Expect the Unexpected

Graduation

Tatum was standing in front of the mirror in the school bathroom for the last time.  So much had happened in her life in the last few years.  A marriage, a baby, another pregnancy and so many other things.  She couldn't believe that graduation was here.  In just a few months she would be welcoming her second baby and starting online classes.  Though she wished she would be on campus like her friends, she knew that was not in the cards for her.

Elyse said, "They are calling us.  It's time to get out of this place.  Wait a second.  I know that face.  Are you okay?"

Tatum sighed, "I'm just thinking about how much life has changed in the last few years.  I've had some of the most important moments in my life here.  Heck, a lot of those moments have happened in this bathroom.  I just can't believe we are graduating and I'm going to be a mom to two kids in just a few months.  I never thought I would be a mom to two kids this young in life."  

"Hey.  You are doing great.  I'm so proud of you and Dempsey.  Oakley is happy and healthy.  Your baby girl is going to be perfect and I can't wait to spoil her.  You have nothing to worry about.  You are a great mom.  Now lets get out there and graduate.  Then we have a dinner to celebrate."  The two of them walked out of the bathroom together.

The ceremony was over.  Tatum squealed when she felt two arms wrap around her.  She turned around to see Dempsey.  He gave her a kiss.  He told her, "I am so proud of you, babe."

"Thank you.  I'm so glad that I have you in my life.  I don't know what I would do without you and Oakley in my life."

"I love you.  Now we just have to get ready for our girl and love on our boy.  I'm so proud of you."

"Where is our boy?"

"With your mom, dad and Sophie.  Let's go find him.  We need to take pictures and oak has been asking for you.  You should have seen him when you walked across the stage.  He was so excited."

Tatum heard, "Momma!"

Tatum smiled as she saw Oakley walking over to her with Sophie.  She said, "Hi sweet boy."

Tatum took him in her arms.  She kissed his cheeks and said, "I've missed you!  I'm so ready for a couple of days of just you and your daddy.  Are you ready to tell everyone what your little sister's name is going to be?"

Oakley shook his head yes.  As he everyone waited Oakley said, "Sissy Lilah."

Dempsey said, "Tate and I have decided that we are going to name our girl Lilah Grace."

Sophie smiled and told them, "That is perfect!  I'm sure she is going to be perfect.  I can't wait to meet her and spoil her.  I'm currently stocking up on everything glittery and pink."

Tatum's mom said, "That is great.  Let's go celebrate.  Our granddaughter has a name and you have graduated.  Just a few more months and she will be here.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Our growing family is proving to be just what we have been praying for all these years.  I'm just so happy to see all of my children happy.  That's exactly what a mother wants to see and here."

They all went out to dinner and enjoyed some time together.  Tatum and Dempsey were so happy to have such a supportive and loving family.  Dempsey missed his family, but he knew he was lucky that Tatum's family had taken him on as part of their family.  Nothing in the last year and a half had been easy, but they knew that they were going to be okay no matter what came their way.