Diana's POV

I could see him sitting with all other students, easily getting lost amongst the crowd of the graduation caps and black gowns. But I could easily spot Aaron from anywhere. Emily was sitting in my lap, my polaroid camera in her hand.

His parents are sitting three rows in front of me, and I'm so glad that they haven't seen me yet because meeting them without Aaron would be just plain awkward. Surprisingly, Derek is here and is sitting beside me. His parents dragged him here, I think but he's here nonetheless.

"Well, I am fucking cold. Are they going to start anytime soon?" He says and I swat his shoulder.

"Language!" I glare at him.

"Sorry." He bites his tongue then pinches Emily's cheeks who grins at him before moving to do the same with him so he leans down to let her.

I have an adorable daughter.

Derek gives her a cheeky grin and then they finally start announcing the name, "Oh thank god, I thought I was going to be here all day." He sighs and I hit him on the head.

"No one asked you to come." I tell him.

"Mom ate my ear off asking me to come. It's like a reminder that I never graduated." He huffs.

I smirk, "You're going soft, aren't ya?"

He grumbles, "Don't."

"Who is she?" I wiggle my eyebrows, laughing and he glares at me.

"Shut it."

I only laugh more, "Is it Lizzy?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"Nope, you don't know her and I am so glad that you don't. You'll ruin her." He says and I pout.

"I take offence in that."

"That was the intention."

"You're so rude."

"Hah, look who's talking."

"Momma! Aaron!" Emily interrupts our banter and points towards the line, waving frantically as the speeches have ended and the name calling has started.

I look at Aaron and notice his gaze on me. A smile takes over my features as I look at him — an absolute dork, that's what he looks like.

"Em, you mind sitting in Derek's lap?" I ask her and she immediately holds her arms out to Derek who happily takes her.

I take my polaroid camera from her and focus it on Aaron who's actually looking at his parents now. He's clueless that I am clicking his photo but he has this adorable confused expression on his face. I grin as the photo gets out and I stare at it.

"Here, lemme see?" Derek asks and I give it to him.

Aaron's name is announced and I immediately smile, holding the camera up as he receives his degree and I snap a photo, — an instant memory, just like I always wanted to have ever since I was crying over this camera.

I think his parents are immensely proud of him as they continue to cheer for their son while Derek and I laugh in the background because we know Aaron would be embarrassed. But that's what parents are for, right?

"God, I am kinda glad I didn't graduate." Derek laughs and I chuckle at him.

I can't wait to see Aaron, but I know that he has to wait until the end of the ceremony before leaving the hall. Derek and I argue back and forth, and somewhat half hour later, Emily dozes off in his lap.

Yup, that's how boring graduation ceremonies are. Also, she sleeps a lot in winters.

I am glad that I received my degree online, especially because it was community college and I was done with it before I even knew. I went for the shortest literature course I could get.

When everything was done, I took Emily from Derek's arm even though he insisted on holding her. But I knew his parents would catch up soon, and I didn't want them to assume the worst of me even though they already do. We were outside in the garden where almost everyone else was, and my eyes roamed around to find Aaron.

"Diana." I hear my name and immediately turn around to see Aaron coming to us.

There's a huge grin on his lips as he makes his way to me and as soon as he's within distance, he kisses me. I am a bit taken aback, but I kiss him back, Emily still in my arms. He kisses me one more time before parting away, still smiling.

"Happy Birthday, Aaron and Congratulations." I tell him and he kisses me again, making me laugh.

"Thanks, baby."

He turns to his left and is immediately surprised to see Derek standing there, "Wow, you're here?"

Derek gives him a nervous look, "Yeah, is that alright?"

"Yes, of course. I am just a little surprised." He smiles at him.

"Congratulations on the graduation, and Happy Birthday." Derek wishes him.

"Thanks, brother."

"And Mom kind of dragged me here.." Derek trails off, "Speaking of which, they are coming here." He says, looking between Aaron and I and I gulp.

Just then, Emily stirs in my arms and I pat her head, putting her back to sleep, but I think there's too much noise buzzing here for her to really sleep peacefully.

"Aaron." His Mom calls out and I immediately freeze in my place, feeling very self conscious.

I am wearing a knee length navy blue dress, which I know no one can disapprove of since it's from my office collection wardrobe. His father is standing besides his mother in a grey suit and his eyes are immediately on me, eyeing me up and down but his face remains expressionless.

"Hi Mom." Aaron says, giving her a hug.

"So proud of you, boy." She says, her eyes tearing up a little and I immediately look away, I feel like I am invading in their family moment and I really shouldn't be here.

"You've done great, Aaron. We are proud." His father says and Aaron nods, smiling at him.

Then he turns to me, "Mum, Dad.. this is Diana, my girlfriend."

"Nice to meet you both." I say nervously looking between them. I am cringing inwardly because that doesn't sound like me at all, and Derek knows it because he snickers besides me and I shoot him a warning glare.

I would have offered my hand, but Emily is in arms. Speaking of her, she finds this exact moment to actually wake up and come back to the present. I immediately turn my neck to look at her. She rubs her eyes and looks around. Her eyes take in the unfamiliar faces but as soon as they settle on Aaron, she grins.

"A! Happy B-day!" She jumps out of my arms and holds herself out to him.

He chuckles as he hands me his robe and graduation cap in another hand as he takes her in his arm, "Hey Em, sleep well?" He gives her a teasing smile which causes her to flush.

She nods, "Con–" she starts but then she pouts, making me smile a little.

"She's been trying to say that all morning, she wanted to congratulate you." I tell Aaron who looks at her, surprised.

"Thanks, Em." He kisses her forehead.

When Emily's eyes wander off to his parents, I realise that they have been observing the whole encounter carefully, making my insides churn with anxiety. Fuck, I really don't want to screw this up for Aaron's sake.

Aaron turns to his parents, "This is Emily, Diana's daughter." He says and then turns to me.

"Em, that's my Mom and Dad, babygirl." He says and she grins, waving at them.

"Hi." She says, shyly.

Aaron's mother steps forward, "Hi Emily." She takes her hand, softly caressing it and Aaron looks at me.

I give him a small smile as he turns towards his mother and Emily. My daughter turns to me, "Momma, they are like Gramps and Gran!" She squeals and I give her a small smile.

His mother gives me a confused look, "Is she talking about your parents?"

I shake my head, "Close. My Uncle and Aunt, actually." I smile at her and she nods.

I hear Aaron's name being called out and that's when I see Ashley, Josh, Kevin and Lizzy walking towards us. Well, shit. I didn't know she was going to be here.

Aaron looks at me nervously before he hands over Emily to me and she pouts a little but doesn't protest.

"Mom.. can we give Aaron his present?" Emily asks and I shake my head.

"Later, baby." I tell her, smoothening out her hair and she nods.

Aaron's friends come to us and Lizzy's eyes immediately go to Emily. I suddenly feel awfully protective of my daughter, and the fear of hiding her away from the world which has always been there kicks in. Derek comes to stand by my side but it does nothing to calm me down.

"Hey buddy, you disappeared." Josh says, patting Aaron's back.

Everyone turns towards his parents and immediately exchange greetings. I notice that his father seems pleased to see Lizzy but don't think much of it.

"Oh, who's that cute baby?" Ashley asks and I mentally smack myself for ever thinking that this was a good idea.

You're here for Aaron, just him. Remember that.

"Is that your sister?" Josh asks and the time where he tried to kiss me immediately invades my memory but I push it back in my head.

"No, my daughter actually." I say, surprising almost everyone, except Aaron who gives me a proud smile.

"What?" Josh laughs, thinking that I am joking but I arch a challenging eyebrow at him.

I don't fucking care that Aaron's parents are here or that these are his friends, if anyone says one bad thing about my daughter, I am not shutting up. I can be good around Aaron because he brings that side out of me, the rest of the world still pissed me the hell off.

Them and their fucking judgemental thinking.

Lizzy takes a step forward towards me and I immediately glare at her. My jaw twitches as the images of Aaron and her kissing flood my mind, making anger burn inside of me.

"Momma!" Emily's hand comes to rest on my cheek, snapping me out of it and my body relaxes as I look at her. She's frowning, she almost looks worried so I give her a small smile.

Aaron is giving me a pleading look but I know what he means, so I sigh, turning to Lizzy and giving her a small nod. She gives me a thankful smile as she walks over to Emily and I.

I should putting the past behind me. I trust Aaron, I really do.

"Hi Emily, I am Lizzy." She puts her hand forward in a small gesture and Emily takes it with a small smile on her face.

"You know me?" She asks.

Lizzy smiles, tucking her hair behind her ear, "Um, yeah.. Aaron told me about you." She says and my daughter sends Aaron her beautiful grin.

"Are you his friend?" She asks, and I kinda want to walk away because I forgot how chatty my daughter can be for a three and half year old.

"I guess so." Lizzy looks unsure.

"She is, she's his best friend." I tell Emily and Lizzy looks surprised but I just shrug in response.

"I am his best friend." Emily pouts, making almost everyone laugh.

"That you are, Em. Don't worry." Aaron says, sending her a wink which makes her smile again.

An awkward silence falls over and I look at Aaron, "I'll call you later, alright?" I say and he frowns, but nods nonetheless.

I turn to his parents and give them a nod, more of 'hey, this is awkward, I don't know what to say so I am just gonna nod and leave.' Yup, that sums it up.

Just as I turn around, I hear his mother calling out, "Diana, wait."

"Yes, Mrs. McCall?"

"You should come for dinner this evening. It's his birthday and I plan on making his favourite food. Emily and you should join." She says and I give her a surprised look.

I nod, "Uh, sure. Thanks." I smile.

His parents start conversing amongst themselves and just as I am about to leave, Aaron catches my arm, "Wait." He says and I give him a questioning look.

"What's wrong?"

"I want a photo with you." He says and I grin, forgetting about that everyone else is probably staring at us.

"Seriously? In grad cap and gown?" I tease and he flushes.

"Shut up. You love me." He groans and I laugh.

"Amazing comeback, Aaron."

He shoots me a look, "Where's your camera?" He asks and I look at Derek.

"Derek, mind taking a photo?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"Why is he being nice?" Aaron asks.

"He's in looove." I say and Derek looks at me.

"I can hear you, Diana." He snaps and I grin at him teasingly.

I look at Emily in my arms, she's looking around and I snap my fingers in front of her, "Sweets, Derek is taking a photo." I tell her and she immediately looks at him, perfecting a grin on her face which makes Aaron and I laugh.

"And you, mister, wear the grad cap and that big black gown thing." I tell him and he groans but does it nonetheless.

I notice that his parents are conversing amongst themselves, and so are his friends. But I don't care anyway, this is our moment, they can stare and I still won't give a shit.

"I want one on my phone too." Aaron says and Lizzy looks at us.

"Give it to me." She says and he hands over his phone to her.

"Cheeeeeseee." Emily draws out, making Aaron and I laugh as Derek and Lizzy snap our photo. After they are done, she moves to jump out of my arms and I give her a questioning look, "Put me down."

"Why?" I ask.

"A photo of you and him only." She points at both of us.

I smile at her and put her on ground. She runs to Derek's side and Aaron pulls me closer. He kisses my forehead and I turn to him with a smile.

"You have a smart daughter." He says.

"Yeah? By the way, you should definitely keep this things for tonight." I point to his attire, winking and he chuckles, closing his lips on mine and I hear Derek clicking a photo of us.

"Cheesy shits." He shakes his head.

"Language!" Aaron and I yell at him together, causing Lizzy to laugh.

"Alright, last one." He says, rolling his eyes.

Aaron pulls me closer to himself, and I wrap my arms around his torso, loving the way my body fits so perfectly around him. Lizzy and Derek click one last photo of us and I collect it from Derek, putting it in my purse as well putting the camera in its cover.

"Alright, I am seriously leaving now." I tell him and he pouts. "Babe, gets photographs with rest of them and come back to the apartment , alright?" I kiss his cheek and he nods. "I love you."

"I love you more, and it's my birthday so don't argue." He smiles and I laugh, nodding.

I call for Emily and leave after telling everyone goodbye once again. When we get home, I put Emily in bed for her afternoon nap before I start my laptop, printing out a few things I need for Aaron's gift. If he doesn't like it — I am going to lose my shit.

The idea of having dinner with his family tonight is clawing at my brain, but graduation was fine, I could tell his mother was putting efforts so I have to do the same. His father still seems to hate me though, but I cannot please everyone.

After two hours, Aaron finally comes back to the apartment and immediately goes to take a shower. Emily is awake by then and is sitting on the kitchen counter while I warm up a glass of milk for her and make some coffee for Aaron.

When he gets out from the shower, he makes his presence in the kitchen known. His hair are still wet and he looks incredibly sexy in dark blue jeans and a grey v-neck. He comes behind me and places a quick kiss on my neck, sending flutters to my stomach as he pours himself some coffee while I put the warm milk in a tumbler for Emily.

"Tired?" I ask him as he rests his head in my lap with Emily insisting to sit on the floor, so Aaron is sprawled on the couch.

"Yes." He responds.

"Ella and Connor called earlier because they couldn't reach you. They wanted to wish." I tell him, my hand in his hair and he nods.

"Yeah, I talked to them on the way over." He says, his eyes drooping a little.

"Don't fall asleep, Aaron. Then you won't sleep at night."

"It's my birthday, we are definitely not sleeping at night." He whispers and I laugh.

"We have office from tomorrow, and need I remind you that you're starting as an official employee and not an intern anymore?" I say and his eyes light up.

"Can you believe that? Marcel offered me financial manager's position, I am honestly so blown away by the fact. Also, the salary is so damn good." His excitement is contagious.

"Aaron, you have more than enough work experience, you were working back in California as well and Marcel doesn't invest into people just like that. And that position has been empty for far too long ever since Ethan.." I trail off. "Anyway, Ethan was also heading the department and doing everything else. Marcel knows you're fresh, so he's not clouding your head just yet, he assigned a different HOD, you are still working under a lot of hierarchies." I remind him.

"I know Diana, but it's amazing. Although I am kind of afraid that people would assume the worst.. that I got it only because I am with you." He pouts and I laugh.

"Babe, I am a receptionist, and you're Finance Manager. C'mon! Let people say shit, if that were the case, I would be heading the editorial team." I wink at him.

He pouts, "But you can be. You are good with words, and you read so much poetry. You have a degree in literature. You are smart as hell, Diana. You just don't like to tell that to the world." He argues and I roll my eyes.

"You think too highly of me." I remind him.

"No, I am serious. You go through manuscripts at the front desk, I have seen you. You should talk to Marcel about it, I am not saying take up a job as an editor, but you could give it a try." He says and I sigh, I want to argue but I really have no valid points to argue with, to be honest. He is kind of right. "Baby, you're selling yourself way too short being at that front desk." He says and I smile at him.

"I'll think about it. But there's always the fact that I hate novels."

He laughs, "You don't hate novels, you just prefer poetry." He kisses my jaw, leaning up.

Emily finally tears her eyes from the television and looks up at us, "Gift?" She gives me pleading eyes and I laugh.

She has been more excited about giving him the gift than I have been. Although, I cannot deny that even though I was so sure unsure of it, her enthusiasm helped a lot with my nerves, erasing any doubts I had in my mind.

Aaron gives me a curious glance, "Are we talking about my birthday?" He asks and I nod.

"Sit up, birthday boy." I tell him and motion for Emily to come over.

She grins, coming to sit on my lap and I pull out two wrapped tiny boxes from under the coffee table. She holds both of them in her hands, and I nod to her.

"Alright, the one Emily is giving you right now is your graduation gift." I tell him and his eyes meet mine.

God, I am so fucking nervous.

Emily grins, "Here, A! Happy Grad!" She says, because she still cannot say the whole thing so I asked her to only say the short form.

As Aaron unwraps the gift, I hear my heart beating and Emily's tiny hands come to rest above mine, she gives it a small squeeze and looks sideways at me, kissing my cheek and I offer her a nervous smile.

Aaron opens the lid, setting it aside and pulls it out. His eyes roam over the words, and I know he read it when absolute shock takes over his features and he looks at me, then at Emily and then back at the gift.

"Are you serious?" He asks and Emily giggles, making me smile a little as I nod.

"Yeah, I mean, if you want." I shrug.

"I would love to, holy shit! You're really serious about this, Diana?" He looks at me again and I nod, furiously because I can't be more obvious about it, his eyes flicker to Emily, "Em, are you okay with this?" He asks her, genuine concern behind his eyes and Emily just pulls away from my lap and goes to hug him.

"Yup. Momma asked me and I said yes." She grins.

"Yes, then yes." Aaron looks at me, surprise and happiness etching over his features and I grin at him, relieved.

In his hand is a key chain with my house key attached to it, and a paper tag reading, "Will you move in with me?"

"You're practically here every night, Aaron." I remind him and he gulps.

"But this is a huge thing, Diana. I mean, if we were a normal couple, it would have been fine but we have her." He looks at Emily who frowns at him, "I mean it in a good way, Em. I just don't want to invade what you two have."

"Too late." I shrug at him.

"I want itt!!!" Emily whines and Aaron chuckles, kissing her forehead.

"Alright, alright. I am moving in, then." Aaron grins at me and happiness bursts inside of me as I lean over to kiss him, and he kisses me back, still smiling. "This is the best thing you could have ever given me."

"I wanted to give it on Christmas, but I wanted to wait till you graduated." I shrug and he nods, still grinning like an idiot.

It was just a thought I was entertaining at first, but then the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It's a risk, a huge risk and a huge leap forward in our relationship because he's right, we are not a normal couple, I have a three year old kid and everything about this relationship concerns her because she's so god damn close to him.

But, with every night he spent here, the more sure I became that I wanted this. I ran it by Ella first, because if it was a stupid idea, then she would have been the first person to tell me about it. But she said, "What the hell are you waiting for, girl? Do it!" And that's when I had an even clearer picture.

I knew Aaron wouldn't ask me himself ever, for the same reason I doubted this — because of Emily. But I am so sure of him in my life, it's only been half an year but I am so damn sure that what we have, that him and I, we are not going anywhere from each other's life.

And it's a risk, putting this much faith in our relationship. God forbid, even if things do wrong, we'll suffer the consequences. I can't keep living in fear in the present because I am so afraid of the future. I need to embrace what I have right now, and when the trouble comes, I'll tender to it then.

I want him to move in, I want to wake up next to him every day and I want us to be married someday. Even if the thought is scary, it's there. I see a future with him, which I thought would never happen with anyone, but he changed that. Aaron changed me altogether. He brings out the best in me, while I bring out the worst in him, we just work that way but we compliment each other, and more than that — we are in love, even if we are the desolated two.

"Well, where's my birthday gift?" He says and I snap out of my thoughts.

I give the another similar tiny box to him. He quickly unwraps it and then gasps upon opening it and looking at me with a huge grin, "Is this the best day or what?" He asks with a laugh.

"Well, you don't turn twenty two everyday. You're growing old." I tease and he laughs.

But it's cut short when he looks underneath it, "It's only one pair of ticket to and from Chicago." He frowns at me.

"Yes, because you're going to meet your family." I tell him and he nods.

"Yes, I am aware. But where are your and Emily's tickets?" He asks and I smile.

"She can't skip a week of school, Aaron. You're going at the end of the month. School reopens by then." I remind him.

He scowls, "Okay.."

"I wanna stay with Gramps." Emily whines, and my heart swells at her words. God, what did I do to have her as my daughter? She reads the situations too well.

"Em, babe.." I start but she shakes her head.

"No, you and A go! Flyyyyy!" She makes a 'whoosh' noise and I laugh.

"It's a week, Emily. How will you stay so long without her?" Aaron frowns, genuinely concerned.

Emily just shrugs, "Gramps." She says and I look at her.

"Are you sure baby?" I ask and she nods, but I know she'll be a crying mess once the time comes. I look at Aaron, "You think it'll be okay?" I ask and he shrugs.

"She's comfortable around Shelly, so I don't see why. Isn't it good for her as well?" He says and I sigh.

"Alright. I'll book the tickets for myself." I tell him and he grins.

"I have the best girls in the world." He kisses Emily's forehead who giggles at him.

We spend the rest of the after lounging around, with sharing small kisses here and there while Emily finally watches some new Disney movie instead of going back to Frozen. Aaron falls asleep halfway through it though.

When clocks struck five, I get up to get ready. I do my make up, and then do the hair, curling my blonde hair at the ends. I get out in the living room to wake up Aaron and get Emily to dress her up, but both of them are curled up on the couch, sleeping.

Emily's tiny figure is scooted next to Aaron as he has a protective arm around her. I pull out my phone and take a photo of them before doing the same from the polaroid camera. I love this thing!

After setting that as my new wallpaper, I go and lightly shake Aaron. He groans and I smile, running a hand through his hair because I know he loves when I do that in the morning.

"Dee." He groans and I laugh.

"Wake up, babe. It's almost six, we have to leave for your parent's house." I remind him and he opens his eyes.

He looks up at me and blinks, "Give me a kiss." He mumbles.

I lean down and press my lips against his, getting his hum in approval, "Aaron, come on." I tug at his arm and he nods.

His eyes go to Emily and he wakes her up while I go inside and pull out warm leggings and three layers for her. It's freezing outside, and she can remove one layer when we reach there.

After everyone's done getting ready, I look at Aaron. He's wearing a white button down and black slacks which he brought here last night from his apartment. He stayed over last night as well, because it's his birthday and I wanted him to have a good start, which is code language for mind blowing sex. It's safe to say he was surprised, impressed and thoroughly happy.

I am wearing a black long sleeved dress that reaches a little above my knees and black tights underneath with black heels to go with it.

Aaron drives through the New York traffic, making short conversation but when we reach there, that's when my nerves start kicking in. He gets Emily out of her carseat and when we walk up to the porch, he looks at me.

"Ready?" He asks, ringing the doorbell.

"Not at all."

And that's when Lizzy opens the door.