more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

forty

Nights like these make me enjoy the small aspects of life. Sitting down at a table with your loved ones, laughing at everything and nothing at the same time, grateful for each other's company.

Since we're a big group, Sean insisted we get a private room in the back of the italian restaurant we are currently in. It's crazy to think this celebration is all for me.

I never thought I would make it this far in my life, but here I am. Saying the words never give up on your dreams seemed like a big load of bullshit. But it's not. It's the most genuine words I have ever heard.

I look around at each and every person here, and my heart swells up with pure happiness. I never expected life to be this good, but it is. It's everything I never knew I wanted.

Grayson quickly rises from the seat next to me. He clicks his fork to his glass, grabbing everyone's attention. The chatter in the room dies down as everyone turns to look at him.

"I just wanted to make a toast. To my beautiful, strong, amazing, girlfriend who has accomplished so much over the last two years." He looks down at me with my favorite sight in the world - his smile.

"Stella, I love you so much and I can't wait to see you achieve even greater success in the future."

Everyone around me claps, and I can't help but feel sentimental. They raise their glasses and click them together in celebration. Grayson then turns to look at Carter and his mother, while continuing to raise his glass.

"And Carter, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for allowing Stella to collaborate with you. You are by far the most talented person I have ever met, you deserve every amount of fame you receive."

My family turns to look at Carter, all of them clapping and cheering. His face turns red as he smiles widely. "Thank you, I appreciate it."

Once Grayson sits down, he places a sweet kiss on my cheek. The gesture turns my heart to mush, but that's nothing new.

Feeling my heart rate increase, I also stand up and hold onto my glass. The room goes quiet again, and all eyes are on me.

"There's a few things I want to say. First, I love each and every one of you sitting in this room. Without the support of you guys, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. That's why I'm taking this time to personally thank you all for helping me get to where I am." I speak, feeling my voice tremble.

I turn to face Sean and Lisa, who are sitting across from me. Just looking at them causes tears to form in my eyes.

"First, I would like to thank both Sean and Lisa for being the best parental figures in my life. I never thought I would respect any authority, because I never had any growing up. With an absentee mother and a deadbeat father, I never thought I would feel that love and appreciation from an adult. But I was wrong. You both have brought me into your family with open arms, and I couldn't be more grateful." I inhale a shaky breath before continuing. They both have tears in their eyes, which is making my heart ache even more.

"Sean, you literally saved my life. When you performed emergency surgery for me on your beautiful, white marble table - which I still feel bad about to this day, I knew I would spend the rest of my life thanking you. You are so kind, patient, and raised two amazing sons who have grown up to carry the same morals that you do." I glance back at Ethan, who is smiling from ear to ear.

"Don't worry about the table, it survived." Sean says with a chuckle, causing me to laugh along with him. "But we love you, and we are so proud to call you the woman in Grayson's life."

"And Lisa, you already know how much I appreciate you. From giving me piano lessons, to getting me into the community college, to then getting me into Juilliard. I mean, the list goes on and on. You are my role model and I aspire to be just like you when I grow up. You are the closest thing I have to a mother figure and that means more to me than you will ever know. You support me with everything I do and give me the best advice. Thank you for everything."