Chapter 134 Graduation

(Alexander POV)

Where did I put that thing? I had opened all the drawers of my desk and had rummaged through the contents of each drawer. I know I had it here just a while ago. I patted myself down, double-checking my pockets. I shook my head and smiled, it was in my pocket all along.

"Kids, we don't want to be late for Mommy's graduation ceremony!" They were hiding from me again. These two always want to play hide and seek when they're here at the office.

"You have to find us first, Daddy!" Little Anya's voice echoed. I knew it.

"If Mommy gets mad, we won't be having any ice cream." I had to try and bribe them. I looked down at my watch. It was a good twenty minute drive from here to the university. If we don't leave now, we'll be late and Hope won't be happy.

"Mommy always gives us ice cream." I have to really tell Hope to put some limitations on the way she spoils these kids.

"Not this time. I'll give her a call right now and tell her we're going to miss her ceremony." I pull out my phone and pretend to dial.

"No, Daddy. Don't call Mommy. She won't read us a bedtime story later tonight," quipped Asher. Two little heads crawl out from their hiding spots. Ah, bedtime story. I'll use that next time.

Time really goes by so quickly. My little Anya had on her favorite pink dress with matching accessories while Asher had on a light blue polo shirt with khaki shorts and dark blue Crocs. They were complete opposites. Anya had light blonde hair while Asher got his coloring from me. And their eyes, golden eyes for Anya while Asher had one gold and one blue eye, a mixture of me and Hope. Although the looked differently, they always agreed with each other like two bestfriends.

I take Anya's hand with one hand and Asher's with the other and guide the twins to the carpark. Oliver was already waiting for us by the car. "Uncle Oliver!" The two bolted from my hold and ran towards Oliver who stooped down to give the kids each a warm hug.

"How are my two favorite munchkins?" Oliver asked while ruffling Asher's hair.

"Hungry. Do you have some peanut butter in the car?" They loved their peanut butter.

"I always have some. You know Uncle Oliver always has that in stock."

They both start jumping for joy. I shake my head and laugh. Kids. They remind us there are simple reasons to be happy.

I place the two in their car seats and make sure their seat belts were on properly. I get in the passenger seat in the front and tell Oliver it's time to go before Hope has a fit. Oliver nods his head and looks back at the twins who were happily licking their peanut butter.

It's been over 5 years since the day I almost lost Hope again. Hope decided to rest and take care of the kids before pursuing her life long dream to be a medical doctor. She also had to recover from her wounds. The Shadow had taken much from her and she didn't quite heal as fast as she had hoped.

When the twins were already walking on their own, Hope asked me if she could go back to school. It was a lengthy discussion. I didn't want her to go back to school. She had a degree, was rich than any of us put together and had twins to take care of. She argued that a part of her was missing. Something she had always dreamt of even when she thought herself to be a mere human. In the end, I relented and gave in to what she wanted. She was very happy. She said she was getting sick and tired of just donating. She wanted to put herself to good use and help save lives as a practitioner of medicine.

It was tough for her juggling being a mom and a medical student all at the same time. She had asked Arthur to come back to the business sector and head all the businesses she had. Arthur being the one who had spearheaded all of Hope's finances before, agreed, bringing in Maria and Leia with him to manage everything.

When she went into clerkship and started duty, she would come back home, tired, crawl into the twins' bedroom and sleep with them. She had told us, once she becomes an intern, she'll be practically staying at the hospital. Her mother told her to not worry. She'll be in charge of the twins. Mirasol said it makes her very happy having the children around. It makes her feel younger.

My phone pings and I take it out of my pocket to read the message fearing it was Hope. I checked and I was right, it was from Hope. The message read "WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?!"

"Mommy is already angry," I tell the twins.

"No she isn't. She just doesn't like to wait." Asher had a connection with Hope. He could feel what she was feeling and sometimes know what she was thinking. This was something I used to my advantage when we were apart. I would just ask Asher about mommy and he would give me a short report.

"Alpha, we're here. Tell the Luna to wait for you by the entrance," Oliver instructs.

"Mommy is already at the entrance Daddy. Hitting her hands with her phone." Hope was getting antsy.

I saw her, in her toga, craning her neck looking for our car. When she finally saw us, she started waving.

"There's Mommy now." Oliver parks the car and we both get out to help the twins get out of their car seats.

"I thought you guys were going to get here late." Hope picks up Asher.

"Mommy, I want a hat like yours." Asher starts playing with the tassel of her graduation cap as I hoist Anya up in my arms.

"Me too." Anya screams excitedly.

"You'll both get one when it is time for you to graduate school. This is a special hat. You have to earn it." Hope tries to explain and the twins' faces turn to frowns.

"You two...you can't always get what you want. Sometimes you have to earn it. Makes having something worthwhile." Hope explains to the twins. "Let's go Daddy. Oliver thank you!" Oliver nods his head at Hope and she turns and guides us into the convention center so we could be seated.

Our parents were already there as well as Arthur and Amelie. The twins squealed with joy seeing their grandparents. Anya went straight to Arthur who has a knack of spoiling the kids with money and gadgets, something Hope is against, but appreciates. Arthur, after all these years of trying to deny his bloodlines, is proud to call himself a firstborn Lupa knowing there was someone just like him, someone as special.

"Alexander, I have to go and get seated in the front with my fellow graduates. Make sure you guys clap the loudest," said Hope rubbing my arm. I gave her a kiss on the top of her head and she waved at everyone telling them she had to go and sit up front with the rest of the graduates.

It was a simple graduation. Of course there were speeches and a few award presentations, but we were only there for one thing and that's to see Hope receive her diploma. Finally, we heard her name.

"Hope Alarie Ulrich, Doctor of Medicine," the master of ceremonies announced and we all watched Hope walk up the stage.

There's Mommy now about to get her diploma. I want you all to clap the loudest for Mommy. One, two, three....clap!" The twins clapped and squealed, proud their mommy was on stage.

After the cap tossing which concludes the graduation, Hope returned to where we were seated asking all of us to have dinner together in order to celebrate.

"Let's all have dinner together. I made reservations at The Art Table. I think Leia and Maria are already there making use of the happy hour special while Derrick and Grace are on their way." She turned to me and the twins who were standing beside me. "Did you guys clap the loudest for Mommy awhile ago?" The twins jump up and down nodding their heads. Hope ruffled their hair, pleased they were in good spirits. "And you Daddy, did you clap the loudest for me?"

"Of course, my love. By the way, congratulations, Dr. Hope Ulrich." I took out a small velvet box from my pocket and kneeled on one knee and opened it. Inside was a small diamond ring. The people around us started hushing one another, anticipating my proposal. I looked up at Hope and gazed into her beautiful golden eyes. 

"I know it hasn't been easy for you to be a mother, my wife, my mate and a medical student. Your dream is our dream and we are very proud to see you achieve what you have always wanted. To be a doctor. Someone who can help the sick and the suffering."

"I know I am not perfect, but you make me feel perfect. I know I have my shortcomings, but you make me feel like I'm the best man in this world. You are my everything, Hope. You are the only one who completes me."

"After all we've been through, I do ask just one thing from you. All I ask is you outlive me so I don't have to live another day without you."

"My precious Hope, I would like us to get married again now that you are a doctor. You are now the person who you have truly aspired for. After all that hard work, let me make it up to you by giving you the wedding you deserve."

"Will you marry me again, Dr. Hope Ulrich?" Hope was crying. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. Everyone around us grew silent, waiting for her answer. She finally nodded her head and smiled, the tears in her eyes sparkling reflecting her happiness.

"Yes, Alexander! Yes! Yes!" I slip the ring on her finger and stand up to kiss her. Everyone started cheering except for the twins who said, "Ew gross! Daddy and Mommy are kissing again."

We both looked at the twins. "Hide your eyes. Mommy and Daddy are going to kiss again." Hope's beautiful laughter echoed as I took her into my arms and gave her a kiss no one will forget.

"I love you, Dr. Hope Ulrich."