Forever Chasing

Chapter 25: Graduation

The morning sun filtered softly through the blinds at Noah's house, casting a golden glow on Harper as she stood in front of the mirror. Her tight black dress clung to her body perfectly, its sleekness making her feel both elegant and powerful, but the slight shake in her hands betrayed her nerves. Her makeup was flawless, done in soft shades to accentuate her bright eyes, and her hair had been carefully curled, each wave falling down her back. Graduation day. The day she had been working toward for years, and now it was here. Harper was valedictorian, the highest honor she could achieve, and yet the idea of speaking in front of so many people made her stomach twist in knots.

Behind her, Ella finished adjusting her own outfit, zipping up the back of her sundress as she studied Harper's reflection. "You look incredible," she said with a grin, stepping up beside Harper to fix a stray curl. "Connor's gonna lose it when he sees you."

Harper let out a small, nervous laugh. "Thanks," she said, smoothing the fabric of her dress for the hundredth time. "But I think I'm more likely to throw up than to give this speech right."

Ella rolled her eyes and gave Harper a little nudge. "Girl, you're Harper Westwood. You've got this. No one deserves to be valedictorian more than you do. Just get up there, say your thing, and knock 'em dead."

From the living room, the sounds of the boys—Connor, Noah, and James—filtered in, their voices loud and playful as they teased each other. Harper could hear Noah making some sarcastic joke, followed by James's booming laugh and Connor's amused, softer chuckle. The noise brought a smile to her face and made her heart feel a little lighter.

Ella shook her head, grinning at the boys' antics. "They're like a bunch of five-year-olds when they get together."

Harper chuckled, her nerves easing just a little. She took a deep breath, turning away from the mirror and gathering the courage she needed for the day. "Okay. I can do this."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Connor's voice came through, soft but playful. "Hey, you two almost ready? We're gonna be late if you don't stop staring at yourselves in the mirror."

Ella smirked, rolling her eyes. "Come in, but don't you dare make her more nervous!"

Connor pushed open the door, stepping into the room with a casual confidence that immediately caught Harper's attention. His eyes lit up when they landed on her, a soft, admiring smile spreading across his face. He looked her up and down, his gaze lingering a bit longer than usual. "Wow... you look absolutely stunning," he said, his voice filled with awe.

Harper blushed, her cheeks warming under his gaze. "Thanks," she murmured, her heart doing a little flip.

Connor closed the distance between them, gently taking her hands in his. "You nervous?" he asked, his tone soft, as if he already knew the answer.

Harper nodded, biting her lip. "Yeah. A lot. I don't know if I can do this. What if I mess up?"

Connor chuckled softly, pulling her closer, his hands sliding to her waist. "Harper, you're going to be amazing. Trust me. You've worked so hard for this, and everyone's going to be blown away by how incredible you are. I'll be right there, front and center, cheering you on."

She smiled, leaning into his touch, feeling a little of the tension leave her body. "Okay. That does help."

Before they could get too lost in each other, James appeared in the doorway, his phone in hand. "Harp, Mom and Dad just texted. They're already at the school waiting for us. We should probably get going."

Harper nodded, her nerves flaring up again. Her parents were waiting, her whole family, and the idea of giving the speech in front of them—of being the center of attention—made her stomach twist. But there was no turning back now.