The Rockstar's bodyguard { A Bethanny Mcnarie novel }

Chapter 38: The Graduation Party { Aaron POV }

"I'd like to raise a toast," Joel said with a stern look. "You know, the world at large thinks they know me and that I have all of these accomplishments. They're not entirely wrong, I am pretty awesome."

Only Joel would give such a strange toast at a dinner party.

"But they focus on the wrong things," Joel said. "They think I am proud of the Grammy awards I've won, the big house I have, the hot younger wife."

"Dad, we're eating here," Bethanny called out.

"Quiet dear," her mother said. "Daddy just called me young. The man speaks the truth."

"And I am proud of my wife," Joel continued. "But not because every time we go to the beach, they try to sneak a photograph. I am not proud of her for the money she earns. I am proud because she is my partner, and we've been married for almost two decades now. I am proud because she is resilient and loving, and because we're standing here in this moment."

"And my children, oh how I am proud of my children," Joel said, his eyes shifting towards the three Mcnarie children.

"I think I'll start with the older ones before I move on to the star of this weekend, my little Bethy-boo."

"Dad," Bethanny shouted, her cheeks flaming up.

"But you know, last year I expected to have two kids in college and one on the way. Most parents are proud to have two college dropouts, but I am. Blake, you took adversity and turned it into an opportunity. In less time than it takes most people to tie their shoes, you've built a fashion empire. You followed your passions, always. And even when those passions brought you heartache, you just stood back up and became this strong woman. It frightens me a little bit how easily you've grown up, but it also makes me smile. I know I must have done something right, because you are such a beautiful person."

"Dad," Blake whispered.

I hadn't honestly paid thay much attention to Blake; apparently she'd had an eventful year.

"And Bryan, well, I wasn't thrilled when I learned that you were leaving school. It made me nervous that you'll be following my path. But then I saw you play, and I saw a fire in your eyes that I've only seen in the professionals who truly pursue music for the art, not the fame. You are an amazing musician, and hearing the songs you've written was an indescribable experience. You are becoming a man. And if I didn't already have a million things to thank you for, you've also brought this beautiful girl into our home. I hope she stays for a long time."

Emali looked down nervously, and I could relate. He was one of my friends now, but it was still strange to get compliments from a rock legend. It was humbling. I watched Bryan and the girl, thinking they seemed happy. Bryan seemed oddly ready to settle down for such a young kid. Of course, I was a year older and was waiting to be with a woman I'd kissed only twice.

"And Bethanny," Joel said. "My little rugby star."

I laughed, giving her a toothy grin. God, it'd been an entire year since she gave me my first black eye.

"Bethanny, I have always been proud of you," Joel said. "You were born with an independent spirit. You always had your own opinion, own way of doing things. I never thought I would be excited to have a daughter reject all of my favorite things, but I am. You're a strong woman, and no one will be able to jerk you around. You have come to this moment in your life where you are about to graduate from high school and move onto college. You got into Berkley, and sometimes, I still marvel at how intelligent you are. I know sometimes the youngest children feel forgotten, but you are not forgotten, my daughter. You are unforgettable, and I love you beyond words. So I propose we raise a toast to Bethanny, the first Mcnarie to go to a college and actually graduate."