Semi-edited!

Thank you for this lovely cover! It is so cute!! <3 <3 

Song above is....Bright by Echosmith. I feel like it fits this chapter. (Let me know what songs you have heard that reminds you of this book! I'd love to know them!) 

Happy Reading!! 

3 years later...

"Can believe it? In just two days we will officially be done here!"

"That went by too fast." I said shaking my head.

Macey and I sat in the 95 Degrees sipping our coffee's and waiting for everyone else to show up. In two days we were graduating from Columbia University. Three years has passed since Macey and I first came onto campus, fresh-eyed freshman. No clue what was going to happen but knowing it would be the start of something good.

Now here we are three years later, days away from graduating and becoming real adults. These last few years have flown by and I was actually sad to be done with school. So many great things happened here in the last 3 years that leaving felt almost like we were leaving it all behind. I was excited to start something new though.

"We are going to the beach house for graduation right?" Macey asked, sipping her coffee.

"Yeah. We will leave the day after graduation because lets face it no one is going to want to drive all the way there."

"We haven't been there in so long! It will be fun."

Just then the ring of the door opening to the cafe made our heads snap towards it. In walked my boyfriend, my brother, Ethan and Dylan. Waving at them from our corner booth they made their way towards us. When they reached us Luke immediately went right to his girlfriend, kissing her deeply.

My own boyfriend came up, grabbing my chin gently and tipping my head back so he could kiss my lips. When he pulled away I grinned up at him.

"Hello to you too."

"Hey." He pulled out the chair next to me and sat down, his hand immediately grabbing my thigh. "How was your last class?"

Gage, Luke, and Ethan already graduated last year but came onto campus to meet us for lunch and what not occasionally. They all have been busy though with their new jobs so all of us getting together was nice.

Three years of dating Gage Harper has been the best three years of my life. Yes we have fought...a lot but we always made up and that just made our relationship stronger. I for one didn't think we would last this long and I think Gage thought the same thing. Somehow though we are still together and better than ever.

"It was killer but I think I passed." I grinned over at him. My hand found his on my thigh and squeezed it. I was somewhat confident that I passed my final classes but there was always that little fear that I didn't and I wouldn't be able to graduate.

"How was work?" I asked.

"Not bad. Busy but I don't mind." Gage smiled at me.

When Gage told me that he decided to work with Ethan at his family company I was shocked. I never really saw Gage as the CEO type but this is what he wanted to do. He had gone back and forth about doing it but after a while he said it just felt right.

So this past year he has been 'interning' at G&G, learning the ropes and everything. Because he didn't know much about business or the company it was going to take a little bit to learn how to do everything. However he has caught on quickly and I know in a years time he will be at Ethan's level. I think the reason was because he wanted to feel like was apart of something and being around his half brother made him feel more involved.

Ethan wasn't CEO just yet. His father wanted him to work for a few years before he took over or before he took that title. He needed experience first. Things between Ethan and his father were...tense. They didn't get along. They never really did anyways but after finding out Ethan and Gage were brothers that was the last straw.

Lets just say that Ethan blew up on his father and hasn't talked to him unless he absolutely had to. After their huge fight he ended up moving into our house officially before he moved out and got an apartment with Luke this past year.

As far as I knew Ethan's mother was staying with her husband. We all found out she knew about the cheating ages ago but she did not know that the woman had a child. I had no clue why she has stayed with the man for so long but it was her decision.

My own mother was appalled by it all that my father literally had hid her cellphone so she wouldn't call Ethan's parents. My dad almost had to tie her up so she wouldn't go over to their house. She went all momma bear on Ethan I tell you.

"So, you girls excited to graduate?" Luke asked, bringing be back into the conversation.

"Hell yes!" Macey immediately answered. "Even though I still have some interning to do for work but I am happy to be done."

Macey was able to get a good interning job at the science institute that was downtown. They rarely ever take anyone in for a job so she was lucky to get in. Of course with how smart she is it was a no brainer they would let her in. In no time she will be finding the cure for cancer or something like that.

"I am too." I was ready to graduate. See what else is out there and start my life.

"When do you start work?" Ethan asked me.

"I start next monday. There is a wedding Mrs. Murre wants me to be at and take some pictures."

"My girlfriend is going to be the best photographer out there." Gage pulled me closer and kissed the side of my head.

I wasn't sure what I really wanted to do after college. For the longest time I thought about just changing my degree and being apart of my father's business but Gage encouraged me to stay true to what I wanted to do. Art and photography. I ended up submitting some of my photos to a wedding photographer and was lucky enough for her to take me on.

I wasn't even sure if I wanted to be a wedding photographer but it was a start. Plus who didn't want to be apart of someones special day. And on the side I could work on my painting as well.

"By the way we are heading to the beach house the day after graduation. That way we can get an earlier start." I said a minute later. "Is that okay with everyone?"

A chorus's of 'yes' came. We have been planning on going to my parents beach house since forever and now everyone finally got time off work to go. It was going to be a nice break for everyone to forget about work and life after college. We all needed that.

"I personally am excited to lay on the beach, get a tan, drink tons of alcohol, see hot babes." Luke rattled off, a far away look in his eyes. In my head I counted down from 5. Right as I reached one Macey brought her hand up and smacked him hard on the back of his head.

"What the fuck?" Luke rubbed the back of his head and turned to Macey.


"Hot babes? Really?" She glared at him.

"By that I meant you." Luke tried to save himself but all of us knew it wouldn't work. I leaned into Gage as I watched my best friend and brother argue and throw insults at each other. Some things never change.

* * * * * * *

Finishing up my lipstick I let out a sigh and looked at my reflection. I was nervous, very nervous. I was graduating college today and I was a wreck. I didn't want to fall on stage or do something stupid. I was the exact same way on my high school graduation.

"Babe you will be fine." A pair of arms wrapped around my middle and pulled me back against a hard chest.

"I know but I'm still nervous." I leaned into Gage.

"We will all be there for you. Just find me." He pressed his lips into the hallow of my neck. I closed my eyes as my head tilted automatically. Just a simple touch from him and I was a melted mess. "Or you could skip it and we can stay here all day." Gage gently sucked on my neck.

I was seriously tempted to do as he suggested. I almost caved but realization sunk in.

"As appealing as that sounds I have to go. But we have the rest of the night to whatever we want." I turned in his arm until I was facing him. My arms came up to wrap around his neck and I smiled at him.

"All night you say?" Gage's smile turned wicked. I resisted the urge to bite on my bottom lip so I didn't ruin my make up. Seeing Gage's brown eyes turn darker made an ache shoot right to my core.

"Don't make empty promises babe." Deciding on teasing him a bit, I leaned forward. My lips moved towards his ear and grazed it.

"I don't make promises I can't keep." I whispered softly in his ear. "You should know that." I grinned as I felt his body shudder against me. Knowing I affected him I pulled away and out of his hold. Sending him a wink I left him standing there.

Doubling checking to see that I had everything I took a deep breath. It will go by so fast Carter. You won't believe it. I chanted to myself. I was looking forward to having my name called and get it over with. Then we will all go to the beach house tomorrow and spend the rest of the week/weekend there. Graduating on a Tuesday was actually pretty nice in that aspect.

"You are a cruel woman." Gage said as he came back into the room a few minutes later.

"You love me." I shooting him a smile over my shoulder.

"Sadly." He teased. I shook my head at him before straightening my dress. "You look beautiful princess." My heart expended in my chest at the term of endearment Gage still called me. It never gets old.

For graduation I was wearing a simple yet pretty white dress. When Macey and I went shopping not too long ago I saw it and fell in love. It was perfect for this. And we had to dress up under our gowns. It was some school code or something stupid like that. 

(This is literally the prettiest simple dress ever! )

My hair was softly curled and rested on my shoulders. It was earlier this year I decided I needed a change. So I ended up cutting and donating my hair. It was now about shoulder length and I had to say I liked it. Although I did miss my waist length and could just pull it into a messy bun. I made sure I could still pull it up so I wouldn't get paint in it.

(She is gorgeous! And her hair! )

I turned to face him and looked him up and down. He was still wearing what he wore to work and man did he look good. He wore a pair of light grey dress pants, along with a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and his tie now missing. When he decided to work at G&G he had to get some suits and 'dress' clothes because he couldn't show up in jeans and a t-shirt.

I knew he looked good dressed up but every time I saw him in that it made my knees weak. Every time he walked through the door I had to stop myself from jumping him. Not an easy task I tell you. I was beyond lucky to have him as my boyfriend.

Standing there I was speechless. His suggestion of staying home all day seemed a lot more fun now. A smirk spread across his face as if he knew my exact thoughts.

"We better get going." Gage said before I could change my mind and end up jumping him. Narrowing my eyes at him I grabbed my cap and gown. I didn't need to bring anything else, Gage had everything anyways.

The car ride to campus didn't take long. Our apartment was kind if in the middle of everything. We were about a 15 minute drive to campus and about the same time to downtown where Gage and Ethan worked. I wish I could say it wasn't a nice place but it was. My parents wouldn't let us move in together unless it was in a good part of town and they approved of it.

So after looking at 10 different places my parents approved of this one. We were on the top floor and it was a two bedroom apartment. It has a beautiful kitchen and a big living room. My dad said and I quote this "My daughter will only live in the best places and nothing less", meaning they paid the down payment and the first rent. However ever since Gage and I have been paying the rent ourselves, no matter how many times my mom tried to give us money.

The both of us liked living together and doing it on our own. Yes it was hard and looking at the bills made me want to pull my hair out but we had to learn to do it sometime. I know my parents were nervous about us moving in together so young. Gage had just turned 23 and I was about to turn 21 but it just felt right to us. I think they were just afraid things wouldn't work out between us. But so far things have been pretty great.

We finally found a parking spot in the mess of cars. The parking lots were filled and I was almost afraid I would miss my own graduation by not finding a parking spot. I had to force myself to take a deep breath and not get too worked up as I exited the car. When Gage laced his fingers through mine I relaxed a little bit. He always had that affect on me.

As we walked towards the football stadium where it was being held I smiled at all the memories that came up. When we passed by the quad where we all use to hang out, I felt like I could see it. I remembered all the laughs and stories that were shared that between our little group. Passing by the English building that Gage and I had our very first class together. The same place we got to know each other a bit more.

The more we walked the more all the memories resurfaced. I was going to miss this place. As weird as that sounded it was true. So much had happened on this campus. Some good, some bad, but all worth it in the end. To think I almost went to NYU instead. If I had done that I wouldn't have met Dylan, Anna, and Gage. I wouldn't have met the love of my life nor gotten over the one person I thought was.

As we neared the stadium more and more people showed up. Our class was pretty large so I expected this to be pretty packed. Since it was May 23rd it was actually really nice out today. Which perfect for an outside graduation and hopefully we wouldn't cook under our gowns.

When it came time for Gage and I to split up we stopped off to the side. With the help of him I put on my light blue colored gown and he helped pin my cap into place. I sent him a shaky smile.


"When they call your name take a deep breath and watch your step. We will all be in the stands yelling your name so don't worry." He pulled me into his arms. I closed my eyes and breathed him in. I nodded into him wishing he was graduating with me instead of last year. "The moment it is over I will find you. Meet over in the end zone okay?"

"Okay." I pulled away and nodded. He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss made my toes curl like it always did. When he pulled away I gasped for air.

"Good luck princess." Sending me a wide smile he turned and walked off. I watched him go until he blended with the crowd. Once I couldn't see him I turned and headed for where I was suppose to be.

Heading for my section I kept my eyes open for Macey, Amy and even Anna. We all got ready separately and said we would meet up before but by the looks of it I wouldn't be able to find them. Because we were seated alphabetically I wasn't anywhere near Macey or Anna but at least Amy was a row ahead of me.

A week ago they made us all get together and practice this. We were told where to sit, where to stand and walk to get our diploma's, and who's hands we had to shake. At the time I thought it was kind of stupid to waste our time on this but now I was glad.

I was finally able to push my way to where my seat was. I was seated in-between a short blonde girl that I recognized from the cheerleading team, and a nerdy but cute guy on my right. They seemed pretty nice so there was that at least.

When I reached my seat I noticed the nerdy guy was there and talking with some people. I sent him a polite smile but my eyes were already scanning the area. Somewhere in the crowd my parents, Luke, Ethan and Gage were there. My aunt and uncles were here too but I had no clue where they were.

It was a first that everyone was together. Normally they were all busy with their own lives and children, so it was nice they all made time to be here. They all came out for Luke's graduation as well. I am pretty sure my parents have a party planned for everyone once this is over.

It wasn't until everyone around my started to take their seats did I finally see Amy. She sat a row ahead of me and only like 4 people down. Once we saw one another I sent her a smile and a dorky thumbs up.

These past 3 years things shifted between us and Amy. She distanced herself from us for a while and for a bit we didn't know why. She just stopped texting and mostly stuck to herself or Ethan. When we would hang out she had some excuse as to not be there.

Later we found out that her mother cheated on her father and they were going through a nasty divorce. They had to go to court and everything. Amy told us she was the one who found her mother cheating and when her dad eventually found out he was angry that she kept it from him. Amy was somehow put in the middle of everything.

It took Amy a while before she realized that she wasn't the cause of them getting divorce. That what her parents did of putting her in the middle wasn't right. The whole just made all three of us closer. We spent more time having girls night after that.

The divorce was a good thing for Amy though. It opened her eyes and instead of being someone she wasn't she finally let that go. She stopped dressing slutty, stopped hooking up with guys, and that is party from Ethan being so caring with her. It just made her a lot stronger than before.

A minute later the Dean of the school stood up and welcomed everyone over the microphone. Almost like we rehearsed it everyone took their seats instantly and became quiet.

While the Dean spoke I tried to listen, I really did. I wanted to hear what he was talking about but my mind was else where. It wasn't until I felt a nudge on my arm did I tune back in. The kid beside me motioned with his head to the stage. I noticed they were starting to call peoples names up. Because my last name started with an 'M' it was going to take a while. I would hate to be Macey because hers started with a "T".

And a while it did. It took a good hour if not more before my row could finally stand up and make it's way towards the stage. The closer I got to my name being called the more nervous I became. In just a matter of minutes I was going to be done with college. I was going to officially be an adult. It was crazy to think that.

When they called "Amy Manson", I made sure to yell and clap. Around me I could hear people yelling her for as well. Amy was definitely liked and known in our class. Especially from being head of the cheerleading team and dating one of the star players of the football team.

Before I knew it I was one person away from being called up. I stood at the edge of the stage as the girl in front of me walked out, shaking everyones hand and grabbing her diploma. I took a deep breath.

I could do this. It wasn't that scary. I was ready to be done, I was ready to start doing what I wanted and living. Ready to face the world.

Finally my name was called. As I walked out onto the stage I could instantly hear yelling and blow horns. My head instantly snapped towards the section to the right of me, actually not that far from me. Right there I could make out my entire family standing there. I could see them all standing and clapping, blow horns in everyones hands. I even noticed members of the football team in the crowd standing and cheering for me. I guess it pays to be the sister of the star quarter back that led the team to win for 4 years straight.

Grinning like an idiot I shook the hands of the people I needed to and finally reached the Dean who held my diploma. I shook his hand as we posed for a picture.


"Congratulations Ms. Miller."

"Thank you." I smiled at him before I headed off stage.

The moment my foot hit the ground off the stage I could feel my hands shaking. I stared down at my empty diploma in my hand and I felt like I was going to explode. I did it. I just graduated!

I took my seat along side ecstatic students and waited for my best friends name to be called. The exact same thing happened when her name was called. My family blew their horns and I stood up yelling at the top of my lungs. People around me thought I was crazy but I didn't care. We were finally graduates.

About two hours later we were finally done. The last name was called and we were finally told to throw our caps. The whole thing flew by and before I knew it I was pushing through the crowds of people to try and reach my family.

It was like a stampede trying to get through everyone. People around me were yelling and hugging each others, others were like me and pushing their way through to find friends or family.

A century later I was able to get through the main crowd and walk along the edges towards the part of the stands I knew my family was waiting for me. I tightly gripped my diploma and cap in one hand as I speed walked. When I did finally get to the part where my family was I couldn't see over everyone.

I stood on my toes and glanced around hoping to catch a glimpse of someone. There was a brief break in the crowd letting me finally see one person I knew. The person I saw standing there, trying to see around everyone, made me grin. Gage stood there looking over everyone and even pushing some people aside to try and find me. I noticed that the people he pushed would look at him about to say something but when they saw who it was they hurried past. That is right by boyfriend was still a feared badass on campus.

Knowing where he was I started to push people out of my way. I didn't care anymore and was tired of the crowds. When I was a few people away from Gage I yelled his name.

"Gage! Gage!" His head snapped in my direction and I watched as a grin spread across his face. Like to magnets we started for one another.

Shoving past one last person I ran towards him. I launched into his arms as soon as I reached him. Even in the little space we had he spun me around, his arms tight around my waist and my arms tight around his neck. When he stopped spinning me he held me still, my toes not even touching the ground.

I wasted no time in pressing my lips to his. Just like the first time we kissed I felt tingles all the way through my body.

What felt like an hour later we pulled away breathing heavily. I opened my eyes and smiled at him. His brown eyes were bright and sparkling. There was a light in them that wasn't there three years ago. A light that made me giddy.

"Congratulations princess." His smile was almost blinding. I had no words so instead I kissed him again. Pulling away a minute later I slowly slid down the front of his body until my feet touched the ground.

"How about we ditch this and go somewhere else?" Gage suddenly suggested. The thought was once again tempting but we couldn't do that.

"Lets go find my family you horn dog." I grabbed his hand and tugged him after me. Behind me I heard him grumbling which just made me smile even more.

A few minutes later we finally reached my family. They all stood there a bit up on the stands. Everyone around them had gone to greet their own kids leaving us on our own. Looking at them all I noticed we took two rows up. Literally everyone was here. My cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents. It was incredible.

It was my mom who spotted us first. Almost like what I did to Gage, she launched herself at me. I barely had time to let go of Gage's hand before my mom was pulling me into a death drip. Even though the hug was tight and I was losing air I hugged her back just as hard. For some reason I felt tears come to my eyes but I pushed them back. I was not going to cry.

My mom hugged for a good 5 minutes before she finally pulled away and let my dad in. My dads hugs were still the best after all this time. I felt his body shake slightly against me which did not help me in not crying.

One by one I was hugged by all of my family members. Gage's grandmother was even here and pulled me into one of her tight hugs. Ethan was last to hug me and behind me I felt Gage take a step closer. Even after this long he still didn't like me around Ethan too long. Yes he was closer to Ethan than before but he just couldn't get over that Ethan once liked me.

Even after telling Gage so many times that he had nothing to worry about he just couldn't get it through his head yet. It was a never ending argument.

"You didn't fall flat on your face." He said once he pulled away.

"You would have liked that wouldn't you." I shook my head at him. No doubt him and my brother made a bet that I would fall.

"Well actually no. I won 20 bucks thanks to you." Gambling issue I tell you.

"You guys need to stop that." I rolled my eyes at him. "Anyways where is..." I trailed off noticing him and Macey walking up the steps, hand in hand. I smiled at the pair. Yet another thing that I didn't think would happen in my life.

At first seeing them together was gross and just blah. But now I am happy they are together. They just fit so well and as long as my best friend and brother were happy I was too. But it is disgusting when they start making out in front of everyone, not caring we were there. Forever burned in my memory.

Upon seeing my best friend I shoved past Ethan and went right for her. Her parents barely had time to move out of the way before I lunged at her. I almost tackled her in a hug and thank god for the railing behind her.

"We did it!" I yelled at her as we hugged one another. Some best friends drift apart during college but it did the opposite for me and her. We became closer and we always made time for one another.

"And we didn't fall!" She yelled back. We laughed at that. I let her go so everyone else could hug her but not before we sent each other a wide smile.

"Love you." I mouthed.

"Love you too babe." She mouthed back. I stepped back and let my own parents come to hug her.

After getting wrapped in a bear hug by my brother did Dylan and Anna come around. Speak of another cute couple that no one thought would be together. Dylan gave up his womanly possessed ways and stayed true to Anna. She equaled out his dorkyness. They were just right for each other.

We didn't leave the stands until 20 minutes later. By then the crowds were smaller and we were able to walk without bumping into people. Because our diplomas were empty we had to the 'counter' they had so we could trade in our gowns to get them. We were at least able to keep our caps.

Instead of thinking about the fact that after today I am a 'responsible' adult, I was going to have fun with my entire family and the rest of the week with my friends at the beach house.

* * * * * *

"I'm ready, I'm ready!" Dylan yelled as we started to drive on the freeway. We had just barely left the apartment and he was already on my nerves.

We were on our way to my parents beach house about 4 hours away from here, in the Hamptons. Because there were 8 of us going we split into two different cars. Gage's Jeep and Ethan's Range Rover so we wall wouldn't be cramped together. We also decided to use some old walkie-talkies my parents had so we could talk to one another. We could have used our cellphones but this was funner. Right now though, I was envious of Macey seated in Ethan's car instead of ours.

"I'm ready, I'm ready." Dylan said again in Spongebob's voice. I looked over at Gage.

"Can I tie him up and place him in the back?"


"I can hear you."

"I said it loudly." I turned in my seat and saw him stick his tongue out at me.

"Well we have four hours until we get there. How about some music?" Johanna asked from the backseat.

"MY PHONE!" Dylan scream and shoved his phone towards me. Knowing he wouldn't shut up until I did, I took his phone and plug the cord into it. When the music started I raised an eyebrow at the first song.

"Do You Want To Build A Snowman...really?" Gage asked looking at Dylan through the review mirror.

"What? It is a good song." He defended himself.

"Why am I still dating this guy?" Anna wondered out loud.

"Shh everyone! It is playing!" Laughing under my breath I was quiet so the song could play.

In the backseat Dylan sang every word at the top of his lungs. I was surprisingly impressed that he knew all the words, although I shouldn't have been. This is Dylan we are talking about.

This is how the next hour went. With every single song that came on Dylan sang at the top of this lungs. The plus was that he at least knew the words well....most of the words. Some he got the words completely wrong but went with it. I would be lying if said it wasn't entertaining because it was, very entertaining.

Thankfully the four hours went by quickly. We only stopped once because Luke demanded if he didn't stop he would pee everywhere. Other than that though it was smooth sailing. No traffic or anything on the freeway so it didn't take us as long as we thought it would.

Ethan's car was ahead of us as we pulled up to the gate of the house. He knew the code so he punched it in and we drove up the long driveway. It was like a silent agreement here in the Hampton's that you had to have long driveways and a huge house. A house three times the size of a normal one.

I loved our beach house. It was a light blue color and two stories tall. It had a stairway that lead right to the beach which was perfect. Our family spent quiet a few weeks here in the summer every year, and it was always fun. Just ignore the snotty rich girls that lived near by and it is a great place to be at.

"This is your house?" Dylan whistled as he leaned forward to see it.

"Yeah. My dad apparently got a good deal on it years ago." When we parked I noticed everyone was gawking at the house. Gage has been here before but he still looked so shocked.

Gage came here with us two years ago in the summer. My parents thought it would be nice of him to join us and we spent two weeks here walking along the beach, playing games, and just hanging out with my family.

However this was Dylan and Anna's first time coming here. It would take a bit for them to get use to the size. Until then I expected a lot of comments and gasps, all coming from Dylan of course.

"Okay. Pick a room and meet back in the living room in about thirty minutes. We can decide what to do then." I said as everyone got out of the cars and started unloading. Immediately Luke and Dylan ran inside to find the 'best room'. You would think after coming here for 10 plus years Luke would not run inside each time, but nope. Every. Single. Time.

The rest of us grabbed our suitcase and slowly trailed after them. It was just us eight so every couple got their own room. Good thing no parents were here or else they'd make us separate. Not even lying. My own made Gage stay in a whole different room when we were here before.

"I know what I want to do today." Gage joked as we walked upstairs.


"Is everything about sex with you?" I questioned my back turned to him. 


"...Yes." I didn't even bother to say anything back. I pushed open the door to the room I normally stay in. It was easily twice the size of our bedroom back home. Another plus side to the beach house, the rooms were huge.

"We are not doing that right now." I said once we were in the room with the door shut. I quickly got to work unpacking my suitcase. Gage of course jumped on the bed and laid there watching me.

"Not even a little chance?"

"No. Wasn't last night enough for you?" I glanced over my shoulder at him. He sat up and stared right at me.

"No." He stated. Insatiable man I tell you. I should expect nothing less from Gage though.

"Still no." I moved around the room as I unpacked. I felt Gage's eyes on me the entire time and forced myself not to turn and look at him. If I did I would fall for his charm and give in. Happened more often than I liked.

"Babe!"

"Don't babe me. We are going to go downstairs and do something all eight of us."

Behind me I knew Gage was pouting like a little kid. Right now we couldn't do that, not when everyone was going to be waiting for us. When I finished unpacking what I could I turned to face Gage.

He was laying on his back staring up at the ceiling, a hard look on his face. I shook my head and went towards him. I grabbed his hand and hauled him up off the bed. It took me a few tries first though. Dude weighed a lot.

"Lets go cry baby." He dragged his feet as I pulled him out of the room and downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * 

"Lets play never have I ever!"

"No."

"Yes."

"Okay."

"This is going to become awkward guys, so no." I said bowing out. Playing never have I ever was never a good idea with friends, especially when someone is family.

We were all sitting around a fire outside on the beach. We spent the entire day out here. The moment we all gathered in the living room every yelled out that they wanted to spend the day on the beach. We had 4 days to do other things so I didn't care.

"Come on!" Everyone turned to look at me so I sighed.

"Fine." Luke cheered as he grabbed beers for everyone to have.

"We will drink beer so we can play longer." Luke said as he handed them out to everyone.

Ever since I turned 21 I have had a few shots but alcohol just wasn't really my thing. I'll do a few then switch to water. I stared down at the cold can of beer and scrunched my nose up.

"I'll drink some for you." Gage whispered down to me. I nodded and leaned into his side. Gage knew I wasn't a fan and always drank it for me or made sure I had water or soda around.

I was wearing one of his sweatshirts that I stole from Gage ages ago. Even though we lived together I still stole his sweatshirts all the time and he never got them back. Sitting next to the fireplace I still leaned into Gage for his warmth.

"Remember if you have done it you need to take a shot, in this case a gulp of beer. If you have done it you have to say exactly what you did." Luke rattled off. "Who wants to go first?"

"I will." Amy said first. "Never have I ever...passed out at a party drunk." For this question no one drank. We all looked surprisingly at one another.

"No one?" Dylan asked.

"Honest." Ethan and Luke said at the same time. They were telling the truth honestly. The reason none of them ever passed out was because I was either there to make sure they didn't or one of them called me and had me come get them. Back when I couldn't drive I would threaten a friend of theres to be the sober one and drive everyone home. Most of the time though it was Ethan who stayed sober enough to drive everyone home.

"I am the reason behind that." I said. "I always made sure they didn't. But I am surprised you never did Dylan."

"I had Gage for that. He didn't let me get pissed drunk."

"Okay onto the next one. I'll go." Luke sat up and looked around at each of us. "Never have I ever smoked weed." Amy was the only who drank on that one. Next came Macey.

"Never have I ever, peed my pants in public." I grimaced and took a sip of the crappy beer.

"You peed your pants?" Gage asked me with a raised eyebrow.

"It was an accident." I could feel my cheeks heating up. "It was all Macey's fault anyways!"

"My fault? You shouldn't have drank all of those sodas."

"When did this happen?" Luke asked.

"Eighth grade year. We were at one of your football games and I was really thirsty. After having 5 bottles I had to go so bad I didn't make it all the way to the bathroom. I ended up having to take off my jacket and wear it around my waist for the rest of the night. So embarrassing." Just thinking of that moment again made me want to crawl into a hole. It was terrible. I blamed it on all the jumping up and down when the team scored. Wasn't my finest moment I'll tell you.

"Anna your turn." I said turning the subject away from me.

"Ummm....never have I ever, peed out in or behind a bush." Of course everyone drank on that one.

"You have never done that? Have you not been camping before?" Dylan incredulously gasped.

"My parents were never really around to take me hiking and I've always lived in the city." Anna shrugged and sunk down embarrassed.

"Don't worry it isn't that glamourous." I smiled over at her to ease her a bit.

"Okay finally my turn!!" Dylan yelled sitting up. He was quiet for a minute but I knew he was just doing it to be dramatic.

"Never have I ever, been handcuffed before." We all got what he meant by that. He didn't mean being handcuffed by a cop. Here I thought we stay away from the sexual questions for a bit.

I groaned as I brought the beer can to my lips once more. The awful taste of it slid down my throat and I grimaced. At least I wouldn't get a buzz from this stuff.

"Carter?!" Everyone suddenly yelled. Everyone's attention was on me, making me sink more into Gage's side. Beside me I could basically feel Gage's pride swelling and a smirk growing on his face.

"You've been handcuffed before?" Ethan asked, his eyebrows raised and his mouth wide open.

Thankfully in the dark no one could see how red I got. I really shouldn't have drank and lied about it. I have been handcuffed before by Gage. We were just....experimenting.

"I'm not the only one. Did no one else see Luke take a drink!" I pointed at him. "And I know for a fact he hasn't been arrested!" Just as I wanted everyone looked at Luke. I could see all the guys looking at him questionably. Almost like they couldn't believe a guy could be handcuffed to a bed instead of a girl.

"What? It was fun." I was probably the only one who noticed Macey smiling softly next to him. I shook my head at her but she stuck her tongue out at me.

"Lets move on shall we?" I asked loudly. Since it was my turn I quickly rattled off a question. "Never have I ever, snuck out of the house." Sadly it was only me and Anna who didn't drink. Of course everyone else has snuck out before. I knew of many times both Ethan and Luke did at home.

As it came to Gage's turn I waited for what his thing was. I had a feeling he had something up his sleeve by the way he snuck a glance at me.

"Never have I ever given a lap dance." I silently cursed at him. He did that on purpose. Waiting for everyone to look the other way I took a quick sip of my beer. From the corner of my eye though I saw Dylan send Gage a smirk and a wink.

"You little liar." Gage leaned down a whispered in my ear.

"Am not. I drank."

"Not in front of everyone." His breath was warm against the side of my face.

"Well I don't want my brother to find out I gave my boyfriend a lap dance before."

"Should I tell everyone you didn't drink?" I noticed a glint in his eyes. He was definitely doing this on purpose.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Oh yeah?" He started to open his mouth and I quickly slapped my hand across his lips.

"Fine. What do you want?" I asked, although I had an idea on what he wanted.

"A private lap dance from you later on." This was definitely payback for not letting him have his way with me earlier.

I looked him right in the eyes and knew he was joking. Not going to lie, he played that smoothly. Sending him a smirk back I removed my hand from his mouth.

"Fine. But you are handcuffed to the bed." If he wanted to play dirty so could I. Being this close to him I saw his jaw clench and heard his small groan. "We got ourselves a deal then." Smirking I tuned back into the game everyone had just picked back up.

We spent the rest of the night playing Never Have I Ever until we finally just got bored and ran out of questions. One by one each of us split off onto our own. Luke and Macey went back inside to god knows what. Anna and Dylan went up to the deck and sat on the rocking bench, silently talking. Ethan and Amy sat beside the fire, sipping their drinks and having their own conversation.

Gage and I decided to go off on our own for a bit. Walking hand in hand we walked along the beach. Our bare feet squished in the wet sand as we walked. Occasionally the water would come up and splash our feet but we made sure to stay up higher so the cold water wouldn't get us too wet.

The moon wasn't full quite yet but just enough to light up the area around us. It was a nice night out at the Hampton's. Not too cold that a sweater couldn't keep you warm, plus I had a werewolf boyfriend who just radiated heat.

The two of us were quiet as we walked. Neither of us had to say anything, both content being next to each other. We walked further down the shoreline until the fire was in the distance, and light from the near by houses lit up our pathway.

"What are you thinking about princess?" Gage asked after some time.

"I am thinking about how happy I am right now." I smiled up at him. "Happy that all of us are here right now."

"It is already a nice break from our lives." Gage agreed.

"You know, yesterday at graduation I kept hearing everyone say they were nervous about life after college. And to be honest I was too. I was worried things were going to change so much and I liked what happened to us in college. But now...I am not so scared anymore."

"What changed your mind?" Gage pulled us to a stop.

"You. This." I placed my hands on his chest as I looked up at him. "I'm not scared about our future together because I know we will last. I know we will have the same kind of love my parents still have and my grandparents. I am not scared about living on our own and making our way in this world.

"I mean look at you. You are going to be partnering CEO with Ethan in a few years, that is incredible. I already have an internship with a wedding planner and hopefully one day open my own photography place. I know along the way there will be some mishaps and things may be difficult at times but I'm okay with that. I'm okay with the 'what if's' and the scary possibility that things can turn bad fast. I am okay because you will be there beside me as we navigate this and learn the ropes.

"I am ready to start my life with you Gage and not look back once."

All of that came from no where. It just slipped past my tongue and out. But it was all true. I wasn't scared anymore.

"You know I love you right?"

"I do."

"Good because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon."

"I know that too." My grin got wider as our heads got closer. Gage's hands came up and cupped my face gently. Lips pressed against one another I knew we would be fine. We would be more than fine with the years to come. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HELLO!! It has been a bit since I last update and for that I am sorry. This past week or so I have felt no motivation to write. Everything I did write I hated and so on and so forth. I decided the reason was because I don't want this book to end. As you all know these are the last three chapters. I have been writing this story for over a year now and I am just sad to see it ending. So this chapter took a long time to write so I do hope you enjoy it!!

YES this book only has two more chapters, however there will be tons of Bonus Chapters afterwards. I plan on doing a chapter for almost all the chapters and maybe one of Layla/Ashton. So look forward to that. Things are wrapping up pretty smoothly and I hope you all don't hate the way I am ending things. 

IMPORTANT! Remember the Block Party is going on right now. Make sure you head over to the book title "Winter Block Party" hosted by Kelly Ann Blount, and see all the amazing writers! There are some good ones this time around. My day IS VALENTINE'S DAY! So if you want to see my post make sure to add it to your libraries. I will of course remind you on here, Twitter (kendoll350) and snapchat about it (OutOfMyLimit17). 

ALSO I will be uploading the first chapter of "The Hidden Shadow" in like a week! Make sure you have that one already added to libraries because it is starting soon. I am so excited about it! I hope you all will love it as much as I do! 

I just want to thank you all so much! You guys are incredible and every day I am reminded of everything you do for me and how happy you guys make me. Without your constant messages, comments, tweets, snaps, I don't know what I would do. Without your constant LOVE I would not still be writing nor have gotten to where I am now. I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU! Thank you guys for almost 57 THOUSAND FOLLOWERS! <3 <3

I hope you all enjoyed this!! Let me know what you think!

P.S Make sure to follow me on my social media so you can be reminded of my updates, sneak peeks, and my random 'get to know me' on snapchat :) 

VOTE, COMMENT, HAVE A GOOD WEEK!! 

<3 <3 <3 

-Ken