Page 44 of The Lie

“I can’t believe her middle name is fucking Daffodil,” he murmurs. “What’s with all the flowery names?”

“Her parents are hippies,” I deadpan.

His gaze swings to me, “No shit. That explains a lot.”

I’ve briefly touched on Poppy’s background with Mum—losing her grandparents and everything she’s been through—because she has a way of extracting information whether you intend to tell her or not. I’m glad I did, though. From the moment she met Poppy, she embraced her with open arms.

That’s why she insisted on being here today, along with my brother, to cheer Poppy on. It breaks my heart to think she would’ve done this on her own if I hadn’t inserted myself into her life all those months ago. A milestone like this should never be celebrated alone.

The restaurant is booked for afterwards, so we can celebrate, and her graduation present is waiting for her in the car park.

Nolan has come along in leaps and bounds since he got rid of the dead weight—AKA Amanda. She took her half-million and became somebody else’s problem. Money well spent, if you ask me.

My brother is back to living his best life, enjoying himself and playing the field. He learned his lesson the hard way, but he’s better off for it. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, after all.

He’s in no rush to settle down again, and I don’t blame him. Me, on the other hand? I’ve never been more certain of what I want, and she’s the very reason I sit here today.

Another hour passes before the final name is called, and I’m anxious to see my girl. I dropped her off here earlier this morning because she wanted to meet up with a few of her classmates before the ceremony.

We spend our days together at work and our nights side by side. You’d think we’d get sick of seeing each other so much, but that hasn’t happened yet. Christ, it’s only been a few hours, and I’ve missed her every second. It’s crazy how quickly this woman has become my whole world.

I went to the florist before returning to the university and got her the largest bouquet of white roses and bright red poppies, similar to the ones on her grandmother’s casket. I didn’t do it to be morbid, I did it because in some strange way I was hoping she’d feel like a part of Nanna was with us here today.

I’m on my feet and squeezing past the people sitting in my row, the second I see Poppy approaching. The moment she’s within reach, I pull her into my arms and swing her around, unable to stop the smile that breaks across my face.

“I’m so proud of you,” I say, setting her back on her feet and handing her the flowers.

“These are beautiful,” she says, bringing the bouquet to her nose.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

“They remind me of …”

“I know,” I say softly. “Speaking of Nanna …” I reach into the inside pocket of my suit jacket and pull out the envelope. “She wanted me to give you this on your graduation day.”

Poppy’s watery eyes move down to the envelope and skim over her grandmother’s writing.

For your graduation day, sweet girl. I may not be there in person, but I’m there in spirit. I’m so proud of you. x

“She’s been on my mind all day,” Poppy admits as she clutches the envelope to her chest. “Would you mind if I read this later?”

“Of course not,” I take the bouquet and the folder that contains her degree out of her hands, but she holds on to the letter. “Mum and Nolan are going to meet us by the car.”

A smile lights up her face. “Your mum came too?”

“She wouldn’t miss it.”

“I heard Nolan call out when I crossed the stage.”

“He’s a dick.”

“I’m so glad you’re all here,” she says, lacing her fingers through mine when I reach for her. “It would’ve been underwhelming otherwise …”

I lift our joined hands and place a soft kiss on her knuckles.

“You don’t ever have to worry about celebrating moments like this alone again, sweetheart. You’re part of our family now. We’ll be here for you, cheering you on in everything you do.”

Poppy’s classes finished back in October, and she joined the team at Sinclair and Associates right away. Her employment came with strict conditions, from her, not me. If I’d had my way, she would’ve climbed the ranks in her first week, but Poppy, being the headstrong, stubborn woman she is, insisted on starting at entry level and getting no special treatment. She wanted to earn her place, just as she has her entire life, and I can’t fault her for that.