Four years later
"Julia Kauffman."
Breathe in, breathe out, I told myself. My name was up in a few seconds. My main focus was getting across the stage without falling on my face. It'll be over before you know it.
"Robert Kingston."
I watched and silently hyperventilated as I watched Robert walk gracefully across the stage, receiving his diploma and shaking the Dean's hand. You can do this, I reminded myself.
"Rachel Lautner."
I started walking and tried not to turn my attention to the obnoxious cheering that was going on right now. My groupies were possibly the loudest, and I knew where the source was mainly coming from: my fantastic husband. I smiled triumphantly, extremely proud of myself for completing college and earning my degree in Music.
I shook the Dean's hand, a little longer than necessary and thanked him before exiting the stage, following the single file line of the rest of my classmates back to the chairs we were seated at. This graduation was absolutely nothing like my high school graduation; it meant so much more. I was ready to start bawling to have all my closest family and friends here supporting me and cheering me on. My heart just overflowed with joy and I could think of nothing else I would ever want more. I am truly grateful for all I have.
I couldn't wait to start my singing career as a professional. I've been working on an album for about a year now and Taylor helped me get it produced and released a couple weeks ago; I was beyond excited.
Taylor and I have joked about it before, but now that time has passed and I'm actually holding my degree in Music in my hands, I feel like anything's possible. This day couldn't get any better. Well actually it could. Me and Taylor were going somewhere really special tonight to celebrate, and I couldn't wait to see what he had in store for us.
The ceremony was short and sweet, and when the time was appropriate, I threw my hat up I the air with the rest of my classmates and smiled exultantly, happy for everything that I have been so graciously given these last few years. I giggled as my hat came back down to me, holding it and my diploma close to my heart. I can't believe I graduated college.
About half an hour later, I was ushered by one of Taylor's bodyguards to a limo which I got in without question. I know Taylor had an extra special graduation party planned for me; I think he was more excited for it than I was. I slid carefully into the car, trying not to damage my gown.
"You know, I find intellectual women to be extremely sexy," Taylor told me as he slid in closer to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I threw my head back in laughter, placing my hat and diploma in the seat next to me and turning to meet his expectant gaze.
"Oh is that right?" I asked flirtatiously. He nodded slowly and grinned before ducking his head and brushing his lips swiftly against my own.
"You did it," he whispered in my ear a while later. I just laid my head against his shoulder and smiled with my eyes closed.
"I couldn't have done it without you."
"I love you," he told me earnestly, twining our fingers together on my lap. My heart beat faster in my chest and my breathing quickened. I was still amazed at how he still makes me feel this way after all this time. I sighed contentedly.
"I love you too, honey."
We arrived at our home shortly after and Taylor kept an arm around me as we walked up to the front door, kissing my nose before he opened it, revealing balloons, confetti, and a huge cake in the center of the room where all of my friends and family awaited me. The ladies squealed when they saw me, the guys all clapped and everyone cheered. They handed me flowers and more balloons and made me feel extra special.
