"They'd be so proud," I heard Maggie whisper to Matt.
The siblings exchanged a somber smile then hugged.
"Go on Kels, get in the picture," I urged.
The curly haired little girl ran over and leapt into her uncle Matt's arms. Matthew lifted her up and the three posed while I took the picture.
We were at our graduation, taking pictures after just having received our diplomas. Everyone had flown in, my parents, Adam's and Summer's parents, Matt's sister Maggie and her daughter.
"Okay, now one with you two," Maggie instructed as she reached out her hand.
I turned over the camera and stood at Matt's side, hugging his waist.
"Smile!!" Maggie yelled as she snapped the shot.
After going through the seemingly endless permutations of pictures to take, we all headed out for lunch.
XXXX
"So are you two excited about the big day?" my mother asked Summer and Adam as we dined at the Italian restaurant.
"We sure are," Summer replied.
I looked over to the far end of the table. Matt was returning from the rest room and stopped to chat with Summer's dad. I could see that the two seemed to be engaged in a serious conversation. They ended it with a hug and Matt walked over to his seat beside me. I smiled up at him as he sat. Matt ate a spoonful of his desert and I felt him hold my hand beneath the table.
"So Matt, I understand that congratulations are in order?" my dad asked.
"Thanks Mr. Kent, it's all very exciting," Matt replied.
Matt had learned the day before that he'd been offered a job down in Miami as a research assistant at the University of Miami. He'd been searching desperately for a job in Miami ever since I was accepted to an internship at the local NBC news affiliate for south Florida.
"When do you start dear?" my mom asked him.
"Oh not until the fall semester starts, so I have the summer to move down and see about finding a place."
I squeezed Matt's hand as he spoke and he smiled over at me. Breaking the news to my parents the week before that I wouldn't be returning home, but instead Matt and I were going to find a place of our own and move in together. Thankfully, they took the news well and were pretty supportive. I suspect they sensed the seriousness and maturity of Matt and mines relationship.
We finished up with our meal and my dad paid the bill as a little graduation present to us all. After dinner, Matt and I drove my folks to the airport to catch their redeye.
"Okay sweetie, see you in a couple months," my dad stated as he hugged me while Matt hugged my mom. We exchanged and Matt shook my dad's hand and I hugged my mom. Matt and I waited a while and watched my parents walk off before heading to the car.
"What time does Maggie's flight leave in the morning?" I asked as we drove back to my apartment.
"Pretty early, I'm dropping her off for six," Matt replied.
"Be sure to wake me so I can come with you," I told Matt.
"You know you don't have to, it's already eleven, we're not going to get to bed till around midnight," Matt replied.
"It doesn't matter, wake me," I insisted.
"Okay," Matt replied as he reached over and held my hand.
Once back at my place, we took a quick shower and got ready for bed.
As I crawled into bed and over to Matt's side, I let out a satisfactory sigh,
"Wow, what a day, I'm exhausted."
"Well you better rest up, we're in for quite an exhausting weekend," Matt replied, referring to Adam and Summer's upcoming wedding.
"Oh gosh I know, but I'm so excited, it's gonna be so much fun," I gushed.
Matt and I were sound asleep a couple minutes later.
XXXX
"Babe, time to get going," Matt whispered into my ear. I rolled over and saw that it was just past five AM. Matt helped me out of bed and I quickly brushed my teeth and got ready. It was still dark out as we drove over to Maggie's hotel to pick her and Kelsey up.
Matt pulled into the hotel parking lot and over to the lobby. He placed a call, and out came Maggie and Kelsey. Matt got out and helped with the bags.
"Morning guys," I greeted as Maggie and Kelsey got into the car.
"Hey Kim, sorry about the early morning flight," Maggie replied.
"Don't be, we're just glad you two could be here for our graduation. Did you have fun Kels?"
The little girl smiled and nodded her head.
"She's not all the way awake yet," Maggie chuckled.
We drove to the airport and dropped the two off at their gate. After a quick goodbye, Matt and I were again headed to my apartment from the airport.
"So I noticed you and Summer's dad talking last night," I commented.
"Uh huh," Matt responsed.
"Looked like a serious conversation," I prodded.
"He was just telling me how proud he was of me, you know for graduation and all, and that he was happy I found a job and that if I ever needed anything not to hesitate to call."
"Aww, how sweet," I responded, almost teary eyed.
When we got back, Matt and I crawled right back into bed and fell asleep.
XXXX
On Friday morning, Matt and I packed up his car and started out on the journey to the five star hotel Adam and Summer had booked for their wedding. The wedding was taking place on Sunday, but most guests, as well as Matt and I were spending the weekend at the hotel. It was about a four hour drive from my apartment so we arrived around lunchtime.
"Wow, this place is gorgeous," I commented as we pulled into the valet lane infront of the luxury hotel. The attendant saw to our bags and escorted us through the lobby to the check in desk. I spotted Adam's parents also checking in.
"Hey guys, found the place easily?" Adam's mom greeted.
"Yeah, just followed the gps all the way," Matt replied.
"Great, well we're heading up to the room; see you guys tomorrow for the rehearsal."
We waved goodbye and stepped up to the counter. The woman behind the desk smiled at Matt and and asked for our reservation code.
Matt and I made our way up to the sixth floor and found our room, 653. Matt tipped the bellboy and we entered the room.
"Sweet!" Matt exalted as we walked into the lavish room. The room was large, with a king sized bed in the middle. There was an office desk and chair in the corner and a velvet love seat against the window. On the other side was a small circular table with two wooden chairs. On the wall hung a nicely sized flat screen television as well and a couple pieces of beautiful art. I walked over to the dresser drawer,