In the end the models looked perfect and no one had any idea that we took it down to the wire. Dianna, Joshua, and I watched the show from a back stage monitor. The models worked it on the runway. Just like Joshua foretold, they looked fabulous.
As I watched the models strut down the runway, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them. The clothing looked even better than I ever imagined. I had a permanent smile on my face and the day would have been perfect if Will had been there with me.
We only had enough models for my original collection, but I couldn’t let my new design go ignored. Knowing that as the designer I’d be going down the runway, I wore the Eiffel Tower inspired cream colored dress. The last model wore my ocean blue chiffon gown and as she came back up the runway, I stepped out and walked with her as we led the rest of the models back out. The crowd applauded as my models lined up.
Looking out at the faceless crowd for a moment, I thought about how lucky I was that I didn’t fall on my face as I walked with the models. That was all I needed, to become fashion roadkill at my first show.
Before turning back, the model next to me bent down closer to my level and pointed into the crowd. I looked where she pointed and had to blink in disbelief. Will sat in the crowd next to Amanda Cunning and Tim Ross and the three of them rose to their feet as they clapped. Humbled, I lowered my head and curtsied, thanking them from afar. It was my dream come true.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Deborah
The sun beat down barely giving any escape even under the trees. Looking at the old brick campus buildings I had my classes in, I couldn’t believe I was back at graduation just a year later. Wearing the black cap and gown again, this time with a different sash over my shoulders, I sat on a white wooden folding chair just off the side of the stage.
Will sat beside me in a tan suit with a green print tie that matched the flecks in his hazel eyes. As he held my hand, I couldn’t help but admire my engagement ring. It didn’t matter how many months I had worn it, the way the light caught the circle of diamonds around the large deep blue sapphire always took my breath away.
Joshua Cane took the stage wearing a black cap and gown with the same sash I had over my shoulders. He winked in my direction as he approached the podium and smiled at the audience.
“At this time last year, I had the opportunity to meet today’s honoree, Deborah Hansen. I recognized her talent and practically begged her to work for me. She turned me down. Luckily for everyone else, she knew she was destined for better things.
“Deborah has a way of endearing herself to people. Its in her smile, her personality, and her drive. She chased her dream by taking a job at Hargrove’s and won the opportunity to show an original collection at Fashion Week in Paris. A feat many designers dream of but never reach.
“So you can imagine my surprise when Deborah called me, home early from Paris after an emergency, and asked if I would fly back to Paris with her. Deborah is the hardest, most creative person I have ever had the pleasure of working with. And its because of our mutual work ethic that a partnership was born.
“But I’m not here to talk about our success though. I’m here to talk about Deborah’s.
“In the past year, Deborah has had her first collection at Fashion Week, opened Hansen + Cane with her very handsome design partner, started her own line exclusively sold at Hargrove’s fine department stores, and has been so busy she’s been forced to turn down design requests from some of the hottest movie and music stars.
“As if that wasn’t enough, she was also instrumental in the creation of the Working Designer Grant for students like herself who have no choice but to juggle both work and school.
“To honor all of her hard work, I’m here to present Deborah with an honorary degree for her incredible devotion to the art of fashion design. Everyone please put your hands together for one of my dearest friends and business partners, Miss Deborah Hansen.” Joshua stepped back from the podium clapping.
Humbled and embarrassed I slowly rose from my seat while everyone clapped. I climbed the stage, not very different from last year when I got my diploma, but feeling so much more confident and happy.
My heart raced in my chest knowing I needed to say a few words. Hugging Joshua I took a deep breath before turning around and facing the large crowd of students, their families and friends, and the school administrators. I looked down at Will and smiled back at him, feeling better as I nervously spun my engagement ring around my finger.
“Thank you for this incredible honor. I can’t help but think the school ran out of people to give this to,” I said as the crowd laughed politely. After taking another deep breath I continued. “I want to dedicate this honorary degree to my grandmother. If it wasn’t for her endless support and patience, I would’ve never been able to achieve the things I’ve done.”