to get to the right path. And you’re on that path now.”
    “Winnie?” The voice calling causes Wyn to pull away from Mom and look over her shoulder.
    “Addie?” Wyn asks in surprise. I’ve seen her brother before, from a distance, but I’ve never met him. I move back to Wyn’s side and place my hand on the small of her back as a show of support.
    Adam’s eyes watch me closely, but I can’t tell if he’s angry or not. He looks back at his sister. “Dani told me everything.”
    “I’m sorry, Addie, but I’m not coming back.” I feel her straighten her back. She’s standing her ground. I couldn’t be prouder.
    “I know. I just wanted to let you know I won’t turn my back on you and I won’t make Dani either.” He says, walking closer.
    “But Dad and Mom?”
    He cocks one eye brow and smirks. “When have I ever done what they wanted?”
    She throws herself into Adam’s arms and he holds her tight. “Oh God, thank you.”
    He eyes me over her shoulder and releases her asking. “Is this the guy?”
    Wyn faces me and her smile has reached sun levels; it’s so bright. “Yes.” She makes the introductions and Adam shakes my hand.
    “Make her happy.” He commands.
    “That’s my goal.” I tell him, looking him square in the eye.
    He accepts my answer with a nod and then focuses back on his sister. “I better get back. Dani’s dealing with the mess back at the church. She said to tell you she loves you and she understands why. And that she’ll get your things from Mom and Dad’s house for you.”
    Wyn is so chocked up with emotion, she can’t respond verbally so she nods her head. I place her in my arms so she can let out everything and tell Adam. “Thank you and please tell Dani thanks for me too.”
    “Can do.” He says, taking in Wyn and me with a grin.
    I watch him disappear back in the crowd and I ask Wyn. “Are those happy tears?”
    “The happiest.” She answers between sobs. I pull her tighter to me, her face in my neck, my hands rubbing her back.
    I shake my head and chuckle. “Great. You’re even adorable when you cry. My heart didn’t even stand a chance against you, did it?”
    “Not a snowball’s chance in hell.” Dad laughs as Mom snaps a picture of me holding Wyn.

Epilogue
    “Do you see him?” I ask, hopping up and down on the balls of my feet, trying to see over the sea of people in front of me.
    “Not yet.” Mrs.