When the ceremony officially ended, Keeley headed to the designated meeting place Aaron had texted her about. She was surprised to find most of her friends there. Valentina was probably in the middle of a rotation, but Aiden, Cameron, and Jennica all waved as she approached.

"What are you guys doing here?" she asked, smiling brightly.

"I wasn't about to miss your graduation!" Jennica replied, hugging her. "Congratulations, Doctor!"

Keeley turned to Aiden questioningly. He shrugged. "Aaron said he'd pay for my dinner if I came, so here I am."

Cameron elbowed him, but Keeley laughed. That seemed like something he would do. It warmed her heart to see them all celebrating her accomplishment.

"I'm so proud of you, honeybun!" her dad said, hugging her tightly.

Keeley ignored the snickers at her dad's nickname; she was too happy to care. She had finally achieved something to make her father proud.

"For the record, I'm proud of you too," Aaron said, smiling from behind her dad.

After her dad released her, she practically threw herself at her husband, dangling from his neck as he spun her around.

She giggled. "Can you believe it, Aaron? I really did it! I got my PhD!"

He kissed her head. "I knew you would. You can do anything you set your mind to."

"Quit being lovey-dovey already so we can take pictures and eat!" Jennica exclaimed.

"You're just jealous your girlfriend is halfway across the world," Aaron said, glaring at Aiden.

Aiden reacted dramatically, clutching his heart. "Aaron, you wound me."

Cameron found it hilarious. Jennica merely shook her head, amused.

They took many pictures: Keeley alone, with her dad and Aaron, and group shots with her friends. They even found a bystander to take a picture of everyone.

Her favorite was the silly faces picture with her friends: Cameron and Jennica had matching grimaces; Aiden was sticking out his tongue with one eye closed; Keeley had squished her cheeks, looking like a fish; and Aaron looked on as if they were crazy.

Her heart swelled. She had such good friends. Never again would she tolerate being shamed or isolated; she would only surround herself with people she enjoyed.

"Who's ready for food?" she asked. "I really want steak."

"I've been ready this whole time," Aiden chuckled, hurrying toward the parking lot and urging everyone to follow.

"Where do you know him from?" her dad whispered. "He's a funny one."

"He was my neighbor, and he's also Aaron's friend."

It was interesting how their friend groups overlapped. Planning get-togethers was much easier now. She was glad their circles meshed so well.

Waiting for appetizers, they talked and laughed. Keeley couldn't remember the last time she felt so relaxed.

She sat between her father and husband in their booth. Robert contributed more to the conversation than Aaron, but he seemed happy to be there, even if his friends exasperated him a bit.

She felt a surge of affection for him. He'd arranged this because he knew how much she enjoyed being around people. He truly understood and supported her.

Keeley rubbed his leg under the table. He looked up in surprise, and she smiled brightly. Aaron gazed at her lovingly, then rested his arm on her shoulders.

Her heart stuttered. It wasn't the first time he'd looked at her like that, but it still surprised her.

"So, what are you going to do now that you're officially a geneticist?" Jennica asked, taking another roll.

"Nothing," she laughed. "I want to be there for the babies. Aaron offered to fund my research, so I'll go back to that once they're in preschool."

A low whistle went around the table. Everyone was impressed.

"Wow, way to be supportive." "Somebody sure loves you!"

She smiled softly. He really did. Being loved by Aaron was wonderful.

Graydon didn't want to spend his Saturday tailing Lacy Knighton to keep her away from Aaron's apartment building, but he wanted Aaron's trust, so there he was.

She had the dullest life. For three hours, she'd been shopping with other socialites. Didn't they have better things to do?

After shopping, they chose a restaurant. Lacy wanted Italian, so they ended up at a bistro near the shopping district.

He sighed in relief. It was nearly six, and Aaron only needed Lacy away until seven. They wouldn't finish eating until after then.

Today hadn't been a problem; he'd proven his reliability. But what about the future? Keeley couldn't stay inside forever.

Graydon didn't know how far along she was. She could be housebound for months. Even after the babies were born safelywhat then?

Lacy was obsessed—she wouldn't let them live in peace. It would be better for everyone if she were gone. Unfortunately, he hadn't figured out how to make her death look accidental yet.

It was the only way. Aaron could get rid of his father through his plan, but Lacy would always be a threat unless she was dead. Graydon couldn't let her ruin his happiness.

He'd seen how much Aaron loved his wife. After growing up under Alistair Hale's control, Aaron deserved happiness. That wouldn't be possible with Lacy around.

Removing her was the least he could do. Maybe then, Aaron would relax and let Graydon into his life.

The repeated "Search the NovelFire.net website" has been removed as it's not part of the story itself.