The Secret Baby

Chapter Twenty-Five

Two years later...

"Are we all set to go?" Sam asked as he came into the room.

I finished applying my eyeliner. "Just finishing up," I replied, standing up. I walked over to the closet and slipped into my pink floral dress and white sandals. I pulled my black gown on over my dress. I placed my golden yellow hood over my head and set it on my shoulders before I pinned my graduation cap to the top of my head. "Now I'm ready." I smiled.

"That cap and gown suit you well, my love." Sam smiled.

"This is because you pushed me to live my dreams. Now, I'm about to graduate with high honors from college with a bachelor's degree in finance."

"This is all you, Charlotte. All I did was suggest you do

what you want."

I found an express degree program that allowed me to complete my degree in two years. I officially left the tavern and have begun working days as a teller at the bank with Josie. Once I get this diploma, I will be able to apply for the bank's open financial advisor position.

We got to the stadium where my graduation was taking place, and I felt overly excited. Ashtyn, Fred, and Sam are all here with me to celebrate my achievement. My perfect little family, that's why I went to college to get a better job. The smiles on both my kids' faces remind me how lucky we are to have Sam in our lives every day.

After my graduation commencement, Sam drove us home. But when he exited off the highway, he took a different exit. "I didn't think we were going to go to my parents tonight," I commented.

"We're not." Sam smiled without looking at me.

"Then where are we going?"

"You'll see." I eyed my husband cautiously as he slowed the car and pulled into the parking lot of the tavern. "We're going to celebrate with a dinner at the place that made all of this possible," Sam stated.

We got out of the car and walked into the tavern as a family. I entered the tavern on a Friday night for the first time in a year. Sam pushed the door open and held it for Ashtyn and me to walk in. "Congratulations, Charlotte!" Everyone yelled when I entered.

I turned to Sam, who smiled and set Fred on the floor. "How did I not see this coming?" I asked with a chuckle.

Sam shrugged. "Because we're that good." He told me, giving me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Charlotte-aah! I miss my girl, but I am so thrilled that you have successfully finished college." Declan called, coming over and giving me a kiss on the cheek. "And look at her, the last time I saw miss Ashtyn, she was a wee thing in your arms. Oh, this little man must be the mysterious Fred very few people know about."

"It's so good to see you, Declan," I replied, looking around. "Is Lori here?"

"She will be here soon." He boasted proudly. "You know she wouldn't miss seeing you and congratulating you on this achievement."

I made my way around receiving congratulations on my graduation from everyone. All my old regulars, my parents, Sam' parents, Noah, Hudson, his family, and Josie, were there. They all gave me a card of congratulations. My mom and dad took the kids to their house while everyone began buying me drinks.

As soon as the first drink found its way to our table, I looked at it hesitantly. "I haven't had a drink since our honeymoon." I laughed.

"Enjoy baby, I'll drive you home." Sam chuckled. "I plan to enjoy," I commented as I took a sip. "I love you so much. You helped me get to where I am today. I am so thankful that you walked into my life in this place, on a Friday night four years ago, and sat at this very table." I recalled.

"I'm the lucky one here, Charlotte. I came into the tavern four years ago. I met a gorgeous waitress who brought me a beer and is now my wife and the proud mother of two kids I adore. I can't imagine my life any better than this."

Jaxon Kelly and his wife Tessa moved to Hawaii, where he's been stationed for the past two years. I was able to convince Sam that it wasn't worth the retaliation of the Kelly family if he pressed assault and battery charges against Jaxon. I just wanted Jaxon out of our lives, and I got that wish.

We explained to Ashtyn that Jaxon was confused since every explanation we thought about didn't seem appropriate to tell a three-year-old at the time. Sam and I agree that when she is ten and Fred is eight, we will tell them both the truth about Jaxon. We know that they deserve to know the truth, but we don't know how to tell toddlers about the situation.

I may have many reasons to hate Jaxon Kelly, but he did give me two blessings. If we want to get technical, I met the love of my life by chance, thanks to Jaxon Kelly. Had he not invited all his shipmates to his engagement party that weekend, I may never have met Sam. Part of me wonders where I'd be without Sam, but the rest of me doesn't want to ever find out.

We adopted a male Golden Retriever and named him Charlie. A year later, Ashtyn saw a cute girl beagle she named Daisy when we brought her home. The Rhodes's have two human children and two fur babies, and we are living the dream.