Chapter 14: Graduation

A little over two years later
Harper could barely contain her excitement. Tomorrow, she’d be getting her associate’s degree. To a normal person, that probably wasn’t such a big deal, but to her it was. She had a baby to raise as well as do were work, which was hard in its own right. Then, right after, she was flying to California to attend her brother’s wedding. Who would’ve thought that Harvey would be getting married? Harper had yet to meet his fiance so she was excited about that too. “What’s got you so excited?” her friend, Rina, asked. She and Rina had hit it off as roommates. Rina was her best friend, second only to Paige who she’d remained in contact with. Paige kept her updated on everything, including the Martinson brothers. According to Paige, Cole had moved soon after she left and hadn’t been back much since. Paige said that Caden said that he couldn’t stand being around a place that constantly reminded him of her and Emerald. Regarding Emerald, Cole had shockingly been out of her life most of the time. Chase had picked her up only a handful of times to take her to visit him but other than that he’d been absent. When she’d asked Chase, he said that Cole had been on tour most of the time. Harper turned to Rina, “I graduate tomorrow and my brother is getting married!” “You go, girlfriend. I’m sure Em’s excited to see her uncle.” “Uncle Harbey!” Emerald said. Harper smiled, “Yes, I’m sure she is. You should come with me; I’ll introduce you to my BFF Paige. You’ll love her.” Rina waved her off, “A wedding is a personal event. I don’t know your family that well.” “Well, you don’t have to come to the wedding.” “I’ll think about it.”
The next day
Harper put on her graduation hat. “How does mommy look?” she asked Emerald. Emerald gave her a thumbs up. “Aww, thank you baby!” she said, smothering her in kisses. Emerald giggled. Harper handed Emerald over to Rina and went to take her seat in the front of the auditorium with everyone else who was graduating.
Cole walked into the auditorium where Harper was going to be graduating. He saw her sitting upfront. He hadn’t seen her in two goddamn years. He scanned the crowd for Emerald, knowing she wouldn’t be far. She was in the lap of a woman he’d never seen before so she must be one of Harper’s new friends. He walked over and took the seat next to her. “Hi baby girl,” he said to Emerald. The woman gave him a funny look. Emerald’s face lit up, “Daddy!” The woman looked shocked now. She reached her arms out and he took her into his lap. He turned to the woman, “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Cole Martinson, Em’s dad.” She blinked then nodded, “Hi; likewise. I’m Rina Foss: Harper’s roommate.” “Ah.” “I haven’t seen you around before.” He chuckled, “I haven’t been around. I’m in the military so I’m not in the states much but when I am, I tend to avoid Harper and have my brother pick Em up.” “Avoid Harper? Who would want to do that?” Cole didn’t try to conceal the pain that he knew flashed through his eyes every time he remembered what he and Harper had and could have had if they hadn’t walked away from each other. Rine noticed it, “Oh. I’m sorry.” He gave her a small smile, “Sometimes, things don’t work out. She was only 17 when we met and had Em so it’s understandable. Don’t get me wrong, I love her to death but I’ve moved on. I mean come on, I’m 23 now.” Rina nodded, “I get it. Well, I’m glad you came.” He smiled, “Me too.”
Harper’s name was called up towards the end. She went up and received her diploma, tears blurring her eyes. She could’ve sworn she saw a familiar face beside Rina but was too teary to make it out. She returned to her seat and waited for the rest of the students to go after her. Once everyone had received their diploma, the ceremony went outside with the hat throwing. Harper particularly enjoyed that part even though there was no way she would find her hat at all after that. With that over, she turned to find Rina so she could celebrate with her and Emerald, only to find herself staring into the clearest blue eyes she’d ever seen. Her throat worked for a moment before his name came out, “Cole?” “Congratulations sweetheart,” he said. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him like it was the last time she would be able to, “Thank you.” He enfolded her in his arms, “For what?” “Coming.” “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She felt tears rolling down her cheeks, destroying her perfect make-up, but she didn’t care. She relished in the feeling of being in his arms again, a feeling that she hadn’t noticed how much she missed until now. He slowly set her away from him, “You deserve it.” Rina stepped up with tears in her eyes, “That was so beautiful.” Harper laughed through her tears and took Emerald in her arms. Emerald pointed to Cole, “Daddy.” Harper smiled, “Yes, daddy’s here.” “He stay?” Harper looked at Cole; she knew full well that he wouldn’t stay, neither would she ask him to. They had moved on in their lives and couldn’t go back to what they had been like. Cole looked at Emerald, “Daddy’s taking you to get ice cream after this.” The subject of him staying or leaving was quickly forgotten by the toddler. Harper gave him an apologetic look but he had that look on his face that said he was thinking of something.
Harper spent the rest of the day with Rina, Cole, and Emerald. When it was late, she put Emerald to bed then grabbed a blanket and sat out on the balcony with Cole. He looked so good; he’d gotten more handsome since she’d last seen him, if that was possible. “You look good,” she said. He cast her a glance then smiled, “So do you. You look...happy. Content. Accomplished.” “I am.” He nodded. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before she yawned. “I’m going to head out now; you get some rest. We have a flight to catch in the morning.” He stood up and gave her forehead a kiss before going inside. Harper could tell he went into her room where Emerald was sleeping. He came out a minute later then left. She smiled to herself. Yeah, her and Cole’s relationship had changed. They were comfortable where they were in life now. Maybe that was better than what they had before. Before, they’d practically thrown themselves together for Emerald’s sake and not their own happiness. Yes, she did love him and she had no doubt that he loved her, but it was rushed. They’d had time to grow now and maybe being together would lead to more than co-parenting friendship naturally. She wasn’t sure if she wanted more but for now, she was happy and that was all that mattered.