Page 110 of Pucking Good Girl

Talia

Two months later

It’s graduation day.

The air is saturated with excitement as we wait to walk onto the stage in the brand new auditorium donated by some of the most affluent alumni.

My heart is so full that I’ve been fighting tears of happiness all day.

Getting to graduate with some of the people I love the most in the world is another dream come true for me.

“You look gorgeous, sis,” Tucker squeezes my hand, and I can’t resist the urge to push onto the tips of my toes and kiss his clean shaven cheek. Even with the high heels I have on today, he’s a whole foot taller than me.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Tuck.”

Someone else who looks like a million bucks is Sam. She feels more like the sister I’ve never had, rather than my best friend.

And speaking of siblings, our parents and brothers are here to watch me and Tucker graduate.

And so are Macklin's and Becker’s parents and sister. I met them during spring break, and we hit it off. They had already figured out that our relationship is a little unconventional, and they made it clear that they support whatever makes us happy.

My parents are a different matter. While Mom is happy for me, Dad needs to be eased into the concept of his princess dating not one, but two hockey players. The other three parents promised to help us break the news this weekend, when he’s going to be on a high because of me and Tucker graduating. He already cried when I told him that I’m moving to Seattle, so his reaction to my relationship status is going to be interesting to say the least.

My name gets called to walk on the stage just before Tucker’s, and as I receive my diploma, a mix of different emotions washes over me.

I feel accomplished and proud of myself; getting here hasn’t been easy, especially this past year, but I made it. I’m excited and hopeful for the future. Especially because whatever my future holds, Macklin and Becks are going to be by my side. Their love and support make me feel like nothing is impossible.

When I walk off the stage, they’re both there, racing each other for who gets to kiss me first.

We decided that while we aren’t going to advertise that there are three people in our relationship, we aren’t going to hide it either. As long as our families—and the PR department of the Guardians—are aware of it, we can be honest if anyone else asks.

That can happen after my dad is aware of everything, though. “Guys,” I giggle, as I find myself in my favorite place in the world, sandwiched between them. “We might want to cool things off until my dad has been brought up to speed with the three of us being together. If he sees me kissing you both, he’s going to freak out.”

“Don’t worry,” Tucker reassures me. “Dad and Mom went home ahead of us with Sam’s parents. They want to make sure that everything is ready for our party.”

“Oh, good,” I exhale. “I don’t want to have that conversation with Dad in the middle of the auditorium.”

Tucker nods. “I don’t blame you. But you’ll see, he’s going to come around. He was a huge fan of Kendrick back in the day. Knowing that he’s on board with you dating both his sons will go a long way.”

“I hope so,” I smile nervously. “Ok, then. Let’s go home and get this party started.”

“Let’s go,” Tucker agrees.

Our and Sam’s parents joined forces to throw the biggest bash they could possibly organize since there are three brand new college graduates in what we consider our extended family.

But the idea of going home has never sounded sweeter than this week. Tucker got his signing bonus after he went to LA to complete his medical with his new NHL team.

And despite our parents making it clear months ago that they had made peace with the fact that the family home had been foreclosed, my brother had never given up on the idea of getting it back for them.

He used his signing bonus to buy it back. The idea of coming back to the house we grew up in—right next door to Sam’s—when we visit is more comforting than ever since I’m leaving Star Cove.

“Hey baby,” Macklin hands me a set of car keys. “Do you mind unlocking the car? Becks and I are going to have our hands full carrying back all the flowers you got today.”

“No problem,” I smile, walking alongside him and Becks. “But when did you get a Lincoln?” Last I knew, Macklin drove an Audi SUV and Becks drove a Lexus.

“I didn’t,” he smiles. “You did. Press the button to unlock it.”

I press the button without even thinking, and sure enough, the sleekest silver Lincoln SUV Crossair with a huge pink bow on the front hood beeps in response.