My Only Love

Chapter 44

There was a frenzy of activity on the stage as the program commenced. Seeing Harvard's history unfold on the screen was a sight to behold realizing how privilege it was to study in this university. Kate was overwhelmed through it all seeing the happiness of the recipients of awards come on the stage with pride in their eyes against thunderous applause. Mostly their escorts were the ones who awarded the medals. A tradition of some sort. She looked at Nate who was smiling down at her looking so handsome a lock of his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead. He wasn't saying anything yet he was expectant as he held her hand entwined into his own. How happy he looked she thought. She was happy she was with him to share his day of triumph. She knew if even Ryan was her boyfriend he would always be there for Nate.

This time the most coveted awards were given. Kate could only wait eyes glued to the center of the stage waiting for what was in store.

The Dean of Harvard Law School was speaking. Nate seem to hold her hand tighter even looking nervous somehow. Kate could only look at him with a reassuring smile as he smiled back.

Our next award is one of our most prestigious award. This person is has been an example to fellow Harvard students both in exuding exemplary conduct borne of hard work and the greatest scholastic achievement. With the highest grade point average in the history of Harvard Law. Consistently being on top of the Dean's List every semester for 3 consecutive years with 4.0 average with a 98% equivalent. The highest ever achieved in over 50 years.

The recipient of the Scholastic Achievement Award for exemplary performance goes to Nate Andrew Porter. May I also have his escort Ms. Kate Peterson to present the award.

Nate grinned boyishly at her as they came on the stage his hands tightly clasped into her small ones. We made it he whispered quietly. His eyes shining. I'm so proud of you she whispered back. She could only look at him in awe feeling goose bumps on her skin at a momentous occasion in Nate's life. Nate was the recipient of this wonderful award. Borne of all his hard work. There was a deafening applause. There was even shouts from his friends "Way to go Nate!"

An intricate medallion was placed in her palm to put on to Nate. Kate was filled with happiness for him as she looked at him teary eyed placing the award around his neck.

Oh Nate this is your surprise. I said quietly. I'm so proud of you. she gushed as Nate wiped her tears away with his fingertips.

No crying now okay he said gently. I'll feel bad if you cry. I'm just so happy you're here. This is for you Kate he saidit so simply yet his deep set ocean blue eyes could only show his love for her beyond the deafening applause.

There was a round of pictures and Nate never let go of her hand as she stayed side by side with him. Kate still felt teary eyed admiring Nate for all he was.Inside and out. So humble in his ways yet he always came out on top no matter where he was.

When they left the stage all Nate wanted to do was kiss Kate and sweep her in his arms. Seeing her teary eyed with a red nose touched him more than words. How proud she was of him to the point of moving her to tears. This was their future together. If she would have him. Be his wife. It wouldn't be long now finally having his chance to open up his heart to her. He was prepared this time no matter the consequences.

It felt so good to be up there on the stage realizing all his hard work. The long hours studying, not getting enough sleep were not in vain. Even at times he felt too tired and exhausted. He just wanted to give up. But these were his rewards now as he touched the intricately carved gold medallion on his neck. His grade point average was the highest in the history of Harvard Law. It was an achievement he never knew he was capable of making. Nate thought of his Mom. His father he never got to know. Stan his step father who was like a father he never had. He knew they were allin heaven now, high above the clouds watching. He hoped they made them proud.