Moment in the Sun

34. Graduation

Charlie POV

Nick is graduating from university today. I can't believe how proud of him I am when I wake up this morning. He didn't sleep well overnight, nerves about today keeping him awake so I gently wriggle out of his arms and go into the kitchen to make a start on breakfast. I'm pulling mugs from the cupboard for our tea when the sound of footsteps makes me look up.

"Good morning, Charlie." Nick's mum, Sarah, stayed in our spare room last night so she could be closer for the ceremony later today.

"Hi. Did you sleep okay? I know that sofa isn't very comfortable."

"I slept perfectly. Is Nick still asleep?" Sarah settles onto a stool at the island counter.

"Mhm," I nod, pouring the kettle into two of the three mugs I'd set out, "He was tossing and turning all night so I didn't want to wake him yet."

"Poor baby. How are you doing this morning?"

"I'm okay. I'm a little nervous for him but the hard part is over now. All he has to do is walk across the stage and get his degree. I'm so proud of him." I pass her a mug of tea and lean on the counter nearby.

"So am I. He's going to make a wonderful teacher."

"Yeah. He's got a natural way with kids. I wish I'd had more teachers like him growing up."

"There's a generation of very lucky kids coming up now." She smiles, "What time do we have to leave for the ceremony?"

"Um, it starts at two but I think Nick said something about needing to be there early for photos or something. I'll double check when he wakes up."

"Okay. Would you like some help with breakfast?"

"Oh, sure. I was planning on making waffles today, for something special."

"Nick's favourite." I smile and laugh as she gets up.

"Yeah. He'd eat waffles every day if they weren't complicated to make." 

We work together to make up a good pile of waffles for the three of us to share for breakfast. Sarah sets the table for us, pulling out every topping she can find in our cupboards. Nick still isn't up when we finish so I leave Sarah in the kitchen, tidying a few things, and head to our room.

He is still fast asleep, his face soft and relaxed and I can't help but reach out to gently caress down his cheek. "Nick?"

"Hm...?" He mumbles in his sleep, rolling away from my touch. I smile and sit beside him.

"Baby, wake up. Breakfast is ready."

"'M tired..."

"I know. But it's a big day today. You've got to eat." He buries his head into the pillow and I laugh. Sleepy Nick is so cute sometimes. "Nick, I'll send your mum in to wake you if you don't get up."

"No!" He sits up, suddenly awake. A pout forms on his lips when he sees me still laughing. "You're so mean."

"You're adorable when you're sleepy." I lean in to kiss him.

"You wouldn't really have sent mum in, right?" He asks when we break apart.

"Probably not." I push his hair back from his eyes, "Your hair is getting long."

"Mm. I need to get it cut but I've just been so busy." He sighs and looks up at me. "Thank you."

"What for?"

"For being so patient and supportive in the last few weeks."

"Nick, you don't have to thank me for that. It's what husbands are for."