Page 118 of Grasp The Moment

That silent confirmation is all I need. Pasting on a smile, I turn and allow myself to be hugged and congratulated by everyone else who showed up for me today.

I’m in the middle of talking with Denver when Delilah comes rushing over.

“Mamá, we need to get a picture!”

I raise my brows, allowing her to tug me away as I mouth an apology to Denver.

Derek is standing in the middle of the walkway, smiling as he takes pictures with Lidia, but when he sees me, he pauses, and his eyes soften.

“Care to take a picture, darlin’?”

I smirk, prancing over and nod as he places his arm around me, “I’m ready for my close up.”

He chuckles, pulling me in, and we smile for the camera. “Good, because I was wondering if you were ready for forever.”

Our eyes lock, and my breath hitches.

“Georgia, will you remain married to me? No more rules, no more faking it. Will you be mine forever?”

My smile drops as shock claims my body, and I take a step back.

“Derek…” I breathe, crying all over again as the man who has become the love of my life gives me a shy smile.

I don’t hesitate to kiss him, my eyes closed and heart open. When we pull away, I say, “I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else. Of course, I’ll stay married to you.”

He grins, kissing me deeper. “Happy Birthday, darlin’.”

I grow shy, my cheeks heating up. Today is May eleventh and my twenty-second birthday. We celebrated Delilah’s fifth birthday last week by taking her to the new trampoline park that opened nearby. She was so excited and happy to be around her friends and family. She was completely worn out by the end of the night and asleep as soon as we got in the car.

My birthday being the day Derek found Delilah was a shock to me when he first told me all those months ago, but I think the fates tied our invisible strings together long before we knew of one another.

So far today, I’ve had one of the best birthdays ever. I woke up to some impeccable morning sex, followed by breakfast in bed, and small self-care time before getting my diploma.

The only thing that could make me feel better is?—

“What would you like to do first today, Mrs. Perez?” Derek asks, interrupting my thoughts.

I know exactly what has to be done.

I pretend to think about it and then smile. “I’m going to get absolutely wasted and have the night of my life, but first I have to make a phone call.”

44.Derek

When Georgia saida few hours ago she had to make a phone call, I didn’t expect it to be her cursing her dad every which way under the sun, and I don’t blame her. If anything, I wanted to help her rip him a new one.

What kind of sick motherfucker misses his daughter's graduation and doesn’t wish her a happy birthday?!

Like she said she would be, Georgia is absolutely wasted and dancing in the backyard of Mamá’s house. Everyone on the team and their families are here to celebrate all the graduates.

I’m on grilling duty, cooking up burgers and hot dogs for everyone, while a few others are in the house frying chicken and cooking sides. I’m taking the last of the burgers off the grill as a song I know all too well plays on the loudspeaker.

Georgia finds my eyes in the crowd instantly as “Three Little Birds” begins to play. She points at me, her eyes on the prize as she dances toward me.

I’m a laughing mess when she lands in my arms, laughing and giggling like a maniac. She pulls me close, wrapping herarm around my neck, keeping her martini glass in the air as we slowly dance to the music.

“Lemon drop?” she asks, smiling playfully as she tilts the cup to my lips.

I sip a bit of the sweet alcohol and chuckle. “When life gives you lemons.”