Yes Please || c.g. {complete}

Epilogue

Two Years Later

.Carl.

I sat in a crowded gymnasium at the University of Chicago, with Matthew on my lap. Demi and Roger were next to me, and we were anxiously awaiting Layla's graduation ceremony. I smiled as I ran my thumb over her name on the program:

Layla Addison Bond, B.A. Biological Sciences (Neuroscience), Summa Cum Laude

Layla had worked her ass off these past two years, and I was so fucking proud of her. She was an amazing mom to our son, a fucking incredible partner (in and out of the bedroom), and still found time to study her cute, round ass off to graduate with highest honors. Well, the school called it "summa cum laude," which I liked to read as "some-a cum loudly." I was confident I'd helped her do the latter over the course of her undergraduate career.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in congratulating the Class of 2020!" came the voice on the loudspeaker as we all stood and clapped.

I hoisted Matthew onto my hip as I tried to find Layla in the lines of cap-and-gowned people pouring into the gym.

"Where's Mommy?" Matthew asked, holding his ear.

"She's up there somewhere, buddy," I told him as I pointed toward the front of the gym. "Is it loud in here?"

He nodded. "Loud, Daddy."

We were asked to take our seats again, and the dean began to speak. I bounced Matthew on my knee as I scanned the graduates for his mommy.

.....

.Layla.

I looked through the sea of people as I made my way into the gymnasium on graduation day. I saw my parents first and smiled at them. Next, my eyes fell on Carl, holding our son in his lap just like he'd promised me two-and-a-half years ago. He smiled at me and tried to point me out for Matthew. I felt tears forming as I gazed at the two of them. They kept me going these past two years, when I was exhausted or stressed or apathetic. I couldn't have done this without Carl. He provided for us; he was doing great at work, and was making pretty great money. He helped with Matthew any chance he got, and we also had a ton of help from our family and friends, who babysat quite a bit while I had school, or when Carl and I needed a night out.

The dean droned on about something and there was intermittent applause as I continued to think about Carl. More specifically, the fact that I was going to marry him tomorrow.

Shit. I needed to pay attention; it was my row's turn to stand and make our way to the stage. The dean was starting on the B names. I locked eyes with Carl again as I waited for my name. Fuck, he's so hot, I thought as I bit my lip. Suddenly, his eyes were wide and he was nodding to the side with his head.

"Layla Addison Bond," I heard the dean say.

I whipped my head around and he and the other people on stage were smiling at me expectantly. Shit, I'm missing my cue because I'm ogling my soon-to-be-husband.

I blushed and smiled apologetically as I stepped up onto the stage. The audience laughed a little, but I hardly heard them once Carl and my parents started cheering. I accepted my diploma and gave my family a little wave before I walked back down off the other side of the stage.

.....

.Carl.

Layla and I sat at a big table at a fancy restaurant with our family and close friends. We were celebrating her awesome achievement, and it was also our rehearsal dinner. I was actually going to marry her tomorrow, and I couldn't wipe the stupid grin off my face.