Keeley's worries lingered as Saturday arrived, but she was determined nothing would spoil her graduation day. She'd worked tirelessly for three years to earn her degree—a truly celebratory achievement!

She donned pink rose earrings that complemented her white and pink floral maternity dress, double-checking her hair and makeup in the mirror. She looked undeniably good, except for her shoes. The comfortable slip-ons, necessary for her swollen feet, clashed with her outfit. Pregnancy and high fashion weren't always compatible.

No one would notice her feet, she told herself. They were hideous, but oh well.

"You look beautiful," Aaron said warmly, smiling as she came downstairs.

He was simply but nicely dressed in slacks and the lilac dress shirt she'd once lent him. Graduations were formal, and he always dressed the part.

"Thanks. You look good yourself," she replied.

His smile widened. He took her hand, and they walked together to the elevator, descending to the basement parking garage.

Keeley needed to arrive early to sign in and meet fellow genetics department students. She was one of three PhD graduates, but many were receiving bachelor's degrees.

Aaron dropped her off, and she finally put on her cap, gown, and hood. The purple gown featured thick black velvet stripes on the sleeves and matching panels down the front. This felt increasingly real.

He told her he and Robert would meet her afterward and to keep her phone handy. Thankfully, her dress had pockets. He kissed her quickly before finding a seat.

"Who was that?" Greg Benitez, a fellow PhD graduate, asked. They'd shared classes but hadn't seen each other for semesters.

"My husband," she replied.

He noticed her pregnant belly beneath the gown. "I didn't know you were married, or pregnant! Congratulations!"

Given their time apart, he likely assumed a traditional progression: love, marriage, baby. She couldn't complain, though. Worrying about Lacy Knighton aside, her life was satisfying.

She smiled. "Thanks, Greg. What have you been up to?"

"Not nearly as much as you, I bet," he chuckled. "Finishing school and job hunting. I might move to Chicago for work."

They caught up until the graduates silently lined up alphabetically to match the program. They filed into the auditorium to await the ceremony.

Keeley walked purposefully to the music, alongside unfamiliar undergraduate students. Unfortunately, from her seat, she couldn't see the guests; the graduates faced the stage, unlike her high school graduation.

The speeches from the dean, department head, and a student graduating with honors seemed interminable. Her mind wandered.

She couldn't believe she'd made it. Receiving her diploma, she would officially become Dr. Keeley Hale. She'd dreamed of this moment for years, and its reality felt surreal.

Tears welled as she considered her hard work. It was a dream deferred in her first life, finally achieved. All those late nights studying, writing papers, and countless lab hours were worth it!

Her second chance wasn't wasted. She was on the verge of everything she'd ever wanted. Feeling emotional was understandable.

She felt overwhelmed by Aaron's support since he learned of her dream. She wouldn't have finished the last six months without him.

He'd been her rock, helping her balance work, school, and self-care, even funding her research to accelerate her progress. Having your dreams supported is wonderful.

He was wonderful, past grievances aside. Lately, she'd focused on the present and future.

She was grateful for him, extra stress included. How strange.

The genetics students' turn arrived, and they processed around the auditorium. It was orderly, despite the lack of a rehearsal.

"David Everett…Jacob Fields…Marissa Garcia…Ariana Gonzales…Keeley Hale…"

She vaguely heard her family cheering as her name was called. The department head handed her the diploma with a smile and handshake, as did the dean.

Back in her seat, she clutched the diploma. She did it. She actually did it!

The final paragraph about a website has been removed as it was irrelevant to the text and appeared to be an advertisement.