After the intense meeting at school, Eric, Emily, and Rachel made their way outside to find Katelyn and Lucas waiting under the shade of a large oak tree. The tension in the air had finally lifted, and now there was only relief in their eyes as they spotted their parents.

Eric was the first to speak, a small smile breaking across his face. "Kate, Lucas... everything is settled."

"Thanks, Dad," Lucas said, grateful for his father's unwavering support.

Katelyn rushed into her father’s arms, squeezing him tightly. "Thank you, Daddy, for helping us."

Emily shook her head, her voice full of exasperation. "That Lucy is pure evil."

Rachel, standing beside her, chuckled softly, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "It kind of reminds me of Eric and you when you were dating."

Emily’s eyes widened, and she playfully swatted Rachel’s arm. "Hush! I don’t wish to remember that."

Eric laughed, pulling his wife into a tight embrace. "Let’s not talk about that, Rach."

"Okay, okay," Rachel said, grinning. Her expression softened as she turned to Lucas and Katelyn. "Now that everything with Lucy is done, what about you two and your marriage?"

Lucas wrapped an arm around Katelyn’s waist. "Mom, Kate and I decided we’ll talk about marriage after we graduate."

Eric nodded approvingly. "That’s a good idea. Let them graduate first."

"Yes," Katelyn agreed, leaning into Lucas. "There’s no rush. We love each other, and we have time.”

———————————————————————————

Two months flew by in a blur of final exams, senior events, and excitement for what the future held. Before they knew it, the day of graduation had arrived, and Katelyn, Lucas, and their friends were busy taking photos in their caps and gowns.

Ryder, looking wistful, stood beside Zach as they watched their friends snap pictures. "I guess it’ll just be me and you next year," Ryder said with a sigh.

Zach grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "You won’t die without Sam for a year, bro."

Samantha, overhearing them, smiled warmly at Ryder. "I’ll still see you, you know. I’m only 30 minutes away at college. It’s not like I’m leaving the state."

Ryder gave her a sad smile. "I know, but it won’t be the same."

Katelyn sauntered over, teasing. "Aww, is my little cousin sad?"

Ryder groaned. "Come on, don’t tease me."

Katelyn laughed, giving him a playful nudge. "Alright, alright. I’ll leave you alone."

Zach stepped up, grinning at Katelyn. "Congrats, Katy Cat, on graduating."

Katelyn smiled and pulled both Ryder and Zach into a tight hug. "Thanks, you two goofballs. I’m going to miss you."

After their hug, Katelyn returned to Lucas’s side, where he slipped an arm around her shoulder. "Come on," Lucas said, his voice full of excitement. "Let’s go get our diplomas."

They all took their seats, waiting for the moment they would walk across the stage and officially become graduates. The ceremony passed in a whirlwind, and soon, they were back at Katelyn’s house, celebrating with family and friends.

As everyone gathered around the large dining table, filled with food and laughter, Eric suddenly cleared his throat loudly, silencing the room.

"Quiet, everyone," he began, smiling proudly as he stood. "I just want to say how proud I am of my Kate and my son-in-law, Lucas. I wish you both all the luck in the world at college and in the next chapter of your lives."

Katelyn’s eyes shimmered with tears as she smiled at her father. "Thanks, Daddy."

Lucas, seated beside her, nodded respectfully. "Thanks, Dad. I’ll continue to make you proud."

Across the table, Emily and Rachel exchanged knowing winks, sharing in the moment. Then, in a sudden burst of excitement, Emily stood up, clinking her glass. "Also," she announced, her voice carrying across the room, "I would like to officially announce the wedding date of my Kate and Lucas."

Katelyn’s eyes widened in shock as she spun around to face her mother. "Wedding date?" she echoed, her voice filled with surprise.

The room fell silent, all eyes on Emily as she grinned, the twinkle in her eye giving away the playful secret she had been holding.