“Aundrea Jackson,” a loud, echoey voice crackles. “Graduating with honors, Aundrea is earning her Bachelors in Physics.” I take a deep breath as I stand. The white honor ropes hang freely around my neck as I march to the stage where the dean of students is standing front and center.

It’s been a week since the implantation, and no news yet. Not that either of us were expecting to hear something by now, but we’re eager.

Looking into the crowd, I scan for my family and friends as I cross the stage. They’re not difficult to find. My parents, Genna and Hannah, Jason, Jean, Kevin, and even Shannon from For the Love of Paws are all here. Unfortunately, Amy and her family couldn’t make it.

My eyes land on Parker last. He towers over the rest of them so our gazes can meet and linger. His face is bright, his eyes glowing, and the most handsome smile I’ve ever seen is framed by light stubble.

“Congratulations,” the dean says, pulling my attention from Parker. He shakes my hand and moves on to calling the next name.

Whistling, clapping, and yelling erupt as I finish my walk across the stage. It’s a miraculous feeling to finally take the steps. To be here.

I didn’t get to graduate with my high school class, so crossing the stage today, surrounded by my friends and family, gives me a sense of feeling whole. Of finally achieving something I’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

I let out a deep breath as I look back at Parker’s smile. He gives me a wink that sends my heart into a flurry, and I smile back.

We all have those moments when we stop and look back at our lives. When we think about all the things we’ve accomplished and the things that have lead us to where we are today. This is definitely one of mine.

I take my seat and watch the rest of the students cross the stage.

“I give you the graduates of Winona State University, Rochester,” the dean thunders, and I flinch.

The auditorium fills with a loud roar as we throw our caps high in the air. The rambunctious audience’s hoots and hollers bounce off the walls. I catch my cap in my hands, smiling at the thought of being a college graduate.

“Congratulations,” Parker says when I jump into his arms after the ceremony. He twirls me in a circle, my black gown flowing in the wind.

“Thank you.” When he sets me back on my feet, I’m instantly met with hugs and congratulations from the rest of my family.

“I’m so proud of you honey,” my mom sniffles. Her eyes are red and swollen with emotion.

“Thank you, Mom.”

“Come here, little girl.” My dad pulls me into a tight hug. “I love you.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’m so proud of the spitfire you are and the fact that you never let go of your dreams. I knew you could do it.” His voice cracks on his last words and tears sting my eyes.

“Dad, I love you. I couldn’t have done anything without your love and support. It gave me the strength to stand here today.”

He wipes a tear. “This is just the beginning for you, baby girl.”

I can’t imagine what this feels like for my parents. I love knowing that I’m giving my parents a memory they’ll never forget.

A memory I’ll never forget.

Genna invited us all back to her place for a celebratory dinner. I think it’s an excuse to get to use her new kitchen. Now that school’s out, it’s the only place she can be found.

I take a seat next to Shannon on the patio. We’re all huddled around the crackling fire that Jason started.

“How’s Wendy doing?” Shannon asks.

Just as I’m about to answer, Parker lets out a deep laugh. I take him in. He’s wearing dark jeans and a blue pin-striped dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His head is tipped backward, mouth open, and he’s holding his beer with both hands, the sweat on the bottle dripping onto the brick below. His laugh sends rumbles within my own chest.

He looks so sexy: laid back, comfortable, and happy.

Looking back at the girls, I smile. “She’s good. We’re waiting very anxiously.”

“That’s so exciting. And when are you moving into the house?”

“Next week.”

“I don’t know why more women don’t do what you’re doing,” Jean announces.

“What do you mean?” Shannon asks.

“If there are women willing to carry a baby for someone, why don’t more do that? I mean, come on. It’s the best pregnancy ever. You don’t gain any weight, you get to go about your life as usual, you don’t have to go through all the sickness that’s associated with pregnancy, and then bam, you bring home a baby.”

“Personally, I’d hate that. I feel like it’s a part of the female nature to carry a child. I can’t imagine giving up the chance to feel them grow inside of you, moving around, to connect with them and know you’re creating a life. I bet it’s an amazing feeling. I’d hate to not experience—” Shannon stops speaking suddenly, looking at me. She claps a hand over her mouth, eyes intent. “Dre, I’m so sorry. That was inconsiderate of me. I can’t believe myself. Shit.” Her voice is muffled, but I make out the words clearly.

“Don’t be; it’s okay.” I give her a reassuring smile. “I agree with you.” At seventeen I was forced into a life I didn’t want. A life no one wants. I’d love nothing more than to experience pregnancy, but I’ve had time to accept it, to become okay with not carrying my own child.