Page 70 of Babydaddy To Go
My stomach shivers. Waiting is the worst, and I’ve been waiting for hours. Nate is backstage somewhere preparing his graduation speech, so I’m left out here to deal with my nerves on my own.
The one relief is that Samantha isn’t here to make a scene. She failed the course and from what I’ve heard, has given up her so-called dream of being a chef. Oh well. Her rich father will probably set her up with a different job in his company. Or more likely, he’ll set her up with a rich guy who works for him. Either way, she’s not my problem anymore.
The air is heavy with excitement as my classmates and I wait to receive our diplomas. My peers are as restless as I am, so at least I’m not the only nervous one here.
The small NYACA courtyard is decorated with red and white, our school colors. The stage is barely a foot high, with a dark curtain set as a backdrop. Somewhere behind that curtain, Nathaniel is pacing. He’s almost as nervous as I am.
Leah, one of my new friends from class, sidles up beside me.
“You know, you’re a really good chef,” she whispers discreetly. “You might even be better than Nathaniel.”
I laugh.
“No one is better than Nathaniel, but thank you for the compliment. You’re incredible, too.”
And it’s true. Leah reallyisa great chef. She makes a chicken pot pie that I would trade my pinky for, filled with steaming chicken nuggets and topped with a golden, flaky crust. Mmmm.
“Are you really engaged to Nathaniel?” Leah asks, her eyes curious. I know why she’s asking. Our relationship was never exactly a secret, but we didn’t discuss it openly either. And you know how the cooking world is. Once our engagement was announced, the news traveled like wildfire and now everyone knows.
“It’s true!” I nod proudly, holding out my left hand to show off my ring. She whistles appreciatively.
“Damn girl, that is some rock!”
“I know, Nate has great taste. I’m a lucky woman. And by the way, we’re expecting too,” I whisper.
Leah’s eyes go wide.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes,” I say with a happy smile, my hand going down to rub over my tiny baby bump. “It’s a little early to tell just yet, but we’re going to be parents soon.”
Leah nods and whistles.
“Wow, that’s great news, Alyssa. Congrats on everything! You go girl!”
I nod and smile, and we continue to chat for a bit until the school’s president calls us to our seats. My skin sticks to the dark fabric of my graduation gown. I’m looking forward to taking it off when this is over.
But before I can make my way to the front, my grandparents find me and pull me into a congratulatory hug.
“We’re so proud of you!” Grams says, wiping a tear from her eye. I give her another, tighter hug. “Your mom would be proud, too. And your dad,” Grams adds.
“Thank you,” I say with a sniffle. “I love you both.”
“Take care not to get overheated,” Grams warns quickly before departing. “If you feel lightheaded, I have some water for you and the baby,” she says, pressing a water bottle into my hand.
I nod and smile, while my grandparents rush off to find a good spot to watch the ceremony. Then, I sit down beside Leah in the student section, and someone taps the mic and gets the ceremony going. We have to listen to a few speeches first, but it’s okay. I’m a little hot, but I’m excited to finally be an official NYACA graduate.
After what feels like an hour, the president announces Nate. My man is gorgeous as he bounds onto the stage. He stands behind the podium and lets his eyes wander the room before they land on me, and my fiancé winks. God, this man is so charismatic and my heart beats quickly. For ten minutes, I forget about the rest of the class, listening only to his words. He’s a magical speaker, and I’m enraptured by his words, and by his conviction. I believe every single thing he says.
“I now present the NYACA class of 2019!” he finishes. Everyone cheers, but the students are the loudest.
Nate calls our names one by one and hands us our diplomas. When my name is called, he shakes my hand then pulls me in for a quick kiss. There’s no point in hiding it. Everyone here already knows we’re together. Fortunately, the crowd cheers when our lips touch, causing us both to laugh.
After the ceremony, I stand to the side with my grandparents, holding my diploma in my hand. I did it! I’m a NYACA graduate! I have to keep touching the diploma to remind myself that it’s real.
Nate extricates himself from the NYACA staff to congratulate me. He hands me a bouquet of gorgeous flowers and kisses my cheek. Photographers come out to take our pictures.
“How does it feel to be a chef?” Nate asks quietly when we’re left alone.